Biomarkers

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We use sensitive measurement technologies for early detection of age-associated conditions

In an effort to identify all potential pathologies associated with aging blood, immune, and neurological systems, we are using extensive sets of biomarkers for clinical trial testing. At Young Plasma, we use 4 measurement technologies to capture comprehensive data about the human body. They are DNA Methylation Biomarkers, Mass Spectrometry, Genetic Biomarkers and Telomere Testing. In addition to these 4 technologies, we also utilize physician examinations, extensive medical history, along with standard lab work. This provides deep analysis and screening for potential disorders earlier than any previous single conventional methodology. 

Genetic Biomarkers

Genetics play a large role in patients risk for a range of health conditions, including late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. 

We search for specific variants in our patients genome relevant to individual health and ancestry. These include medically relevant genes with known disease associations and associated with genetic ancestry and ethnicity.

DNA Methylation Biomarkers (500 loci) 

DNA methylation can serve as an epigenetic biomarker for many human diseases associated with biological aging. We use bisulfite treatment of DNA to determine its pattern of methylation, considered the "gold standard" to assess DNA methylation status and epigenetic clock analysis, a type of DNA clock based on measuring natural DNA methylation levels to estimate the "biological age" of a tissue, cell type or organ.  Our DNA methylation analysis will capture over 500 CpG sites contributing to a combinatorial assessment.

Mass spectrometry (MS) for Alzheimer's 

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analysis of proteins measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to identify and quantify molecules in simple and complex mixtures. MS has become invaluable across a broad range of fields and applications, including proteomics. The development of high-throughput and quantitative MS proteomics workflows within the last two decades has expanded the scope of what we know about protein structure, function, modification and global protein dynamics. 

​Using (MS) for Early Alzheimer's Detection:

At YP, we use this highly sensitive analysis to measure plasma amyloid beta-proteins and amyloid beta- approximate peptides (ABAPs) split from amyloid precursor protein (APP), to detect cerebral amyloid deposition with clinically demonstrated equivalency to PET scan in the detection of Alzheimer's disease using only a blood sample.  We utilize this blood-based biomarker instead of performing an invasive lumbar puncture, which mitigates creating potentially risk of complications to patients.  

We’ve found patients who respond strongly to this biomarker potentially carry the highest risk for early onset for Alzheimer's. However, these patients are the best candidates to alleviate key biomarkers with Heterochronic Plasma Exchange. 

Telomere Testing

​We all know what age we are according to our birth certificates, but do we know how much our cells have aged? This is where Telomere testing comes into the fold. 

Telomere testing measures your average telomere length by analyzing DNA found in patients Leukocytes. Why? Well, as cells age, they lose telomeric DNA, and, ultimately, the cell cannot replicate and dies. Measurement of the loss of telomeric DNA, or the rate of loss, serves as another biological aging clock for cellular senescence. 

An individual’s telomere length has been shown to correlate with overall health, and has associations with a myriad of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and many more.