Time:  14:00pm-16:00pm
Date:　Nov 8, 2012 (Thu)
Venue: Lecture Hall, North Building

Talk1: Biomarkers on Alzheimer disease 
Speaker:  Prof. Peter Riederer
　　　　    Wurzburg University, Germany

Abstract:

A great number of chemical compounds and proteins are regarded as "biological markers" for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, only a few fullfill the "criteria of a biological marker". Except for the three currently known genetic subtypes of hereditary AD, the causative mechanisms underlying sporadic AD (sAD) are still unknown.

Most frequently used CSF biomarkers (invasive technique) for early diagnosis and individualization of treatment are Aβ40, Aβ42, total τau and p-τau. A combination of these parameters allows a good but almost not perfect sensitivity and specificity to diagnose sAD. 

As a conclusion gene profiling GWAS studies, their combination and meta-analyses as well as genetic algorithm-optimized SVM have not been able so far to detect reproducable gene pattern for sAD. A reason might be that the functions of many of these genes has not been established yet. Their relation to the pathological processes underlying sAD is far from being clarified. Considering the multigenetic background of sAD is seems unlikely that a single biomarkers ever will be detected, rather a multiple pattern of biomarkers seems to be able to detect subforms of sAD with great selectivity and specificity.

Talk2: Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders: Relevance for Therapy ? 
Speaker:  Prof. Jürgen Deckert
　　　　 Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg

Abstract:

Standard therapies of anxiety disorders today include cognitive behavioural psychotherapy and serotonergic antidepressants. There is evidence that the combination is faster and more persistent. However, there are still problems with regard to therapy resistance, relapse, comorbidity and aspects of therapy at different phases during the life span. 

In Germany two networks have addressed this with a special focus on the neurobiology of anxiety disorders. These research networks probe novel combination therapies of psychotherapy with cognitive enhancers such as d-cycloserin and rTMS already in patients. On a more basic level they have developed novel concepts based on new molecular pathways such as neuropeptide S and TMEM132D as well as on hitherto therapeutically not utilized psychological phenomena such as safety learning and generalization. In addition to combination and novel therapies they also probe individualized approaches applying imaging techniques and biomarkers such as genetic variation and methylation.

After a short summary of the state of the art therapy, the presentation will give an overview of these research efforts ranging from clinical trials to transgenic mice and their potential for novel and individualized therapies for patients with anxiety disorders.

Attachment:

　　  1  Biomarkers on Alzheimer disease(.doc)
　　  2  Biomarkers on Alzheimer disease (.pdf)
　　  3  Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders: Relevance for Therapy ? (.doc)