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Detection of Neuritic Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model
Published on: July 26, 2011
Oxidized proteins in Alzheimer's plasma.
C C Conrad1, P L Marshall, J M Talent
1Molecular Aging Unit, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|August 31, 2000
Summary
Oxidatively modified proteins are elevated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and their relatives, suggesting their potential use as biomarkers for early AD detection and evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for AD diagnosis and monitoring is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of oxidatively modified proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and their relatives.
- To explore the potential of these modified proteins as biomarkers for AD detection.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from AD patients, non-AD controls, and AD relatives.
- Protein carbonyls were measured using 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine (DNPH) derivatization.
- Total oxidized proteins were quantified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
- Specific protein oxidation was assessed using Western blotting with anti-DNP antibodies.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated levels of total oxidized proteins were found in both AD subjects and AD relatives compared to non-AD controls (P < 0.05).
- A unique 78-kDa protein band showed increased oxidation specifically in the plasma of AD subjects.
- This specific oxidized protein from AD subjects exhibited higher susceptibility to in vitro oxidation.
Conclusions:
- Oxidatively modified proteins, particularly the 78-kDa band, may serve as valuable biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
- These findings suggest a potential role for oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis and progression.
- Further research into these oxidized proteins could aid in developing diagnostic and evaluative tools for AD.
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