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Published on: March 7, 2019
CSF Aβ1-42, but not p-Tau181, differentiates aMCI from SCI.
Liara Rizzi1, Marcelle Maria Portal1, Carlos Eduardo Alves Batista1
1Division of Geriatric Neurology, Service of Neurology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos Street 2.350, 90035-903 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42) levels are significantly lower in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Lower Aβ1-42 levels increase the likelihood of an aMCI diagnosis, aiding in early detection for Alzheimer's disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomarker Research
- Cognitive Impairment Studies
Background:
- Individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) face a heightened risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Distinguishing aMCI from subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) is crucial for timely intervention and disease management.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers offer potential for early and accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare CSF levels of amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42) and phosphorylated tau 181 (p-Tau181) between individuals with aMCI and SCI.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers in identifying aMCI.
- To determine the odds ratio associated with specific biomarker levels for aMCI diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- CSF samples were collected from individuals diagnosed with aMCI (n=33) and SCI (n=12) at a memory clinic in Southern Brazil.
- Aβ1-42 and p-Tau181 levels were quantified using immunoenzymatic assays.
- Participants underwent neuropsychological testing, including the verbal memory test subscore of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (VM-CERAD).
Main Results:
- CSF Aβ1-42 levels were significantly lower in the aMCI group compared to the SCI group (p=.007).
- The p-Tau181/Aβ1-42 ratio was significantly higher in individuals with aMCI (p=.014), while isolated p-Tau181 levels did not show a significant association (p=.166).
- Aβ1-42 levels below 823 pg/mL were associated with a 6.0-fold increased likelihood of aMCI diagnosis (68.9% accuracy), and a p-Tau181/Aβ1-42 ratio above 0.071 indicated a 4.6-fold increased odds (64.5% accuracy).
Conclusions:
- CSF Aβ1-42 levels are significantly associated with aMCI, serving as a potential diagnostic biomarker.
- The p-Tau181/Aβ1-42 ratio also shows diagnostic utility for aMCI, although Aβ1-42 alone demonstrated stronger predictive value.
- These findings highlight the importance of CSF Aβ1-42 in the early detection and diagnosis of aMCI, aiding in the assessment of Alzheimer's disease risk.
