Antibodies to Key Neurology Markers to Aid Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes of mental deterioration in the elderly and it is estimated that there are currently 18 million cases worldwide with the condition and is projected to double by 2025. The second most common neurodegenerative disease is Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosis of these neurodegenerative diseases is normally carried out on a clinical basis, antibody-based tests can help diagnosis.
There are only a limited number of diagnostic tests available as immunoassay kits for testing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The discovery of serum or urine biomarkers for these diseases is more preferable, due to the ease of collecting blood or urine, in comparison to CSF.
Antibodies to Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers
Two biochemical markers are used as aids for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), total tau and amyloid beta-42. In AD, total tau is increased and amyloid beta-42 is decreased. These two markers, either alone or in combination, are quite useful but by no means 100% sensitive or specific for AD. More recently, another biomarker, neuronal thread protein and its derivatives, appears to be increased in CSF and urine of patients with AD but its sensitivity and specficity are not perfect either. For these reasons, there is a need for developing new biomarkers for serum and CSF analysis, for diagnosis and monitoring of AD.
Antibodies to Parkinson’s disease biomarkers
Over 4 million people worldwide suffer from Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is believed to be caused by a loss of dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons, leading to a lack of dopamine signalling. This results in the following symptoms: a progressive tremor, rigidity and slow movement.(1)
The trigger of dopamniergic neuronal loss is an area of much research. Many theories involve the α-synuclein gene, located on chromosome 4, as mutations in this gene have been seen to lead to Parkinson’s disease symptoms. (2)
α -synuclein is also associated with Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. It is the primary structural component of Lewy’s bodies, which are intracellular inclusions in neurons causing damage and disruption to neuronal signaling.(3)
Currently there is no simple diagnostic test for Parkinson’s disease, but researchers are attempting to determine biomarkers which may result in one being developed α-synuclein is a possible biomarker, but other proteins including Parkin and Dopamine active transporters (DAT), may also be valuable. Although all of these proteins are involved in Parkinson’s disease their use in diagnosing the condition is still under question.
Reference:
Schapia, A.H.V (1999)BMJ 318:311-314
Cookson, M. R (2004) PLoS Biology 2(11):1717-1720
Mitchell, A. W. et al (2004) Brain 127(8):1693- 1705
All these antibodies to key neurology markers are available in bulk quantities, and because they are supported by unrivalled technical support and our ISO quality system they are ideal for diagnostic kit development.
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