Selection of controls in the study of human neurodegenerative diseases in old age

Abstract

Human post-mortem brain tissue, mostly provided by brain banks, is precious because most human neurodegenerative diseases are restricted in their complete forms to human beings. However, the agonal state, post-mortem delay between death and tissue processing, variable vulnerability of chromatin, RNAs, proteins and metabolites can compromise the usability of the tissue material. Such factors must be considered and assessed in every experimental approach. The use of controls for comparative purposes to analyze diseased cases is crucial as the basic conditions of controls must be the same as those encountered in problem cases. Age, gender, region, hemisphere, and clear characterisation of objective neuropathological changes (e.g., Alzheimer's disease stages of Braak and Braak) in matching controls and problem cases must be considered in every study, and data must be clearly specified when presenting materials and methods in publications. Additional care must be taken regarding atypical neurodegenerative alterations, concomitant pathologies, and systemic diseases, together with drug consumption and treatments. The absence of neurological and mental symptoms and signs, although a sine qua non condition, is not sufficient to match control and problem cases for research.

Specific Metabolomics Adaptations Define a Differential Regional Vulnerability in the Adult Human Cerebral Cortex

“…Brain samples were obtained from the Institute of Neuropathology Brain Bank following the guidelines of the local ethics committee, and in accordance with recently published criteria of sample quality (Ferrer, 2015). The study of human samples was carried out according to the Spanish Law of Science and accompanying guidelines and with the approval of the local ethics committee of the Bellvitge University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain).…”

Sixty years old is the breakpoint of human frontal cortex aging

“…Brain samples were obtained from the Institute of Neuropathology Brain Bank following the guidelines of the local ethics committee, and in accordance with recently published criteria of sample quality [15]. The selection of cases examined in the present study corresponded to a consecutive series of donations having in common (i) lack of neurological symptoms and signs, (ii) lack of known hepatic or renal function impairment, and (iii) lack of evidence of prolonged agonal state.…”

Lipid Profile in Human Frontal Cortex is Sustained Throughout Healthy Adult Lifespan to Decay at Advanced Ages

“…Brain samples were obtained from the Institute of Neuropathology Brain Bank, a branch of the HUB-ICO-IDIBELL Biobank, following the guidelines of Spanish legislation and the approval of the local ethics committee, and in accordance with recently published criteria for sample quality (25).…”