Identification of Cuproptosis-related Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease Based on Bioinformatics and Machine Learning and Clinical Validation and Prediction of Potential Traditional Chinese Medicine
10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20250812
- VernacularTitle:基于生物信息学与机器学习识别阿尔茨海默病铜死亡生物标志物及临床验证与潜在中药预测
- Author:
Guofang YU
1
;
Chenling ZHAO
1
;
Liwei TIAN
1
;
Wenming YANG
1
;
Ting DONG
1
Author Information
1. The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Alzheimer'disease;
cuproptosis;
bioinformatics;
machine learning;
traditional Chinese medicine prediction
- From:
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae
2025;31(20):160-167
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
ObjectiveThis study aims to identify cuproptosis-related gene biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease(AD) using bioinformatics and machine learning methods, validate them at the clinical specimen level, and predict potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). MethodsDifferentially expressed genes in the AD group and normal group were obtained using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and intersections were taken with reported cuproptosis-related genes to obtain differentially expressed cuproptosis-related genes. Machine learning methods were applied to identify core differential genes of cuproptosis in AD. Peripheral blood's single nucleated cells from clinical AD patients were collected, and the relative gene expression was clinically verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). Potential TCM regulating cuproptosis for AD were predicted by COREMINE database. ResultsA total of 12 cuproptosis-related genes were obtained, mainly involved in pathways of tricarboxylic acid cycle, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, and carbon metabolism. Five core cuproptosis-related genes, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), glutaminase (GLS), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit beta (PDHB), full name nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor 2 (NFE2L2), and dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 (DBT) were finally screened using four machine methods. Thirty cases each of normal and AD patients were collected clinically. Compared with those in the normal group, minimum mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were significantly decreased in the AD group (P<0.01), Homocysteine(Hcy), interleukin(IL)-6, C-reactive protein(CRP) , and β amyloid protein(Aβ) indexes were significantly increased (P<0.01), and malondialdehyde(MDA) indexes were decreased (P<0.05). Superoxide dismutase(SOD) levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA relative expressions of NFE2L2 and DBT were up-regulated (P<0.05), and those of DLD, GLS, and PDHB were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). The TCM regulating cuproptosis-related genes for the treatment of AD were mainly based on the four Qi such as warmth, calmness, and cold, and the five flavors including bitterness, sweetness, and pungency, and it was attributed to the meridians of the liver, spleen, stomach, and kidney, with the efficacy of tonifying Qi, activating blood, eliminating phlegm, and resoling dampness. ConclusionDLD, GLS, NFE2L2, PDHB, and DBT can be used as novel diagnostic molecular markers for AD cuproptosis-related genes, and the corresponding potential therapeutic TCM can provide new ideas for the treatment of AD by TCM.