Platelet Amyloid-β Protein Precursor (AβPP) Ratio and Phosphorylated Tau as Promising Indicators for Early Alzheimer’s Disease

To identify whether platelet amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) ratio, phosphorylated-tau (P-tau) 231, P-tau181, and serine 396 and 404 (Ser396/404) phosphorylated tau are potential peripheral indicators for early Alzheimer's disease (AD). Forty-three amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients and 45 normal controls were recruited. Peripheral venous blood was drawn and platelets were collected and evaluated for potential indicators by Western blot analysis. Subsequent meta-analysis was completed on these selected indicators. In platelets of aMCI patients, the AbetaPP ratio level was significantly lower and levels of P-tau231 and Ser396/404 phosphorylated tau were significantly higher. Moreover, in aMCI patients, a negative correlation was observed between platelet P-tau231 level and the Trail Making Tests A score, and it was found that higher platelet P-tau231 levels significantly associated with a worse performance of information processing speed. Furthermore, values of the area under the curve of platelet P-tau231 and Ser396/404 phosphorylated tau were 0.624 and 0.657, respectively. Finally, a meta-analysis indicated platelet AbetaPP ratio level was significantly lower in MCI cohorts. In conclusion, platelets of aMCI subjects showed a lower AbetaPP ratio and higher levels of P-tau231 and Ser396/404 phosphorylated tau when compared to normal controls, which may be critical in identifying early AD.