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CSF Abeta42, Tau and phosphorylated Tau, APOE epsilon4 allele and MCI type in progressive MCI
Sanna-Kaisa Herukka1, Seppo Helisalmi, Merja Hallikainen
1Department of Neuroscience and Neurology, Brain Research Unit, Clinical Research Center, Mediteknia, University of Kuopio, 70211 Kuopio, Finland. sanna-kaisa.herukka@uku.fi <sanna-kaisa.herukka@uku.fi>
Background:
The patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have an elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Especially the amnestic MCI is seen as prodrome of AD. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 allele, abnormal CSF Abeta42, Tau and phosphorylated Tau (phospho-Tau) levels are associated with elevated risk for AD.
Methods:
APOE genotyping was done by PCR based method and baseline CSF Abeta42, Tau and phospho-Tau were measured by ELISA from 60 controls and 79 MCI patients.
Results:
Thirty-three MCI patients developed dementia during an average of 3.5 years follow-up. CSF Abeta42 was decreased and Tau and phospho-Tau were increased in the progressive MCI patients. The APOE epsilon4 allele was more frequent in the progressive MCI patients. The APOE epsilon4 allele showed a dose dependent association o the Abeta42 levels in the progressive MCI patients and to all of the markers in controls.
Conclusions:
Decreased CSF Abeta42 and elevated Tau or phospho-Tau together with APOE epsilon4 allele are highly predictive for the dementia in MCI patients with amnestic or executive symptoms.
Insights
Predicting Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is possible. Biomarkers like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Abeta42, Tau, and the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 allele can identify patients at high risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
- Neurodegenerative diseases
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Amnestic MCI is a recognized prodromal stage of AD.
- Apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 allele and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of Abeta42, Tau, and phosphorylated Tau (phospho-Tau) are linked to increased AD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of APOE epsilon4 allele and CSF biomarkers for dementia progression in MCI patients.
- To determine the association between these factors and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- APOE genotyping was performed using a PCR-based method.
- Baseline CSF levels of Abeta42, Tau, and phospho-Tau were quantified via ELISA.
- Data were collected from 79 MCI patients and 60 controls.
Main Results:
- 33 MCI patients progressed to dementia within an average follow-up of 3.5 years.
- Progressive MCI patients showed decreased CSF Abeta42 and increased Tau/phospho-Tau levels.
- The APOE epsilon4 allele was more prevalent in progressive MCI patients and showed a dose-dependent association with Abeta42 levels.
Conclusions:
- Reduced CSF Abeta42 and elevated Tau or phospho-Tau, combined with the APOE epsilon4 allele, are strong predictors of dementia in MCI patients.
- These biomarkers are particularly useful for individuals with amnestic or executive symptoms.
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