POTENTIAL NON-CLASSICAL BIOMARKERS IN THE CEREBROSPINAL FLUID OF SPORADIC ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Abstract

Sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of AD, yet its causes are currently unknown. Several studies have indicated that abnormal levels of electrolytes and transition metals may play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. It has been shown that altered homeostasis of brain copper, zinc, and particularly, iron, can generate oxidative stress, a process that has been linked to the pathogenesis of sporadic AD. We have obtained samples of cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from well-defined AD patients (n=8) and control patients (n=7). Atomic elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and Al) were measured by flame or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. SOD activity was measured spectrophotometrically. We have observed that, compared to controls, K and Fe levels were significantly increased in the CSF of AD individuals, while the concentration of Zn and Al were decreased. Further, we observed that total SOD activity was elevated CSF from AD individuals. We have demonstrated the existence of disturbances in the concentrations of K, Fe and Zn, total protein and SOD activity in AD subjects, compared to controls. Therefore ionic markers and their relationship with classical and oxidative stress biomarkers could provide new diagnostic tools for AD.