Brain health biomarkers are measurable indicators found in biological samples, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or through neuroimaging, that reflect the physiological or pathological state of the central nervous system. These objective metrics provide clinical insight into neurological function, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive reserve, offering a quantitative assessment of brain well-being. They serve as essential tools for early detection, prognosis, and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy in conditions affecting the brain and its intricate hormonal signaling pathways. Examples include specific protein levels, genetic variants, or structural changes observed via imaging technology.
Origin
The term is a compound of “brain health,” referring to the optimal function of the mind and nervous system, and “biomarkers,” a contraction of “biological markers,” which emerged in the 1980s to denote measurable biological characteristics. The concept is rooted in the clinical need for objective, quantifiable measures to track disease progression and response to intervention, especially in complex, inaccessible organs like the brain.
Mechanism
These biomarkers operate by reflecting specific molecular events tied to brain physiology or pathology. For instance, amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid reflect underlying Alzheimer’s pathology, while neurotrophic factors in the blood can indicate neuronal plasticity and resilience. Hormonal biomarkers, such as thyroid hormones or sex steroids, directly modulate brain function, and their measurement offers a window into neuroendocrine axis integrity. By quantifying these signals, clinicians can infer the functional status of neuronal networks and glia.
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