Association study and meta-analysis of low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein in Alzheimer's disease

Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide. The formation of amyloid β (Aβ) plagues in the brain is the main pathological hallmark of AD. The Aβ deposits are formed due to the imbalance between the production and Aβ clearance in the brain and across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this respect, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) plays a significant role by mediating both brain Aβ production and clearance. Due to its important role in AD pathogenesis, LRP1 is considered an attractive drug target for AD therapies. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the role of LRP1 in AD pathogenesis as well as recent findings on changes in LRP1 expression and function in AD. Finally, we discuss the advances in utilizing LRP1 as a drug target for AD treatments as well as future perspectives on LRP1 research.

APOE polymorphism status (E4) may help in predicting the risk of recurrent implantation failure

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms and incidence of recurrent implantation failure (RIF).

METHODS

In a case-control study, 100 women with RIF were compared with 100 women with at least one live child. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood and APOE genotyping was performed through polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's χ² test.

RESULTS

Our data revealed a significantly higher frequency for the E3/E4 genotype and E4 allele in the RIF group compared with controls. Significant differences in frequencies of the E4 allele (odds ratio [OR] 2.176; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.131-4.185; P = 0.026) and E3/E4 genotype (OR 2.203; 95% CI 1.092-4.443; P = 0.038) were observed between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The E4 polymorphism is correlated with RIF occurrence in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment and potentially can be considered as a risk factor to the human implantation process.

Association of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1 and Its rs1799986 Polymorphism With Mild Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is involved in cerebral glucose metabolism and amyloid-β clearance. This study aimed to investigate the pathogenetic roles of LRP1 and its rs1799986 polymorphism in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A total of 166 Chinese patients with T2DM were enrolled and divided into two groups according to Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. Neuropsychological tests were performed. Soluble LRP1 (sLRP1) levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the genotype of LRP1 rs1799986 was detected using the Sequenom method.

Results

Diabetic patients with MCI (n = 60) exhibited significantly lower plasma sLRP1 levels (p = 0.033) and worse glucose control (p = 0.009) than the healthy cognition controls (n = 106). Multivariate regression analysis revealed plasma sLRP1 levels [odds ratio (OR) = 0.971, p = 0.005] and HbA1c (OR = 1.298, p = 0.003) as a risk factor for MCI in diabetic patients, in addition to insulin use and hypertension. However, there was no association between plasma sLRP1 levels and HbA1c. After adjusting for age, sex, and education level, plasma sLRP1 levels in the MCI group were negatively correlated with Stroop Color Word Test B number (r = −0.335, p = 0.011), which represents selective attention, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. Additionally, patients with T2DM carrying the T allele of LRP1 rs1799986 showed higher Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) delayed recall scores (p = 0.025).

Conclusion

Decreased plasma sLRP1 levels are associated with MCI, particularly with attention dysfunction, in patients with T2DM. Moreover, the T allele of LRP1 rs1799986 may decrease susceptibility to MCI. Further studies with large cohorts should be designed to elucidate the roles of LRP1 in hyperglycemia-induced cognitive decline.

Epistatic interaction of apolipoprotein E and lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor genetic variants is associated with Alzheimer's disease

The ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene common polymorphism is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Human APOE gene is located on chromosome 19q13.1, a region linked to AD that also includes the LSR gene, which encodes the lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR). As an APOE receptor, LSR is involved in the regulation of lipid homeostasis in both periphery and brain. This study aimed to determine the potential interactions between 2 LSR genetic variants, rs34259399 and rs916147, and the APOE common polymorphism in 142 AD subjects (mean age: 73.16 ± 8.50 years) and 63 controls (mean age: 70.41 ± 8.49 years). A significant epistatic interaction was observed between APOE and both LSR variants, rs34259399 (beta = -0.95; p = 2 × 10^-5) and rs916147 (beta = -0.83; p = 6.8 × 10^-3). Interestingly, the interaction of LSR polymorphisms with APOE non-ε4 alleles increased AD risk. This indicates the existence of complex molecular interactions between these 2 neighboring genes involved in the pathogenesis of AD, which merits further investigation.

Association between LRP1 C766T polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) C766T polymorphism (rs1799986) has been extensively investigated for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) susceptibility. However, results in different studies have been contradictory. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis containing 6455 AD cases and 6304 controls from 26 independent case–control studies to determine whether there was an association between the LRP1 C766T polymorphism and AD susceptibility. The combined analysis showed that there was no significant association between LRP1 C766T polymorphism and AD susceptibility (TT + CT versus CC: OR = 0.920, 95% CI = 0.817–1.037, P = 0.172). In subgroup analysis, significant decreased AD susceptibility was found among Asian population in allele model (T versus C: OR = 0.786, 95% CI = 0.635–0.974, P = 0.028) and dominant model (TT + CT versus CC: OR = 0.800, 95% CI = 0.647–0.990, P = 0.040). Moreover, T allele of LRP1 C766T was statistically associated with late onset of AD (LOAD) (T versus C: OR = 0.858, 95% CI = 0.748–0.985, P = 0.029; TT + CT versus CC: OR = 0.871, 95% CI = 0.763–0.994, P = 0.040). In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggested that LRP1 C766T polymorphism was associated with lower risk of AD in Asian, and could reduce LOAD risk especially. Considering some limitations of our meta-analysis, further large-scale studies should be done to reach a more comprehensive understanding.

Role of LRP1 in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease: evidence from clinical and preclinical studies

Among the LDL receptor (LDLR) family members, the roles of LDLR-related protein (LRP)1 in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially late-onset AD, have been the most studied by genetic, neuropathological, and biomarker analyses (clinical studies) or cellular and animal model systems (preclinical studies) over the last 25 years. Although there are some conflicting reports, accumulating evidence from preclinical studies indicates that LRP1 not only regulates the metabolism of amyloid-β peptides (Aβs) in the brain and periphery, but also maintains brain homeostasis, impairment of which likely contributes to AD development in Aβ-independent manners. Several preclinical studies have also demonstrated an involvement of LRP1 in regulating the pathogenic role of apoE, whose gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for AD. Nonetheless, evidence from clinical studies is not sufficient to conclude how LRP1 contributes to AD development. Thus, despite very promising results from preclinical studies, the role of LRP1 in AD pathogenesis remains to be further clarified. In this review, we discuss the potential mechanisms underlying how LRP1 affects AD pathogenesis through Aβ-dependent and -independent pathways by reviewing both clinical and preclinical studies. We also discuss potential therapeutic strategies for AD by targeting LRP1.

The Matricellular Receptor LRP1 Forms an Interface for Signaling and Endocytosis in Modulation of the Extracellular Tumor Environment

The membrane protein low-density lipoprotein receptor related-protein 1 (LRP1) has been attributed a role in cancer. However, its presumably often indirect involvement is far from understood. LRP1 has both endocytic and signaling activities. As a matricellular receptor it is involved in regulation, mostly by clearing, of various extracellular matrix degrading enzymes including matrix metalloproteinases, serine proteases, protease inhibitor complexes, and the endoglycosidase heparanase. Furthermore, by binding extracellular ligands including growth factors and subsequent intracellular interaction with scaffolding and adaptor proteins it is involved in regulation of various signaling cascades. LRP1 expression levels are often downregulated in cancer and some studies consider low LRP1 levels a poor prognostic factor. On the contrary, upregulation in brain cancers has been noted and clinical trials explore the use of LRP1 as cargo receptor to deliver cytotoxic agents. This mini-review focuses on LRP1's role in tumor growth and metastasis especially by modulation of the extracellular tumor environment. In relation to this role its diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential will be discussed.

LRP-1 polymorphism is associated with global and regional amyloid load in Alzheimer's Disease in humans in-vivo

Objective

Impaired amyloid clearance has been proposed to contribute to β-amyloid deposition in sporadic late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) is involved in the active outward transport of β-amyloid across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The C667T polymorphism (rs1799986) of the LRP-1 gene has been inconsistently associated with AD in genetic studies.

We aimed to elucidate the association of this polymorphism with in-vivo brain amyloid load of AD patients using amyloid PET with [¹¹C]PiB.

Materials and methods

72 patients with very mild to moderate AD were examined with amyloid PET and C667T polymorphism was obtained using TaqMan PCR assays. The association of C667T polymorphism with global and regional amyloid load was calculated using linear regression and voxel based analysis, respectively. The effect of the previously identified modulator of amyloid uptake, the apolipoprotein E genotype, on this association was also determined.

Results

The regression analysis between amyloid load and C667T polymorphism was statistically significant (p = 0.046, β = 0.236). In an additional analysis ApoE genotype and gender were identified to explain further variability of amyloid load. Voxel based analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) association between C667T polymorphism and amyloid uptake in the temporo-parietal cortex bilaterally. ApoE did not interact significantly with the LRP-1 polymorphism.

Discussion

In conclusion, C667T polymorphism of LRP-1 is moderately but significantly associated with global and regional amyloid deposition in AD. The relationship appears to be independent of the ApoE genotype. This finding is compatible with the hypothesis that impaired amyloid clearance contributes to amyloid deposition in late-onset sporadic AD.

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Impaired drainage systems are discussed to be causative for AD.

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LRP-1 transports Aß from the brain.

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LRP-1 polymorphism is associated with amyloid deposition in-vivo in-human.

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Results are compatible with the hypothesis of impaired drainage systems in AD.

Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) gene polymorphisms and recurrent pregnancy loss: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recently, a relationship between recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) gene polymorphisms has been proposed. In order to investigate the real association between Apo E polymorphisms and RPL, our meta-analysis was carried out.

METHODS

We estimated the association with RPL risk under dominant and recessive models, in combination with the OR and RR with a 95% confidence interval (CI), which was used to assess the association between RPL and Apo E polymorphisms.

RESULTS

According to our criterion, there were 6 studies included. The dominant model used the E4/E3 group and the OR was 1.919 (95 %CI: 1.016-3.625, I(2) = 53.8%), the RR was 1.308 (95%Cl: 1.071-1.598) suggesting that carriers of the E4 allele would have a higher risk of causing spontaneous miscarriages. In addition, the OR was 0.727 (95%CI: 0.566-0.932, I(2) = 0.0%) and RR was 0.923 (95%CI: 0.867-0.982) in a fixed model for E3/E3 homozygotes versus other genotypes, suggesting that the Apo E3 polymorphism could be a protective factor. The OR was 1.365 (95% CI: 1.029-1.811, I(2) = 0 .0%) in a fixed model comparing the E2 allele with the E3 allele, suggesting that Apo E2 polymorphisms may contribute to RPL as a risk factor. Furthermore, after conducting sensitivity analysis in the E4/E3 group, the results showed this to be consistent and the OR was 2.249 (95%CI: 1.474-3.431).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a close association between RPL and Apo E gene polymorphisms. For RPL, the Apo E4 polymorphism could be a risk factor, the Apo E3 polymorphism may be a protective factor and the Apo E2 polymorphism may be another potential risk factor.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1: a physiological Aβ homeostatic mechanism with multiple therapeutic opportunities

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) is the main cell surface receptor involved in brain and systemic clearance of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) toxin amyloid-beta (Aβ). In plasma, a soluble form of LRP1 (sLRP1) is the major transport protein for peripheral Aβ. LRP1 in brain endothelium and mural cells mediates Aβ efflux from brain by providing a transport mechanism for Aβ across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). sLRP1 maintains a plasma 'sink' activity for Aβ through binding of peripheral Aβ which in turn inhibits re-entry of free plasma Aβ into the brain. LRP1 in the liver mediates systemic clearance of Aβ. In AD, LRP1 expression at the BBB is reduced and Aβ binding to circulating sLRP1 is compromised by oxidation. Cell surface LRP1 and circulating sLRP1 represent druggable targets which can be therapeutically modified to restore the physiological mechanisms of brain Aβ homeostasis. In this review, we discuss how increasing LRP1 expression at the BBB and liver with lifestyle changes, statins, plant-based active principles and/or gene therapy on one hand, and how replacing dysfunctional plasma sLRP1 on the other regulate Aβ clearance from brain ultimately controlling the onset and/or progression of AD.

Lipid metabolism and glial lipoproteins in the central nervous system

Lipoproteins in the central nervous system (CNS) are not incorporated from the blood but are formed mainly by glial cells within the CNS. In addition, cholesterol in the CNS is synthesized endogenously because the blood-brain barrier segregates the CNS from the peripheral circulation. Apolipoprotein (apo) E is a major apo in the CNS. In normal condition, apo E is secreted from glia, mainly from astrocytes, and forms cholesterol-rich lipoproteins by ATP-binding cassette transporters. Subsequently, apo E-containing glial lipoproteins supply cholesterol and other components to neurons via a receptor-mediated process. Recent findings demonstrated that receptors of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family not only internalize lipoproteins into the cells but also, like signaling receptors, transduce signals upon binding the ligands. In this review, the regulation of lipid homeostasis will be discussed as well as roles of lipoproteins and functions of receptors of LDL receptor family in the CNS. Furthermore, the relation between lipid metabolism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is discussed.

Decreased levels of PSD95 and two associated proteins and increased levels of BCl2 and caspase 3 in hippocampus from subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: Insights into their potential roles for loss of synapses and memory, accumulation of Abeta, and neurodegeneration in a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is pathologically characterized by senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic disruption and loss, and progressive neuronal deficits. The exact mechanism(s) of AD pathogenesis largely remain unknown. With advances in technology diagnosis of a pre-AD stage referred to as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has become possible. Amnestic MCI is characterized clinically by memory deficit, but normal activities of daily living and no dementia. In the present study, compared to controls, we observed in hippocampus from subjects with MCI a significantly decreased level of PSD95, a key synaptic protein, and also decreased levels of two proteins associated with PSD95, the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, subunit 2A (NR2A) and the low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LRP1). PSD95 and NR2A are involved in long-term potentiation, a key component of memory formation, and LRP1 is involved in efflux of amyloid beta-peptide (1-42). Abeta (1-42) conceivably is critical to the pathogenesis of MCI and AD, including the oxidative stress under which brain in both conditions exist. The data obtained from the current study suggest a possible involvement of these proteins in synaptic alterations, apoptosis and consequent decrements in learning and memory associated with the progression of MCI to AD.

Non-apolipoprotein E and apolipoprotein E genetics of sporadic Alzheimer's disease

The genetic epidemiology of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD) remains a very active area of research,making it one of the most prolifically published areas in medicine and biology. Numerous putative candidate genes have been proposed. However, with the exception of apolipoprotein E (APOE), the only confirmed genetic risk factor for SAD, all the other data appear to be not consistent. Nevertheless, the genetic risk for SAD attributable to the APOE gene in the general population is 20-0%, providing a strong evidence for the existence of additional genetic risk factors. The first part of the present article was dedicated to non-APOE genetics of SAD, reviewing chromosomes-by-chromosomes the available data concerning the major candidate genes. The second part of this article focused on some recently discovered aspects of the APOE polymorphism and their implications for SAD. An attempt to identify the future directions for non-APOE genetic research in SAD was also discussed.

LRP1 and cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), which causes intracerebral hemorrhage in the elderly population, is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. In CAA, amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition is mainly detected in the cortex and leptomeningeal arteries along the interstitial fluid drainage pathway. Failure to eliminate Aβ leads to accumulation of Aβ in the perivascular region and CAA. Several clearance routes of Aβ have been described, including elimination along the perivascular interstitial fluid drainage pathway, elimination through the blood–brain barrier and uptake and degradation by glia and neurons. All of these routes express the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)1, which plays a critical role in Aβ clearance. Consequently, an impairment of Aβ clearance through LRP1 likely contributes to CAA pathogenesis. This review summarizes what is known about LRP1 and CAA as well as providing insights into the possible roles of LRP1 in Aβ clearance.

Polymorphisms of APOE and LRP genes in Brazilian individuals with Alzheimer disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia in Western countries. Putative genetic risk factors for AD are polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) gene. Our objective was to investigate the role of the APOE coding region polymorphisms epsilon 2, epsilon 3, and epsilon 4 and APOE promoter variants A/T at position -491 and G/T at -219, as well as LRP polymorphism C/T, as risk factors for AD in Brazilian individuals. One hundred and twenty patients with probable AD, along with 120 controls were analyzed. A significant difference between patients and controls for epsilon 4 alleles was observed: frequency of this allele in AD was 0.31, and 0.10 in controls. Individuals with 2 epsilon 4 alleles had a higher risk for AD than subjects with only 1 such allele; presence of 1 epsilon 2 allele proved protective. The presence of the T allele of the -219 polymorphism was also associated with an increased risk of AD, but this polymorphism is in linkage disequilibrium with APOE epsilon polymorphisms. No significant differences between patients and controls were observed for -491 APOE or LRP polymorphisms. In this Brazilian population, both the epsilon 4 allele and T -219 polymorphism were associated with an increased risk for AD.

A luteinizing hormone receptor intronic variant is significantly associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease in males carrying an apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele

Genetic and biochemical studies support the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele as a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), though ~50% of AD patients do not carry the allele. APOE transports cholesterol for luteinizing hormone (LH)-regulated steroidogenesis, and both LH and neurosteroids have been implicated in the etiology of AD. Since polymorphisms of LH beta-subunit (LHB) and its receptor (LHCGR) have not been tested for their association with AD, we scored AD and age-matched control samples for APOE genotype and 14 polymorphisms of LHB and LHCGR. Thirteen gene-gene interactions between the loci of LHB, LHCGR, and APOE were associated with AD. The most strongly supported of these interactions was between an LHCGR intronic polymorphism (rs4073366; lhcgr2) and APOE in males, which was detected using all three interaction analyses: linkage disequilibrium, multi-dimensionality reduction, and logistic regression. While the APOE ε4 allele carried significant risk of AD in males [p = 0.007, odds ratio (OR) = 3.08(95%confidence interval: 1.37, 6.91)], ε4-positive males carrying 1 or 2 C-alleles at lhcgr2 exhibited significantly decreased risk of AD [OR = 0.06(0.01, 0.38); p = 0.003]. This suggests that the lhcgr2 C-allele or a closely linked locus greatly reduces the risk of AD in males carrying an APOE ε4 allele. The reversal of risk embodied in this interaction powerfully supports the importance of considering the role gene-gene interactions play in the etiology of complex biological diseases and demonstrates the importance of using multiple analytic methods to detect well-supported gene-gene interactions.

Meta-analysis of genetic variability in the beta-amyloid production, aggregation and degradation metabolic pathways and the risk of Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Variants in genes encoding enzymes involved in production, aggregation or degradation of beta-amyloid are potential risk factors for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

Meta-analyses on AD association with BACE1 exon 5, BACE1 intron 5, FE65 intron 13, CYP46 intron 2, alpha(1)-antichymotrypsine Ala17Thr, bleomycin hydrolase I443V, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (OLR1) 3'-UTR (+1071) and (+1073), and very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) 5'-UTR (CGG-repeat) polymorphisms.

RESULTS

In BACE1 exon 5, genotype CC+CT acts as a protective factor in Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon 4 carriers [odds ratio (OR) = 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38-0.88], and as a risk factor in ApoE epsilon 4 non-carriers (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.00-1.78). OLR1 3'-UTR (+1073) allele C is associated with increased risk (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.01-1.50). VLDLR 5'-UTR genotype 2 is associated with increased risk (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.09-2.63) in the Asian population and is protective (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.26-0.86) in the non-Asian population. Other studied polymorphisms are not associated with AD.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall impact on AD risk of the genes for which meta-analyses are now available is rather limited. Additional meta-analyses of other different genes encoding for A beta production, aggregation and degradation mediators might help in determining the risk profile for AD.

Ancillary risk information and pharmacogenetic tests: social and policy implications

Some pharmacogenetic tests may provide ancillary disease risk information. To evaluate evidence and assess the social and policy implications of ancillary disease risk information associated with candidate pharmacogenetic variants, We conducted a literature search and abstract review of disease susceptibility studies for each of 42 gene variants potentially associated with drug response. Twenty-two variants (53%) had suggested association with disease risk in at least two studies, and sixteen (38%) were for diseases other than the pharmacogenetic indication. Seven variants (16%) were associated with risk for at least two different diseases. Pharmacogenetic tests have the potential to provide ancillary disease risk information, and this potential should be considered as pharmacogenetic tests are brought into clinical use. Implications will vary with each test but tests should be evaluated individually within a framework that outlines the potential implications of ancillary information.

Association between apolipoprotein E polymorphism and serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels with Alzheimer's disease

We have recently demonstrated that apolipoprotein E (APOE)-varepsilon4 allele is a risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD) in Tehran, Iran. The current study specifically aimed to examine whether APOE polymorphism in association with serum lipids-apolipoprotein level is a risk factor for AD in a population from Tehran, Iran. APOE polymorphism and plasma lipids, apoA1, apoB and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) levels were determined in 94 AD patients and 111matched controls. Our study demonstrated a significant association between APOE polymorphism and the level of plasma lipids and apolipoprotein with AD in this population. The AD subjects had significantly lower apoA1 (p<0.001) and HDL-C (p<0.01) and higher apoB (p=0.01) and LDL-C (p=0.02) levels than that of the control group. The AD subjects carrying APOE-varepsilon4 allele had lower plasma apoA1 (t=5.2, p<0.002) and HDL-C level (t=2.7, p=0.01) but had higher plasma apoB (t=-5.4, p<0.002), LDL-C (t=-4.6, p=0.005) and total cholesterol (TC) (t=-2.7, p=0.01) than that of the non APOE-varepsilon4 carriers. These results indicated that AD patients with APOE-varepsilon4 allele has a distinct plasma lipid profile and carrier of this allele with low levels of apoA1 and HDL-C may be more susceptible to AD.

A 3'-UTR polymorphism in the oxidized LDL receptor 1 gene increases Abeta40 load as cerebral amyloid angiopathy in Alzheimer's disease

It is presently unclear whether polymorphic variations in the oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1), or low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), genes act as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we have investigated the extent of amyloid beta protein (Abeta) deposition as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) or senile plaques (SP) in relationship to OLR1 +1071 and +1073 polymorphisms and LRP1 C766T polymorphism in patients with AD There was an increased Abeta40 load as CAA, but not as SP, in frontal cortex of AD patients carrying OLR1+1073 CC genotype, compared to those with CT, TT or CT+TT genotypes, but only in those individuals without apolipoprotein (APOE) epsilon4 allele. No differences in total Abeta or Abeta42 load as CAA or SP between OLR1+1073 genotypes was seen, nor were there any differences between OLR1+1071 and LRP1 genotypes for any measure of Abeta. Present data suggests that homozygosity for the C allele for OLR1+1073 polymorphism, selectively in individuals without APOE epsilon4 allele, may impair clearance of Abeta, and particularly Abeta40, from the brain across the blood-brain barrier, leading to its 'diversion' into perivascular drainage channels, thereby increasing the severity of CAA in such persons.

Candidate genes for late-onset Alzheimer's disease: Focus on chromosome 12

In recent years, there was an increasing interest on candidate genes may play an important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several genome wide screens have undertaken so far or expanded recently, and suggested a number of genomic areas that may contain novel susceptibility genes for AD, in particular most compelling have been the findings on chromosome 12. Polymorphisms in different susceptibility genes on chromosome 12 (A2M, LRP1, CP2 and OLR1) are now being suggested as possible genetic markers for increased risk of developing AD. However, many of these studies are controversial and have shown conflicting results. Thus far, the search for the chromosome 12 Alzheimer's gene must continue and there are several other genes in this region that we are looking at. In this article, we focused on the current knowledge of the genetics of familial late-onset and sporadic AD linked to the chromosome 12, and the future search for other candidate genes.

Association study of polymorphisms in LRP1, tau and 5-HTT genes and Alzheimer’s disease in a sample of Colombian patients

Analysis of genetic susceptibility factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in populations with different genetic and environmental background may be useful to understand AD etiology. There are few genetic association studies of AD in Latin America. In the present work, we analyzed polymorphisms in 3 candidate genes; the LDL receptor related protein-1, the microtubule-associated protein Tau and the serotonin transporter genes in a sample of 106 Colombian AD patients and 97 control subjects. We did not find a significant allelic or genotypic association with any of the three polymorphisms analyzed using different statistical analysis, including a neural network model or different sample stratifications. To date, APOE polymorphisms are the only genetic risk factors identified for AD in the Colombian population. It may be factible that future combination of high-throughput genotyping platforms and multivariate analysis models may lead to the identification of other genetic susceptibility factors for AD in the Colombian population.

Current knowledge of chromosome 12 susceptibility genes for late-onset Alzheimer's disease

In the last decade, it has become more apparent the important role genes play in the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Great efforts, involving human genome scans and candidate gene studies, have been given towards identifying susceptibility genes for AD. A number of regions on different chromosomes have been reported to demonstrate linkage for AD. Of these, findings on chromosome 12 are some of the most compelling. Worldwide genetic association studies pre-dating and subsequent to recent linkage studies have identified and focused upon a number of genes that map to the areas of reported linkage on chromosome 12, however, analyses of those genes studied to date, on the whole, remain inconclusive and ambiguous. This paper reviews studies that have provided evidence of linkage for AD on chromosome 12 and in turn discusses the work conducted to date on candidate genes that have been identified and map to the chromosome 12 regions of interest.