Plasma amyloid β levels in Alzheimer's disease and cognitively normal controls in Syrian population

Background: The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is believed to be occurred by the production of neurotic plaques of the beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and deposition of them. Therefore, biomarkers of abnormal Aβ processing may represent before the AD clinical biomarkers, which could be benefit for a successful disease management that may prevent the AD development. The aim of this study is to investigate of plasma Aβ40,42 levels in Alzheimer's patients in Syria and thus determine whether they may have a potential role as biomarker for identifying and predicting AD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the plasma levels of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 were investigated in two groups represent Syrian population, AD group; clinically diagnosed AD patients (n=50) and CN group; cognitively normal participants (n=33). This study first determined the reference interval of plasma Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 for cognitively normal Syrian. Results were analyzed using SPSS, 24, depending on independent-samples t test, considering that the value of p < 0.05 is statistically significant. Results: The results showed that the plasma levels of Aβ1-40 (p<0.001, OR=1.031, 95%CI: 1.012-1.051) and Aβ1-42 (p<0.001, OR=1.306, 95%CI: 1.145-1.490) were significantly higher in AD patients than in cognitively normal participants, and no significant association was shown between both of education and sex with plasma Aβ levels. Conclusion: The plasma levels of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 could be potential biomarkers for identifying and predicting AD.