An enxyme, autotaxin produced by beige adipose tissue, regulates metabolism, and is higher in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- Autotaxin is an enzyme found in the fluid around the brain and spine.
- High levels of autotaxin, significantly predicts memory impairment and Type 2 diabetes.
- A single point increase in autotaxin reflects a 300% greater likelihood of having diabetes.
- People with higher levels of autotaxin are more likely to be obese, which often causes an increase in insulin resistance. Autotoxin, an enzyme found in the fluid around the brain and spine gives a glimpse of what happens inside the minds of Alzheimer's patients and how that relates to cognitive decline. Ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2, also called autotaxin, is produced by beige adipose tissue, regulates metabolism, and is higher in AD prefrontal cortex. It is often studied in cancer research and is an even stronger indicator of Type 2 diabetes. A single point increase reflects a 300 percent greater likelihood of having the disease or pre-diabetes.
- Auriel Willette et al., Autotaxin is Related to Metabolic Dysfunction and Predicts Alzheimer's Disease Outcomes, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (2016).
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‘People with higher autotaxin levels had fewer and smaller brain cells in the frontal and temporal lobes, areas of the brain associated with memory and executive function.’
Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with cognitive decline, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease. Insulin resistance is correlated with temporal and frontal amyloid deposition and brain atrophy in patients at risk of Alzheimer’s as well as less glucose metabolism in cognitively normal elders. Researchers analyzed data from 287 adults collected through the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, a public-private partnership working to determine whether MRI and PET scans as well as biological markers can measure the progression of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
The data came from adults ranging in age from 56 to 89 years old. Study participants completed various tests to measure cognitive function. This included repeating a list of words over various time increments.
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Willette's previous research found a strong association between insulin resistance and memory decline and detrimental brain outcomes, increasing the risk for Alzheimer's disease. Insulin resistance is a good indicator, but Willette says it has limitations because what happens in the body does not consistently translate to what happens in the brain. That is why the correlation with this new enzyme found in the cerebrospinal fluid is so important.
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The fact that autotaxin is a strong predictor of Type 2 diabetes and memory decline emphasizes the importance of good physical health. Researchers say people with higher levels of autotaxin are more likely to be obese, which often causes an increase in insulin resistance.
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"Autotaxin is related to less real estate in the brain, and smaller brain regions in Alzheimer's disease mean they are less able to carry out their functions," Willette said. "It's the same thing with blood sugar. If the brain is using less blood sugar, neurons have less fuel and start making mistakes and in general do not process information as quickly."
Reference
Source-Medindia
