MUB scientists investigated the role of inflammatory mediators such as matrix metalloproteinases, their tissue inhibitors and YKL-40 in the diagnosis of patients with dementing disorders. The promising preliminary results encourage MUB’s researchers to carry on further studies; hence, the goal of future PhD work will be the assessment of concentrations of selected proinflammatory biomarkers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD and cognitively normal subjects. PhD students will use the ELISA method (Eti-Max analyzers, DiaSorin) and multiplexing techniques (Luminex 200 / MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 analysers) to assess the concentration of particular proteins. Students will compare concentrations of tested substances with classic NDD biomarkers (Aβ-42, Aβ-40, Tau, pTau181). New biochemical markers may be helpful in early recognition of an ongoing neuropathological process. Novel biomarkers could be valuable for improving early disease diagnosis, characterizing prognostic factors and potentially capable of predicting progression of dementing disorders.
MUB Expert: professor Barbara Mroczko