Differential Scanning Calorimetry of Serum Proteome: Identifying Diagnostic Signatures in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) offers an innovative method for evaluating serum proteome profiles as a diagnostic tool. In this study, we examined serum samples from 13 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 12 healthy elderly (HE) individuals, to explore DSC's potential in identifying biochemical alterations associated with AD. Each thermogram was generated by gradually heating the samples from 35°C to 100°C at a rate of 1°C per minute, using 20 µL of serum diluted 35-fold in PBS. The thermograms of healthy individuals exhibited a consistent, characteristic profile, while those of AD patients displayed distinct deviations. Notably, the thermal scans of AD samples revealed a significant displacement of 1.3°C in the albumin peak compared to healthy samples and the emergence of a novel peak at 53.4ºC. These variations suggest possible modifications in albumin structure due to interactions with disease-specific biomarkers or post-translational modifications. Our findings underscore DSC's utility as a non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic tool for early detection and monitoring of AD, facilitating timely clinical interventions and promoting healthier aging.