Potential two-step proteomic signature for Parkinson's disease: Pilot analysis in the Harvard Biomarkers Study

Introduction: We sought to determine if our previously validated proteomic profile for detecting Alzheimer's disease would detect Parkinson's disease (PD) and distinguish PD from other neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: Plasma samples were assayed from 150 patients of the Harvard Biomarkers Study (PD, n = 50; other neurodegenerative diseases, n = 50; healthy controls, n = 50) using electrochemiluminescence and Simoa platforms. Results: The first step proteomic profile distinguished neurodegenerative diseases from controls with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.94. The second step profile distinguished PD cases from other neurodegenerative diseases with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.98. The proteomic profile differed in step 1 versus step 2, suggesting that a multistep proteomic profile algorithm to detecting and distinguishing between neurodegenerative diseases may be optimal. Discussion: These data provide evidence of the potential use of a multitiered blood-based proteomic screening method for detecting individuals with neurodegenerative disease and then distinguishing PD from other neurodegenerative diseases.