Cutaneous α-Synuclein Pathology as a Differential Marker: A Histological and Statistical Comparison across Neurodegenerative Disease Groups - PubMed
a day ago
- #Biomarkers
- #Neurodegenerative diseases
- #Skin biopsy
- Skin biopsies can detect phosphorylated α-synuclein (p-α-syn) and assess intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD).
- p-α-syn was significantly more prevalent in patients with parkinsonian syndromes, α-synucleinopathies, and multiple system atrophies (MSA) compared to controls.
- Tauopathies showed preferential paravertebral positivity and the most pronounced reduction in IENFD (75%).
- MSA had the highest preservation of IENFD (83.3%), indicating disease-specific patterns of peripheral nerve involvement.
- p-α-syn positivity correlates with shorter disease duration, suggesting its potential as an early biomarker.
- Combining cutaneous markers with olfactory testing improves diagnostic discrimination.