18 May Salivary Biomarker May Lead To Spit Test For Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Yilmaz

Ali Yilmaz, PhD
Beaumont Research Institute
Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is progressive degree of impairment that is greater than might be attributed to normal age-related cognitive decline, but is not so severe as to merit a diagnosis of dementia. MCI is thought to be a transitional state between normal aging and AD sufferers phenotypically converting to AD at a rate of 10% per year. Currently there is no cure and few reliable diagnostic biomarkers for AD. As we live longer there is an ever increasing demand for valid and reliable biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease; not only because it will help clinicians recognize the disease in its earliest symptomatic stages but will also be important for developing novel treatment of AD. Using 1D H NMR metabolomics, we biochemically profiled saliva samples collected from healthy-controls (n = 12), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) sufferers (n = 8), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients (n = 9). We accurately identified significant concentration changes in 22 metabolites in the saliva of MCI and AD patients compared to controls.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: In this pilot study, we provided preliminary evidence that salivary metabolites may be useful for Alzheimer’s disease biomarker development.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Given the convenience and the frequency with which saliva can be obtained, larger studies are justified. Predictive accuracy of the statistical models can be further empowered including data obtained using other analytical platforms. We believe that using a combination of metabolomics and other “omics” techniques, such as proteomics, will provide a more holistic overview of Alzheimer’s disease pathology which is essential for developing reliable therapies for disease treatment.

No disclosures

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Citation:
Diagnostic Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease as Identified in Saliva using 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 58(2) on May 16.

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on May 23, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD