CSF biomarkers in frontotemporal lobar degeneration: relations with clinical characteristics, apolipoprotein E genotype, and neuroimaging.

In order to better understand the large variation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau and amyloid-beta(1-42) (Abeta42) in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), relations between these biomarkers and clinical parameters, neuroimaging characteristics, and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype were studied in 31 patients with FTLD, including 16 patients with the frontal variant and 15 with the temporal variant. CSF tau was highest in FTLD with predominant temporal involvement. In the frontal subgroup, CSF tau level was influenced by the number of ApoE epsilon3 alleles. In the temporal subgroup, CSF tau level was dependent on a combination of CSF Abeta42, age, disease duration, and disease severity. No relation with degree of atrophy or asymmetry on neuroimaging could be established. CSF Abeta42 variability remained unexplained. Future research could study the role of ApoE genotype and Abeta42 in FTLD, as well as establish measures for disease intensity.