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Platelet APP isoform ratios correlate with declining cognition in AD
F Baskin1, R N Rosenberg, L Iyer
1Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9036, USA. Fbaski@mednet.swmed.edu
Neurology
|May 24, 2000
Summary
Reduced ratios of platelet amyloid precursor proteins (APPs) are specific to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and correlate with cognitive decline. This finding suggests APP ratios may serve as a biomarker for AD progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Platelets and neurons share carboxyl-truncated amyloid precursor proteins (APPs).
- Previous studies indicated reduced APP ratios in Alzheimer's disease (AD) platelets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the specificity of reduced platelet APP ratios for AD.
- To assess if cognitive decline in AD correlates with reduced platelet APP ratios over 3 years.
Main Methods:
- Quantified APP ratios in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) to test AD specificity.
- Re-evaluated platelet APPs and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in AD patients and controls after 3 years.
- Utilized Western blotting with m22C11 antibody for APP ratio determination.
Main Results:
- APP ratios were normal in PD and HS patients, supporting AD specificity.
- AD patients showed significant declines in MMSE scores (16.4 to 8.3) and APP ratios (5.8 to 3.6) over 3 years.
- A significant correlation (r=0.69) was found between cognitive decline and reduced APP ratios in AD.
Conclusions:
- Reduced platelet APP ratios are a specific biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.
- Platelet APP ratios serve as a biological index for the severity of cognitive loss in AD.