DETECTION OF NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES VIA MEASUREMENT OF NEUROMELANIN IN RECIRCULATING PHAGOCYTES

摘要

Methods for detecting or monitoring neurological or neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease via detection or measurement of central nervous system biomarkers within recirculating phagocytes after re-entry into the blood stream. The methods of the present invention may feature detecting neuromelanin in such recirculating phagocytes. For example, neuromelanin-binding peptides may be used to detect neuromelanin in recirculating phagocytes.

主权项

1. A method of detecting Parkinson's disease in a mammal, said method comprising:
(a) detecting a level of a biomarker associated with Parkinson's disease in a first sample from outside a brain tissue of the mammal, the first sample comprising a first circulating phagocyte; and (b) comparing the level of the biomarker in the first sample with a level of the biomarker in a second sample, the second sample being either (i) a control sample or (ii) a second sample from outside of a brain tissue, the second sample comprising a second circulating phagocyte, the second sample being collected prior to the first fluid sample; wherein if the level of the biomarker in the first sample is higher than that of the second sample then Parkinson's disease is detected.