LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Blood-Based Biomarkers Validated for Mild Cognitive Impairment

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Jan 2014
Image: TaqMan Reverse Transcription Kit for microRNA (Photo courtesy of Life technologies).
Image: TaqMan Reverse Transcription Kit for microRNA (Photo courtesy of Life technologies).
A minimally invasive test is essential for the early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases for both drug development and planning of patient care.

Plasma micro ribonucleic acid biomarkers have been used for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which is a condition characteristic of early stages of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists from the molecular diagnostic company DiamiR, LLC, (Princeton, NJ, USA) working with colleagues from the Roskamp Institute (Sarasota, FL, USA) obtained plasma samples from 50 MCI patients and 50 age matched controls (AMC). The miRNA isolation and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis were performed by Asuragen Inc. (Austin, TX, USA). Single target qRT-PCR was performed using the TaqMan Reverse Transcription Kit and miRNA specific stem-loop primers (Applied Biosystems; Foster City, CA, USA).

The investigators reported that two families of microRNA biomarkers, miR-132 and miR-134 families, detect MCI with the overall accuracy of 96% and 87% respectively, when plasma samples of MCI patients are compared to plasma samples of age/gender matched control subjects. The two families of biomarkers were identified among neurite/synapse enriched microRNAs and paired with brain-enriched microRNA normalizers using proprietary algorithms and software developed at DiamiR. The biomarkers are believed to reflect pathological processes underlying synaptic dysfunction and destruction characteristic of an early, preclinical stage of dementia development.

Samuil R. Umansky MD, PhD, DSc, president and chief scientific officer of DiamiR, said, “The results of this study are highly encouraging for the development of a test for early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment, a condition affecting millions of Americans. The reported data validates DiamiR's innovative approach of using organ-enriched microRNAs for early detection of a pathology, when therapeutic interventions as well as life style changes are much more likely to have a meaningful positive impact.” The study was published on December 22, 2013, in the journal Aging.

Related Links:
DiamiR LLC
Roskamp Institute
Applied Biosystems

Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
POC Helicobacter Pylori Test Kit
Hepy Urease Test
Pipette
Accumax Smart Series
Sample Transportation System
Tempus1800 Necto

Channels

Immunology

view channel
Image: Circulating tumor cells isolated from blood samples could help guide immunotherapy decisions (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Identifies Lung Cancer Patients Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy Drug

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options, and even newly approved immunotherapies do not benefit all patients. While immunotherapy can extend survival for some,... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: New evidence suggests that imbalances in the gut microbiome may contribute to the onset and progression of MCI and Alzheimer’s disease (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Comprehensive Review Identifies Gut Microbiome Signatures Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6.7 million people in the United States and nearly 50 million worldwide, yet early cognitive decline remains difficult to characterize. Increasing evidence suggests... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Vitestro has shared a detailed visual explanation of its Autonomous Robotic Phlebotomy Device (photo courtesy of Vitestro)

Robotic Technology Unveiled for Automated Diagnostic Blood Draws

Routine diagnostic blood collection is a high‑volume task that can strain staffing and introduce human‑dependent variability, with downstream implications for sample quality and patient experience.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: Roche’s cobas® Mass Spec solution enables fully automated mass spectrometry in routine clinical laboratories (Photo courtesy of Roche)

New Collaboration Brings Automated Mass Spectrometry to Routine Laboratory Testing

Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that identifies and quantifies molecules based on their mass and electrical charge. Its high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy make it indispensable... Read more