Title:Molecular Biomarkers for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
VOLUME: 8 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Chi-Shin Hwang, Chia-Hung Hsieh, Guan-Ting Liu, Si-Yi Chen, Johnannes Scheng-Ming Tschen and Hao-Teng Chang
Affiliation:Graduate Institute of Molecular Systems Biomedicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Keywords:Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, biomarker, pathogenesis and autoantibody, oxidative stress, synaptic excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, glutamate and D-serine, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, heat shock proteins
Abstract:Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complicated and devastating neurodegenerative disease. To date, its
diagnosis is still mainly based on clinical symptoms and electromyographic findings. High rates of misdiagnosis and
delayed diagnosis are the major hurdles in ALS treatment. Thus, searching for biomarkers to improve clinical diagnosis of
ALS is a highly desirable goal. Here we review current potential biomarkers derived from the various pathogenic
mechanisms of ALS, including those involved in oxidative stress, synaptic excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation and the
autoimmune response. Oxidative stress results from genetic mutation or an increase in protein aggregation, synaptic
excitotoxicity arising from elevated levels of glutamate and D-serine, and the neuroinflammation occurring from elevated
levels of inflammatory molecules and cytokine receptors. Some of these biomarkers could be used for monitoring the
disease progression and to assess effectiveness of treatment for ALS. We conclude that neuroinflammation plays a crucial
role in ALS, which may lead to a better understanding of this devastating disease and ultimately to a cure. In addition, the
identification of new biomarkers would undoubtedly provide critical insights into the pathogenesis of ALS.
