# Novel Blood Biomarker of Alzheimer's disease Using Oral Glucose Tolerance

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $645,291

## Abstract

In this application, we propose to characterize a novel blood biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
We previously demonstrated in a pilot study that the dynamic changes in plasma amyloid-beta (Aβ) levels after
administration of an OGTT (hitherto referred to as “Aβ-OGTT∆”) differentiates mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
subjects from clinically normal (CN) subjects. In this proposal, we will demonstrate the following: (i) Aβ-OGTT∆
can also differentiate AD subjects from CN subjects; (ii) Aβ-OGTT∆ is associated with brain Aβ burden on
Pittsburg Compound B-Positron Emission Tomography (PiB-PET); (iii) the mechanism of Aβ-OGTT∆ may be
due to the role of Aβ-binding proteins (chaperones).
 In a cross-sectional study, we will administer OGTT to a group of individuals in each of the MCI, AD
and CN groups. Plasma samples will be obtained at various time points after the administration of OGTT.
Plasma samples will be quantified for Aβ 40, 42, and Aβ binding proteins. Aβ-OGTT∆ value will be calculated
for all groups to determine if there are differences among the three groups. Aβ-OGTT∆ value will also be
correlated with Aβ burden on PiB-PET in CN to determine if the plasma biomarker is reflective of the
underlying pathology in a preclinical population. Finally, Aβ-OGTT∆ value will be correlated with Aβ binding
protein levels.
 The results of this proposal will provide data regarding the potential utility of Aβ-OGTT∆ as a diagnostic
biomarker of MCI and AD, as well as a biomarker of underlying disease state. It will also provide data on the
potential relationship between plasma Aβ 40 and 42 levels and Aβ binding proteins, and whether there may be
a more efficient clearance of Aβ in NC. In addition, the data from this proposal will enable us to gather
sufficient data to design a longitudinal study to demonstrate the utility of Aβ-OGTT∆ in differentiating subjects,
predict disease progression, and monitor therapeutic response.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9936131
- **Project number:** 5R01AG057725-04
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Esther Seunghee Oh
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $645,291
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-15 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9936131

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9936131, Novel Blood Biomarker of Alzheimer's disease Using Oral Glucose Tolerance (5R01AG057725-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9936131. Licensed CC0.

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