Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease
Studies performed by Araclon Biotech, have made it possible to quantify the protein Aβ-17 in the blood for the first time. The results show that it is the second most common amyloid beta in the blood (after Aβ-40) and that its levels vary as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. Levels of this protein observed in the blood using Araclon’s patented “ABtest” kits on 64 individuals enabled Alzheimer’s patients to be distinguished from those who were not. In addition, together with the proteins Aβ-40 and Aβ-42, it was possible to identify those individuals with mild cognitive impairment who, over the course of time, might develop Alzheimer’s. The principal significance of these results, obtained from a study performed by Araclon, in collaboration with the Fundación ACE, at the facilities of the Biomedical Research Center of La Rioja (CIBIR-Fundación Rioja Salud) is that they represent a major advance in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Current clinical practice only permits detection when the disease is already at an advanced stage, when the patient’s neurodegenerative process has manifested itself, and potentially irreversible brain damage has occurred. The discovery was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC 2012) held in Vancouver (Canada) from 14 to 19 July.
Araclon Biotech has been a pioneer in measuring the total amount of amyloid beta in the blood, which is greater than that found in serum or plasma. This quantification has made it possible to correlate the blood levels of these proteins with the development of the disease. As a result, in addition to determining amyloid beta 40 and 42, Araclon has now included measurement of the protein Aβ-17.
