Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of the Cerebrovasculature: Relevance to CNS Diseases
Published on: December 6, 2016
Associations of Growth-Associated Protein 43 with Cerebral Microbleeds: A Longitudinal Study
1Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Background:
Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) play an important role in neurodegenerative pathology.
Objective:
The present study aims to test whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) level is linked to CMBs in elderly people.
Methods:
A total of 750 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) who had measurements of GAP-43 and CMBs were included in the study. According to the presence and extent of CMBs, participants were stratified into different groups. Regression analyses were used to assess cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between GAP-43 and CMBs.
Results:
Participants with CMB were slightly older and had higher concentrations of CSF GAP43. In multivariable adjusted analyses for age, gender, APOEɛ4 status, and cognitive diagnoses, higher CSF GAP-43 concentrations were modestly associated with CMB presence (OR = 1.169, 95% CI = 1.001-1.365) and number (β= 0.020, SE = 0.009, p = 0.027). Similarly, higher CSF GAP43 concentrations were accrual of CMB lesions, associated with higher CMB progression (OR = 1.231, 95% CI = 1.044-1.448) and number (β= 0.017, SE = 0.005, p = 0.001) in the follow up scan. In stratified analyses, slightly stronger associations were noted in male participants, those 65 years and older, carriers of APOEɛ4 alleles, and with more advanced cognitive disorders.
Conclusions:
CSF GAP-43 was cross-sectionally associated with the presence and extent of CMBs. GAP-43 might be used as a biomarker to track the dynamic changes of CMBs in elderly persons.
Insights
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) levels are linked to cerebral microbleeds (CMB) in older adults. Higher GAP-43 may indicate the presence and progression of CMBs, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomarker Discovery
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Understanding biomarkers for CMBs is crucial for managing cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) levels and CMBs in elderly individuals.
- To determine if CSF GAP-43 can serve as a biomarker for CMB presence and progression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 750 participants in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).
- Assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between CSF GAP-43 levels and CMBs using regression analyses.
- Stratified analyses based on CMB presence, extent, and demographic/genetic factors.
Main Results:
- Higher CSF GAP-43 concentrations were associated with the presence (OR=1.169) and number of CMBs.
- Elevated CSF GAP-43 levels correlated with increased CMB progression over time (OR=1.231).
- Associations were more pronounced in males, individuals aged 65+, APOEɛ4 carriers, and those with cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- CSF GAP-43 shows a significant cross-sectional association with CMB presence and extent.
- GAP-43 may serve as a valuable biomarker for monitoring dynamic changes in CMBs in the elderly population.
