Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
12:01
Detection of Disease-associated α-synuclein by Enhanced ELISA in the Brain of Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Human A53T Mutated α-synuclein
Published on: May 30, 2015
Plasma Total and Phosphorylated α-Synuclein as Biomarkers in Multiple System Atrophy: A Multicenter Study
Xinrong Yuan1, Linlin Wan1,2,3,4,5, Zhao Chen1,2,3,6
1Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
Current Neuropharmacology
|July 20, 2026
Summary
Plasma alpha-synuclein (α-syn) and phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (p-α-syn) show potential as biomarkers for diagnosing multiple system atrophy (MSA). These markers correlate with disease severity and progression, aiding in clinical monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomarker Discovery
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- The diagnostic utility and longitudinal changes of plasma alpha-synuclein (α-syn) and phosphorylated α-synuclein (p-α-syn) in multiple system atrophy (MSA) are not fully understood.
- Investigating these biomarkers is crucial for improving MSA diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of plasma α-syn and p-α-syn in distinguishing MSA from healthy controls (HCs) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
- To assess the correlation of these biomarkers with clinical features, particularly autonomic dysfunction.
- To examine the longitudinal changes of plasma α-syn and p-α-syn and their association with disease progression in MSA.
Main Methods:
- Quantified plasma α-syn and p-α-syn concentrations in a cross-sectional cohort (228 MSA, 71 PD, 218 HCs) and a longitudinal cohort (101 MSA).
- Included an independent validation cohort (51 MSA, 52 HCs).
- Analyzed biomarker levels, diagnostic accuracy (AUC), correlations with autonomic dysfunction, and longitudinal changes.
Main Results:
- Plasma α-syn and p-α-syn levels were significantly elevated in MSA patients compared to HCs (q<0.001), but not different from PD patients.
- Both biomarkers demonstrated excellent accuracy in differentiating MSA from HCs (AUCs: α-syn=0.932, p-α-syn=0.909), confirmed in the validation cohort.
- Elevated levels correlated with autonomic dysfunction severity. Longitudinally, p-α-syn increased significantly, and lower baseline α-syn predicted faster motor progression.
Conclusions:
- Plasma α-syn and p-α-syn show promise as supportive indicators for the clinical diagnosis of MSA.
- These biomarkers may aid in monitoring disease progression and offer insights into MSA pathophysiology.
- The dynamic changes and correlation with autonomic dysfunction highlight their potential clinical utility in MSA management.
