Mark A. Fishel, M.D., from the University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues, have investigated the role of insulin increase in Alzheimer’s disease.
Mark A. Fishel, M.D., from the University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues, have investigated the role of insulin increase in Alzheimer’s disease. Moderately elevated levels of insulin increase the levels of inflammatory markers and beta-amyloid in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid and these markers may contribute to Alzheimer's disease
The test was conducted in 16 healthy older adults ranging in age from 55 to 81 years, the investigators raised blood insulin levels (while maintaining normal blood sugar levels) and then and then measured the changes in levels of inflammatory markers, modulators, and beta-amyloid (a protein associated with AD) in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid."Moderate peripheral hyperinsulinaemia (increased levels of insulin) provoked striking increases in CNS (central nervous system) inflammatory markers," the authors report. "Our findings suggest that insulin-resistant conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension may increase the risk for AD, in part through insulin-induced inflammation."
"Although this model has obvious relevance for diabetes mellitus, hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance are widespread conditions that affect many non-diabetic adults with obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Our results provide a cautionary note for the current epidemic of such conditions, which, in the context of an aging population, may provoke a dramatic increase in the prevalence of AD. More encouragingly, greater understanding of insulin's role in AD pathogenesis may lead to novel and more effective strategies for treating, delaying, or even preventing this challenging disease," the authors conclude.
Source: Archives of Neurology, JAMA
