Blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration in an indigenous African cohort using both Simoa and NULISA platforms
Abstract
Background: In low- and middle-income countries, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) constitute a growing public health burden. Indeed, the lack of awareness and easy screening tools, such as blood-based biomarkers, leaves many patients undiagnosed. In this study, we explored the core biomarkers of AD in an indigenous African cohort (VALIANT) to assess their relevance and potential utility to aid clinical diagnosis. Methods: Nigerian African older adults (n = 967; ≥50 years) participating in the VALIANT study completed a baseline cross-sectional evaluation with associated clinical diagnosis. We quantified phosphorylated tau (p-tau 217), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light (NfL), and amyloid beta (Aβ42 and Aβ40) levels in plasma with both the Single Molecule Assay (SIMOA, Quanterix) and Nucleic acid-Linked Immuno-Sandwich Assay (NULISA, Alamar) platforms. Results: < 0.05). These results were consistent across both SIMOA and NULISA platforms. Comparison between sexes showed higher levels of biomarkers in male participants across diagnostic groups. We identified a significant effect of apoE E4 proteotype on p-tau217 levels after adjusting for age and sex but no significant effect on the other AD biomarkers. Conclusion: This first application of cutting-edge plasma AD biomarker immunoassay using two ultrasensitive platforms in an indigenous African cohort showed good concordance and underscores the relevance and utility of blood-based biomarkers of AD in diverse populations. Additionally, sex differences could unveil biological distinctions inherent in the African population.
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Authors: Tolulope O Akinyemi, Ilaria Pola, Kübra Tan, Oladotun Olalusi, Joseph Yaria, Gabriel Ogunde, Wiebke Traichel, Nesrine Rahmouni, Olabode Oguntiloye, Ayotomiwa Fagbemi, Eniola Cadmus, Femi Popoola, Joseph Therriault, Mayowa Ogunronbi, Dorcas Olujobi, O. O. Famuyiwa, Joshua Akinyemi, Tharick A. Pascoal, Mayowa Owolabi, Pedro Rosa‐Neto, Chinedu T. Udeh – Momoh, Olusola Ladokun, Román Romero‐Ortuño, Adesola Ogunniyi, Brian Lawlor, Rajesh Kalaria
Institutions: University of Pittsburgh, McGill University Health Centre, University College London, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Ibadan, University of Gothenburg, McGill University, Wake Forest University, UK Dementia Research Institute, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Lead City University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Hospital, Ibadan, University Hospital of the West Indies, University College Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals - Campus for Ageing and Vitality