Can Salivary Acetylcholinesterase be a Diagnostic Biomarker for Alzheimer?

Journal Title: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research - Year 2017, Vol 11, Issue 1

Abstract

Introduction: The loss of brain cholinergic activity is a key phenomenon in the biochemistry of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Due to the specific biosynthesis of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of cholinergic neurons, the enzyme has been proposed as a potential biochemical marker of cholinergic activity. AChE is expressed not only in the Central Nervous System (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and muscles, but also on the surface of blood cells and saliva. Aim: This study aimed to measure salivary AChE activity in AD and to determine the feasibility of creating a simple laboratory test for diagnosing such patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the recorded data were obtained from 15 Alzheimer’s patients on memantine therapy and 15 healthy subjects. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from the participants and salivary levels of AChE activity were determined by using the Ellman colorimetric method. The Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the average (median) of AChE activity between AD and controls. In order to adjust for possible confounding factors, partial correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regressions were used. Results: Although the average of AChE activity in the saliva of people with AD was lower compared to the control group, we found no statistically significant differences using Mann Whitney U test (138 in control group vs. 175 in Alzheimer's patients, p value=0.25). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the activity of this enzyme in both sexes or with increased age or duration of the disease. After adjusting for age and gender, there was no association between AChE activity and AD (regression coefficient β=0.08; p value= 0.67). Conclusion: Saliva AChE activity was not significantly associated with AD. This study might help in introduce a new diagnostic aid for AD or monitor patients with AD.

Authors and Affiliations

Sedigheh Bakhtiari, Nahid Beladi Moghadam, Marjan Ehsani, Hamed Mortazavi, Siamak Sabour, Mahin Bakhshi

Keywords

Related Articles

Approach to a Pregnant Woman with Anti D + Anti C Reactivity Pattern: A Diagnostic Conundrum

The Rhesus G antigen is present on all RBCs that are C+ and also on most D+ RBCs. Due to this co-distribution of G with either C or D antigen, it mimics a reactivity pattern of anti C + anti D on Indirect Antiglobulin Te...

Prediction of Neurological Outcome in High Risk Neonates: Prospective Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: High risk babies are vulnerable to neurological brain injury. Early identification of injury will help in initiating strategies to reduce the neurological damage and hence prevent long term sequeal...

Rotational Malalignment after Intramedullary Fixation of Trochanteric Fractures

ABSTRACT Introduction: Rotational malalignment after intramedullary fixation of fractures of the shaft of femur and tibia has been assessed by many studies but less frequently after intramedullary fixation of intertrocha...

A Comparison of 2-Methoxyestradiol Value in Women with Severe Preeclampsia Versus Normotensive Pregnancy

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria. Endothelial dysfunction is a major theory suggested as its aetiology. It is caused by anti-angiogenic condition...

Effect of Two-month Problem-Based Learning Course on Self-directed and Conceptual Learning among Second Year Students in an Indian Medical College

ABSTRACT Introduction: A medical graduate is expected to fulfil the roles of a clinician, communicator, life-long learner, professional, leader and researcher. A Problem-Based Learning (PBL) course was introduced to enha...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP328942
  • DOI 10.7860/JCDR/2017/21715.9192
  • Views 164
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Sedigheh Bakhtiari, Nahid Beladi Moghadam, Marjan Ehsani, Hamed Mortazavi, Siamak Sabour, Mahin Bakhshi (2017). Can Salivary Acetylcholinesterase be a Diagnostic Biomarker for Alzheimer?. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 11(1), 58-60. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-328942