Expression of Aβ42, τ-Protein, p16, p53 in Buccal Epithelium: Prospects for Use in the Diagnostics of Alzheimer’s Disease and Rate of Aging

Abstract

The expression of Aβ42, and τ-protein, and p16 and p53 proteins was analyzed in the buccal epithelium of elderly and senile patients with Alzheimer’s disease. We revealed enhanced synthesis of Alzheimer’s disease markers Aβ42 (by 15-30 times) and τ-protein (by 5 times) in comparison with the corresponding values in people without neurodegenerative pathology of the same age groups. In addition, increased synthesis of proteins of cell aging and apoptosis p16 (by 6-10 times) and p53 (by 2-3 times) was observed in patients in comparison with age-matched persons without neuropathology. These data suggest that complex analysis of the expression of Aβ42, τ-protein, p16, and p53 in the buccal epithelium is a promising method for in vivo diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and assessment of the rate of aging during the development of this pathology.