A Blood Based Mitochondrial Functional Index Biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is complex and involves mitochondrial dysfunction. There are emerging therapies targeting mitochondrial function in clinical trials for AD. This highlights the need for biomarkers that measure mitochondrial function.

We determined the utility of a novel blood based mitochondrial biomarker, the mitochondrial functional index (MFI) in the context of AD.

In vitro and in vivo models of AD had a reduced MFI. MFI was lower in human AD subjects and APOE4 carriers. ROC analysis for individual biomarkers was completed and MFI had a higher area under the curve than other plasma biomarkers. The MFI biomarker correlated with the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) and the clinical dementia rating scale (CDR).

This study highlights the potential utility of MFI as a functional blood based mitochondrial biomarker to interrogate energy metabolism. Ongoing studies are examining the relationship of MFI with brain energy metabolism outcomes.