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Cerebrospinal fluid cathepsin B and S.
Elin Nilsson1, Constantin Bodolea, Torsten Gordh
1Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
Summary
Cathepsin B and S levels in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increase with age. These enzymes also correlate with cystatin C, suggesting a link in aging brains.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cathepsins, a group of proteases, are implicated in brain aging in animal models.
- Understanding cathepsin B and S in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is crucial for aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and concentrations of cathepsin B and S in human CSF.
- To explore associations between CSF cathepsin B and S levels, age, sex, and cystatin C.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure cathepsin B and S concentrations in CSF samples from 118 individuals.
- Statistical analyses were performed to determine correlations with age, sex, and cystatin C.
Main Results:
- Both cathepsin B and cathepsin S showed a significant positive correlation with age in human CSF.
- CSF cathepsin B and S levels were also positively correlated with cystatin C concentrations.
- No significant correlation was found between cathepsin levels and anthropometric measures (length, height, BMI).
- Reference intervals for CSF cathepsin B and S were established.
Conclusions:
- Age is a significant factor influencing cathepsin B and S levels in human CSF.
- The positive correlation with cystatin C suggests a potential functional relationship in the CSF.
- Findings provide normative data and highlight age-related changes in these enzymes within the human central nervous system.
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