Body fluid biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease

A heterogeneous and slowly progressive disease with extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau protein aggregates, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is already a hard nut to crack, featured with cognitive decline and memory lapse. Body fluid biomarkers are proved to be useful in exploring further study of AD, might benefit for a full comprehension of the etiopathogenesis, an improved precision of the prognosis and diagnosis, and a positive response of treatments. The cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers Aβ, total tau, and hyperphosphorylated tau reflect the main pathologic changes of AD. We also review data from several novel biomarkers, such as, β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, soluble amyloid precursor proteins α and β, soluble Aβ oligomers and so on, which are associated with the occurrence and deterioration of this disease and couldn’t be ignored. The rationale for the clinical use of those biomarkers, the challenges faced with and the properties of the most appropriate biomarkers are also summarized in the paper. We aim to find several ideal biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and optimize the treatment respectively.