Beta-Amyloid Precursor Protein in ALS
Author Information
Author(s): Steinacker Petra, Fang Lubin, Kuhle Jens, Petzold Axel, Tumani Hayrettin, Ludolph Albert C., Otto Markus, Brettschneider Johannes
Primary Institution: Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
Hypothesis
The study aimed to test whether soluble fragments of beta-amyloid precursor protein (sAPPα and sAPPß) correlated with clinical subtypes of ALS and were of prognostic value.
Conclusion
The study provides new cerebrospinal fluid candidate markers associated with disease progression in ALS, suggesting that a deficiency of neuroprotective mechanisms is linked to progressive neuro-axonal damage.
Supporting Evidence
- CSF sAPPα and sAPPß levels were lower in ALS with a rapidly-progressive disease course.
- CSF NfHSMI35 was elevated in ALS compared to PD and controls.
- High CSF NfHSMI35 was linked to low CSF sAPPα and sAPPß.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain proteins in the brain fluid relate to the speed of disease in ALS, finding that lower levels of these proteins might mean faster disease progression.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study measuring cerebrospinal fluid levels of sAPPα, sAPPß, and neurofilaments in ALS patients, Parkinson's disease patients, and controls.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small sample size and the cut-offs determined need validation in larger cohorts.
Participant Demographics
68 patients with ALS (30 females, 38 males), 20 with Parkinson's disease, and 40 age-matched controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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