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Non-Ceruloplasmin Copper as a Stratification Biomarker of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients: How to Measure and Use It

[ Vol. 18 , Issue. 7 ]

Author(s):

Rosanna Squitti*, Mariacarla Ventriglia, Alberto Granzotto, Stefano L. Sensi and Mauro Ciro A. Rongioletti   Pages 533 - 545 ( 13 )

Abstract:


Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a type of dementia very common in the elderly. A growing body of recent evidence has linked AD pathogenesis to Copper (Cu) dysmetabolism in the body. In fact, a subset of patients affected either by AD or by its prodromal form known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) have been observed to be unable to maintain a proper balance of Cu metabolism and distribution and are characterized by the presence in their serum of increased levels of Cu not bound to ceruloplasmin (non-ceruloplasmin Cu). Since serum non-ceruloplasmin Cu is a biomarker of Wilson's Disease (WD), a well-known condition of Cu-driven toxicosis, in this review, we propose that in close analogy with WD, the assessment of non-ceruloplasmin Cu levels can be exploited as a cost-effective stratification and susceptibility/risk biomarker for the identification of some AD/MCI individuals. The approach can also be used as an eligibility criterion for clinical trials aiming at investigating Cu-related interventions against AD/MCI.

Keywords:

Alzheimer's disease, copper, non-ceruloplasmin copper, ceruloplasmin, zinc, biomarker, stratification, risk/susceptibility.

Affiliation:

Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Fatebenefratelli Foundation for Health Research and Education, AFaR Division, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina, Rome, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research and Development Division, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina, Rome



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