Journal of Alzheimer's Disease - Volume 21, issue 3

Authors: Chiarini, Anna | Whitfield, James | Bonafini, Clara | Chakravarthy, Balu | Armato, Ubaldo | Dal Prà, Ilaria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Cerebrovascular angiopathy affects late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) brains by possibly increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). A expression, thereby stimulating endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Indeed, VEGF-A gene upregulation, with increased VEGF-A protein content of reactive astrocytes and microglia, occurs in LOAD brains, and neovascularization was observed one week after injecting amyloid-β (Aβ)1–42 into rat hippocampus. We have now found, with cultured 'normoxic' normal adult human astrocytes (NAHAs), that fibrillar Aβ25–35 (an active Aβ1–42 fragment) or a cytokine mixture (the (CM)-trio (interleukin [IL]-1β+interferon [IFN]-γ+tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α), or pair (IFN-γ+TNF-α) like those produced in LOAD brains) stimulates …the nuclear translocation of stabilized hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α protein and its binding to VEGF-A hypoxia-response elements; the mRNA synthesis for three VEGF-A splice variants (121, 165, 189); and the secretion of VEGF-A165 . The CM-trio was the most powerful stimulus, IFN-γ+TNF-α was less potent, and other cytokine pairs or single cytokines or Aβ35–25 were ineffective. While Aβ25–35 did not change HIF-1β protein levels, the CM-trio increased both HIF-1α and HIF-1β protein levels, thereby giving an earlier and stronger stimulus to VEGF-A secretion by NAHAs. Thus, increased VEGF-A secretion from astrocytes stimulated by Aβ1–42 and by microglia-released cytokines might restore angiogenesis and Aβ1–42 vascular clearance. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, amyloid-β peptides, cerebrovascular angiopathy, HIF-1, normal adult human astrocytes, proinflammatory cytokines, VEGF-A

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-100471

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 915-926, 2010

Authors: Saresella, Marina | Calabrese, Elena | Marventano, Ivana | Piancone, Federica | Gatti, Andrea | Calvo, Maria Gaetana | Nemni, Raffaello | Clerici, Mario

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg ) play a fundamental importance in modulating the relative balance between inflammation and immune tolerance, and alterations of these cells are observed in inflammatory diseases. To better characterize the neuroinflammatory processes suggested to be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to clarify the possible role of Treg cells in this process, we extensively analyzed these cells (CD4 + CD25high Foxp3+) in patients with either severe AD (n = 25) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 25), comparing the results with those of two groups of healthy controls (HC) (n = 55). Because the intra- …or extracellular expression of programmed death receptor 1 (PD1) identifies functionally diverse subsets of Treg we also analyzed such subpopulations. Results showed that, whereas both Treg and PD1pos Treg are increased in MCI and AD patients compared to HC, PD1neg Treg , the subpopulation of Treg cells endowed with the strongest suppressive ability, are significantly augmented in MCI patients alone. In these patients amyloid-β-stimulated-T cells proliferation was reduced and Treg -mediated suppression was more efficient compared to both AD and HC. The observation that PD1neg Treg , cells are increased in MCI patients reinforces the inflammatory origin of AD and supports a possible beneficial role of these cells in MCI that is lost in patients with full-blown AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, immunology, mild cognitive impairment, PD1, T regulatory cells

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-091696

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 927-938, 2010

Authors: Jang, Bong Geom | Yun, Sang-Moon | Ahn, Kyungsook | Song, Ju Hee | Jo, Sangmee A. | Kim, Young-Yul | Kim, Doh Kwan | Park, Moon Ho | Han, Changsu | Koh, Young Ho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Carbonic anhydrase (CA) plays a critical role in pH regulation, long-term synaptic transformation, and is associated with mental retardation, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Down syndrome. There is accumulating evidence that CAII is increased in AD brain. The present study focused on the determination of CAII protein level in blood plasma samples using immunoblot and ELISA methods. We compared plasma from 91 AD patients (average age 74.8 y), 83 persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (average age 73.7 y), and 113 cognitively normal controls (average age 70.8 y). The plasma level of CAII was significantly increased in AD patients, as …compared to control groups. CAII levels were higher in males than females. There was an age-dependent increase of CAII. These results provide further evidence that changes in CAII level may play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, carbonic anhydrase II, mild cognitive impairment, plasma

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-100384

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 939-945, 2010

Authors: Liu, Yawu | Paajanen, Teemu | Westman, Eric | Wahlund, Lars-Olof | Simmons, Andrew | Tunnard, Catherine | Sobow, Tomasz | Proitsi, Petroula | Powell, John | Mecocci, Patrizia | Tsolaki, Magda | Vellas, Bruno | Muehlboeck, Sebastian | Evans, Alan | Spenger, Christian | Lovestone, Simon | Soininen, Hilkka | the AddNeuroMed Consortium,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its effect on brain volumes is controversial. We explored the effect of the ε4 allele on regional cortical thickness and volume measurements using an automated pipeline in 111 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 115 AD patients, and 107 age-matched healthy controls. The clinical data were used as covariates in the thickness and volume comparisons. The ε4 carriers had significantly smaller volume than non-carriers in caudate (p = 0.028) in controls; in amygdala and caudate in the MCI group (p ⩽ 0.049); and in hippocampus …and amygdala in the AD group (p ⩽ 0.001). In the female subjects, the ε4 carriers had significantly thinner cortical thickness or smaller volume than non-carriers in medial orbitofrontal gyrus and caudate in controls (p ⩽ 0.014); in amygdala in MCI subjects (p = 0.047) and in hippocampus and amygdala in AD patients (p ⩽ 0.024). However, in the male subjects, there were significant differences in cortical thickness and volume between ε4 carriers and non-carriers in several structures in the MCI group, but no differences in the controls and AD patients. Compared to the non-carriers, the homozygous ε4 carriers showed significant volume loss in hippocampus, deep nuclei, and caudal anterior cingulate cortex in MCI. In the AD group, the homozygous ε4 carriers had significant volume loss in hippocampus and amygdala. We conclude that the APOE ε4 allele modulates regional cortical thickness and volume in relation to diagnostic group and gender. The ε4 allele has a dose-dependent and regionally specific effect on brain structures. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, apolipoprotein E, MR imaging, thickness, volume

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-100201

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 947-966, 2010

Authors: de la Monte, Suzanne M. | Tong, Ming | Nguyen, VanAnh | Setshedi, Mashiko | Longato, Lisa | Wands, Jack R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are associated with cognitive impairment, brain insulin resistance, and neurodegeneration. Recent studies linked these effects to increased pro-ceramide gene expression in liver and increased ceramide levels in serum. Since ceramides are neurotoxic and cause insulin resistance, we directly examined the role of ceramides as mediators of impaired signaling and central nervous system function using an in vivo model. Long Evans rat pups were administered C2Cer:N-acetylsphinganine or its inactive dihydroceramide analog (C2DCer) by i.p. injection. Rats were subjected to rotarod and Morris water maze tests of motor and cognitive function, and …livers and brains were examined for histopathology and integrity of insulin/IGF signaling. C2Cer treatment caused hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and mild steatohepatitis, reduced brain lipid content, and increased ceramide levels in liver, brain, and serum. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed significant alterations in expression of several genes needed for insulin and IGF-I signaling, and multiplex ELISAs demonstrated inhibition of signaling through the insulin or IGF-1 receptors, IRS-1, and Akt in both liver and brain. Ultimately, the toxic ceramides generated in peripheral sources such as liver or adipose tissue caused sustained impairments in neuro-cognitive function and insulin/IGF signaling needed for neuronal survival, plasticity, and myelin maintenance in the brain. These findings support our hypothesis that a liver/peripheral tissue-brain axis of neurodegeneration, effectuated by increased toxic lipid/ceramide production and transport across the blood-brain barrier, could mediate cognitive impairment in T2DM and NASH. Show more

Keywords: Central nervous system, ceramide, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, neurodegeneration, neurons, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-091726

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 967-984, 2010

Authors: Bate, Clive | Williams, Alun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and the loss of synapses. The addition of Aβ1–42 reduced the amount of synaptophysin in cultured cortical neurons in a model of AD-induced synapse degeneration. Aβ1–42 also reduced the uptake of the fluorescent dye FM1-43 into synaptic recycling vesicles, a measure of synaptic function. We report that pre-mixing Aβ1–40 with Aβ1–42 significantly reduced the effects of Aβ1–42 on synapses; it increased both synaptic vesicle recycling and synaptophysin content. These results are consistent with reports that Aβ1–40 forms oligomers with …Aβ1–42 and that these are less toxic than Aβ1–42 alone. In contrast, the addition of Aβ1–40 did not affect the synapse degeneration induced by the prion-derived peptide PrP82-146. The addition of Aβ1–40 reduced Aβ1–42 induced activation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2 ) within synapses consistent with the hypothesis that Aβ1–42 induced synapse degeneration is mediated by aberrant activation of synaptic cPLA2 . Such observations raise the possibility that the amount of Aβ1–40 produced within the brain is critical in determining the synapse damaging effects of Aβ1–42 and possibly the cognitive loss seen during the early stages of AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, amyloid, oligomers, phospholipase A2, synapses, synaptophysin

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-100528

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 985-993, 2010

Authors: Hatashita, Shizuo | Yamasaki, Hidetomo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We investigated whether [11 C]-PIB PET detects underlying amyloid deposition at clinically different stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and preclinical dementia. The Japanese cohort of 214 subjects underwent cognitive testing and 60-min dynamic [11 C]-PIB PET. [11 C]-PIB data were acquired from 35–60 min after injection. Regions of interest were defined on co-registered MRI. Distribution volume ratios (DVR) of PIB retention were determined using Logan graphical analysis. All 56 patients with AD showed a robust increase in PIB retention in cortical areas (typical PIB AD-pattern). A mean DVR value in 11 patients with moderate AD (CDR: 2.1 ± 0.4) showed …significantly higher PIB retention (2.38 ± 0.42, p < 0.01) than amyloid-negative healthy control (HC) subjects. The DVR values in 23 patients with very mild AD (CDR: 0.5) and 22 patients with mild AD (CDR: 1.0) were 2.32 ± 0.45 and 2.34 ± 0.42, respectively, similar to moderate AD. In contrast, 28 (48%) of the 58 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients (MMSE: 27.3 ± 1.7) showed a typical AD-like pattern with a DVR value of 2.07 ± 0.34. Further, 17 (18%) of 91 HC subjects had a typical AD-like pattern with a DVR value of 2.06 ± 0.28. They did not significantly differ from very mild AD. The prevalence of AD among the 53 amyloid positive patients aged 75 years or older increased greatly to 74% whereas that of amyloid positive HC decreased by only 9% and amyloid positive MCI by 17%. Prodromal AD and AD dementia is identified, based on cognitive function and amyloid deposition by PIB PET imaging. Further, the cortical amyloid deposition could be detected at preclinical stage of AD. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, amyloid deposition, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, PET

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-100222

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 995-1003, 2010

Authors: Portelius, Erik | Van Broeck, Bianca | Andreasson, Ulf | Gustavsson, Mikael K. | Mercken, Marc | Zetterberg, Henrik | Borghys, Herman | Blennow, Kaj

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain, which is reflected by low concentration of the Aβ1–42 peptide in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The γ-secretase inhibitor LY450139 (semagacestat) lowers plasma Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42 in a dose-dependent manner but has no clear effect on the CSF level of these isoforms. Less is known about the potent γ-secretase modulator E2012. Using targeted proteomics techniques, we recently identified several shorter Aβ isoforms in CSF, such as Aβ1–16 , which is produced by a novel pathway. In a Phase II clinical trial on AD patients, Aβ1–14 …, Aβ1–15 and Aβ1–16 increased several-fold during γ-secretase inhibitor treatment. In the present study, 9 dogs were treated with a single dose of the γ-secretase modulator E2012, the γ-secretase inhibitor LY450139, or vehicle with a dosing interval of 1 week. The CSF Aβ isoform pattern was analyzed by immunoprecipitation combined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. We show here that Aβ1–15 and Aβ1–16 increase while Aβ1–34 decreases in response to treatment with the γ-secretase inhibitor LY450139, which is in agreement with previous studies. The isoform Aβ1–37 was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner in response to treatment with E2012, while Aβ1–39 , Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42 decreased. The data presented suggests that the γ-secretase modulator E-2012 alters the cleavage site preference of γ-secretase. The increase in Aβ1–37 may inhibit Aβ1–42 oligomerization and toxicity. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, amyloid-beta, amyloid-β protein precursor, γ-secretase, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-100573

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 1005-1012, 2010

Authors: Hansmannel, Franck | Sillaire, Adeline | Kamboh, M. Ilyas | Lendon, Corinne | Pasquier, Florence | Hannequin, Didier | Laumet, Geoffroy | Mounier, Anais | Ayral, Anne-Marie | DeKosky, Steven T. | Hauw, Jean-Jacques | Berr, Claudine | Mann, David | Amouyel, Philippe | Campion, Dominique | Lambert, Jean-Charles

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Since previous observations indicated that the urea cycle may have a role in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) process, we set out to quantify the expression of each gene involved in the urea cycle in control and AD brains and establish whether these genes could be genetic determinants of AD. We first confirmed that all the urea cycle enzyme genes are expressed in the AD brain. The expression of arginase 2 was greater in the AD brain than in the control brain. The presence of the rare arginase 2 allele rs742869 was associated with an increase in the risk of AD …in men and with an earlier age-at-onset for both genders. None of the other genes in the pathway appeared to be differentially expressed in the AD brain or act as genetic determinants of the disease. Show more

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, ammonium, arginase, association study, citrulline NO cycle, nitric oxide, polyamines, urea cycle

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-100630

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 1013-1021, 2010

Authors: Friedland, Robert P.

Article Type: Book Review

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-101125

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 1023-1024, 2010

Authors: Strobel, Gabrielle

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2010-101429

Citation: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 1025-1035, 2010