Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of in vitro sample preparation for the analysis of proteins. In a first aspect, the present invention is a method comprising the separation and individual treatment of blood platelets and platelet-poor plasma obtained from a platelet-rich plasma sample. This allows for optimal treatment of both fractions and overcomes many of the problems associated with current methods. In a second aspect of the present invention the platelet sample preparation method can be implemented before a biochip based immunoassay for the detection of platelet proteins in combination with plasma proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro method to aid the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), comprising determining the level of expression of one or more tropomyosin isoform(s) corresponding to P09493-3 and/or P09493-1 in a patient's sample. A kit comprising probes that bind to tropomyosin isoforms P09493-3 and P09493-1 is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ex vivo method for aiding the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a patient comprising: (i) determining the number of alleles of ApoE4 in the patient's genome; (ii) determining the combined expression level of at least three platelet proteins in a platelet sample from the patient; and (iii) comparing the resulting value of step (ii) to a control value, wherein the at least three platelet proteins include at least one isoform of alpha-tropomyosin containing exon 1a and at least two platelet proteins selected from monoamine oxidase-B, coagulation factor XIIIa, wild-type GSTO-1 or mutant GSTO-1, wherein a result higher than the control value is indicative of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of in vitro sample preparation for the analysis of proteins. In a first aspect, the present invention is a method comprising the separation and individual treatment of blood platelets and platelet-poor plasma obtained from a platelet-rich plasma sample. This allows for optimal treatment of both fractions and overcomes many of the problems associated with current methods. In a second aspect of the present invention the platelet sample preparation method can be implemented before a biochip based immunoassay for the detection of platelet proteins in combination with plasma proteins.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Parkinson's Disease (PD), including measuring the level of expression of one or more AD markers (Table 1) or PD markers (Table 2) in a sample of platelets isolated from a person suspected of having AD or PD, and determining whether the levels of expression are altered compared to a control.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ex vivo method for aiding the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a patient, the method comprising the steps of determining the level of expression of at least four platelet proteins in a platelet sample from the patient selected from monoamine oxidase-B, coagulation factor Xllla, total tropomyosin (a and 13), WD-repeat protein 1 and apolipoprotein E4; and comparing the result of (i) to a control value, wherein a result higher than the control value is indicative of Alzheimer's disease. Preferably, the method of the invention further comprises determining the level of expression of wild-type GSTO-1 or mutant GSTO-1.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ex vivo method for aiding the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a patient comprising: (i) determining the number of alleles of ApoE4 in the patient's genome; (ii) determining the combined expression level of at least three platelet proteins in a platelet sample from the patient; and (iii) comparing the resulting value of step (ii) to a control value, wherein the at least three platelet proteins include at least one isoform of alpha-tropomyosin containing exon 1a and at least two platelet proteins selected from monoamine oxidase-B, coagulation factor XIIIa, wild-type GSTO-1 or mutant GSTO-1, wherein a result higher than the control value is indicative of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro method to aid the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), comprising determining the level of expression of one or more tropomyosin isoform(s) corresponding to P09493-3 and/or P09493-1 in a patient's sample.

Abstract: The invention exploits the elucidation of a connection between the S-adenosylmethionine one-carbon cycle and MAO-B levels and describes drug efficacy testing methods and the use of compounds of the S-adenosylmethionine one-carbon cycle as MAO-B inhibitors in disease prevention and treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ex vivo method for aiding the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a patient, the method comprising the steps of determining the level of expression of at least four platelet proteins in a platelet sample from the patient selected from monoamine oxidase-B, coagulation factor Xllla, total tropomyosin (a and 13), WD-repeat protein 1 and apolipoprotein E4; and comparing the result of (i) to a control value, wherein a result higher than the control value is indicative of Alzheimer's disease. Preferably, the method of the invention further comprises determining the level of expression of wild-type GSTO-1 or mutant GSTO-1.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Parkinson's Disease (PD), comprises measuring the level of expression of one or more AD markers (Table 1) or PD markers (Table 2) in a sample of platelets isolated from a person suspected of having AD or PD, and determining whether the levels of expression are altered compared to a control.