Use of CSF α-synuclein in the differential diagnosis between Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Results of these meta-analysis suggest that quantification of CSF α-synuclein could help distinguish AD from other neurodegenerative disorders such as DLB, PD, or MSA.

Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases—From pathophysiology to clinical practice

“…With the exception of an earlier report, the majority of studies have found an increase of CSF total α‐syn in AD patients when compared with controls and to patients with other neurodegenerative disorders . In a recent meta‐analysis, it was found that there is a significant increase of CSF total α‐syn levels in AD patients when compared with PD patients and atypical parkinsonisms, but not with respect to controls …”

“…46,71,72 In a recent meta-analysis, it was found that there is a significant increase of CSF total a-syn levels in AD patients when compared with PD patients and atypical parkinsonisms, but not with respect to controls. 73 Also, a positive correlation between CSF total a-syn levels and the severity of cognitive impairment as measured by MMSE has been reported in one study, 74 but not confirmed in a subsequent investigation. 45 A positive correlation between CSF a-syn and tau levels has been repeatedly found.…”

The value of cerebrospinal fluid α‐synuclein and the tau/α‐synuclein ratio for diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders with Lewy pathology

“… who proposed a lower secretion into CSF due to synaptic loss in AD. Many studies, however, have reported t‐α‐syn levels in AD being about equal to or slightly higher compared to NCs . This discrepancy might be caused by differences between the respective AD cohorts.…”

Association of cerebrospinal fluid α‐synuclein with total and phospho‐tau181 protein concentrations and brain amyloid load in cognitively normal subjective memory complainers stratified by Alzheimer's disease biomarkers

“…Moreover, the cellular localization and function of α-syn suggest a potential role as surrogate biomarker of synaptic loss also in non-synucleophatic neurodegenerative diseases (ND), such as AD. However, in spite of numerous research efforts, a general consensus on the relevance of this biomarker candidate in the diagnostic/prognostic workflow of ND is still under debate (Slaets et al, 2014;Wang et al, 2015).…”

“…Several studies reported higher CSF α-syn concentrations in AD patients versus both individuals suffering from other ND and HC. However, these results are conflicting, probably due to substantial inter-site methodological differences (Hansson et al, 2014;Mattsson et al, 2013;Slaets et al, 2014;Wang et al, 2015). These include different pre-intra-analytical procedures, performed for CSF α-syn assessment, and different recruitment criteria.…”