Potential clinical utility of multiple system atrophy biomarkers.

Potential clinical utility of multiple system atrophy biomarkers.
Expert Rev Neurother. 2017 Oct 12;:
Authors: Jellinger KA
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Multiple system atrophy (MSA), an adult-onset, fatal disorder of uncertain aetiology, characterized by parkinsonism, cerebellar, autonomic and motor dysfunctions, is an α-synucleinopathy with glioneuronal degeneration involving multiple parts of the nervous system. The clinical variants correlate with the morphological phenotypes of striatonigral degeneration (MSA-P), olivoponto-cerebellar atrophy (MSA-C), and mixed type MSA. Neuropathological hallmark is the deposition of aberrant α-synuclein in glia and neurons forming cytoplasmic inclusions that cause cell dysfunction/demise. Areas covered: While our knowledge of the pathogenesis of this proteinopathy is still incomplete, updated consensus criteria and combined biomarkers have increased diagnostic accuracy. Multimodal imaging of structural and functional brain changes gives insight into the pathophysiology and may evaluate disease progression. Currently, the most useful CSF biomarkers are a combination of light chain neurofilament (elevated in MSA), catecholaminergic metabolites, and proteins (α-synuclein, DJ-1, tau). Several blood substances (neurofilament light chain, microRNAs) are non-invasive biomarkers. Expert commentary: Recent studies suggest that the combination of neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers may be more successful than using single marker...

Source: Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics - October 13, 2017 Category: Neurology Tags: Expert Rev Neurother Source Type: research