IIT Bombay researchers developed a blood-based test that may be used to detect Parkinson′s disease early. In conjunction with KEM Hospital, the team has found a 95% accuracy rate in identifying the condition in a small cohort of patients. They are currently performing extensive clinical studies for the patented method.

The Sunita Sanghi Centre of Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases (SCAN), hopes to conduct large-scale experiments in this centre, which was opened on the university′s campus on Monday. The researchers filed patent applications for the technique in India and the US six months ago.

Parkinson′s disease is caused by a particular type of toxic protein aggregation created by alpha-synuclein, which destroy brain neuronal cells. According to Professor Samir Maji of the department of biosciences and bioengineering, the brain-blood barrier can occasionally be crossed by protein aggregates. They enter circulation in minute volumes, making it difficult to detect them. If there are protein clumps in the bloodstream, our technique aids in magnifying them. After a few testing cycles, and similarly to the RT-PCR test, we can readily assess and detect Parkinsons disease once the aggregates amplify.

Professor Maji added that the center′s study could aid in the pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative diseases like frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer′s due to the expertise from several fields that are represented on campus. With assistance from different technical disciplines, the center is anticipated to concentrate on automating the blood-based assay technology and making it available to nearby pathology labs. Once accepted, the technology will likely provide quick and minimally invasive diagnostic options for neurodegenerative illnesses.

Subhasis Chaudhuri, Director, IIT-Bombay, said, "In many cases, early detection and delaying the progression of the disorders are the only tools available. The centre′s work will cover every facet of such disorders."

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/iit-bombay-blood-test-to-help-detect-parkinsons-early/96873878)