Abstract: Methods for preparing neural-derived compounds, e.g., the debris such as peptides, nucleic acids, or other compounds that would only normally be found in brain or CNS tissue, from circulating phagocytes. The methods herein may feature extracting lysate from circulating phagocytes obtained from outside central nervous system (CNS) tissue, producing a fraction of the lysate comprising CNS-derived compounds, and analyzing the CNS-derived compounds in the fraction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of detecting MSDX Complex-1, the method introducing a first antibody to a sample to create an antibody-sample mixture, wherein the first antibody is specific for one of fibrinogen, fibronectin, or fibulin-1, the first antibody having a label molecule; providing a well coated with a second antibody, the second antibody is specific for one of fibrinogen, fibronectin, or fibulin-1; introducing the antibody-sample mixture to the well; and introducing a substrate to the antibody-sample mixture in the well, wherein the label molecule and the substrate interact to provide a signal, wherein when the signal is detected then MSDX Complex-1 is detected.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of monitoring or detecting a neurological or inflammatory condition in a patient. The method comprises (1) obtaining from the patient a fluid sample from outside of a brain tissue of the patient, wherein the fluid sample contains a circulating phagocyte, and (2) detecting for one or more biomarkers (e.g., a panel of biomarkers) inside the phagocyte, wherein the biomarker is associated with the respective neurological or inflammatory condition.

Abstract: A method of detecting MSDX Complex-1, the method introducing a first antibody to a sample to create an antibody-sample mixture, wherein the first antibody is specific for one of fibrinogen, fibronectin, or fibulin-1, the first antibody having a label molecule; providing a well coated with a second antibody, the second antibody is specific for one of fibrinogen, fibronectin, or fibulin-1; introducing the antibody-sample mixture to the well; and introducing a substrate to the antibody-sample mixture in the well, wherein the label molecule and the substrate interact to provide a signal, wherein when the signal is detected then MSDX Complex-1 is detected.

Abstract: An isolated aggrefatin protein elevated in multiple sclerosis patients as compared to healthy controls. Aggrefatin alone or in combination with other markers may be used as an indicator of an inflammatory condition and/or a neurodegenerative disease or condition such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, stroke, or other diseases. Aggrefatin alone or in combination with one or more other biomarkers may help monitor disease activity, detect a response to a therapy, or detect patient compliance with a therapy.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of monitoring or detecting a neurological or inflammatory condition in a patient. The method comprises (1) obtaining from the patient a fluid sample from outside of a brain tissue of the patient, wherein the fluid sample contains a circulating phagocyte, and (2) detecting for one or more biomarkers (e.g., a panel of biomarkers) inside the phagocyte, wherein the biomarker is associated with the respective neurological or inflammatory condition.