Detection of biomarkers for alcoholism by two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis.

Background: Up to now, gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GTP) and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) have been used as markers for alcoholism most widely, but they are not satisfactory regarding sensitivity/specificity. Therefore, for novel markers need to be searched.

Methods: To detect new biomarkers for alcoholism, albumin and immunoglobulinG were first removed from serum. Then, protein profiles of 12 serum samples before and after 3 months of abstinence treatment were examined using agarose 2-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (agarose2-D DIGE). Two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis images were analyzed using Shimadzu 2-D Evolution Software.

Results: Eight spots whose expression were significantly altered after abstinence were detected. Of these, 2 proteins increased and 6 proteins decreased after treatment.

Conclusions: Altered expressions of several serum proteins after abstinence therapy were detected. They are promising markers for clinical application of alcoholism.