New possible cause of Alzheimer's disease

Scientists have discovered a new possible cause for Alzheimer's disease. Kichev et al. from the University of Lleida-Irblleida in Spain investigated the fact that pro-nerve growth factor (pro-NGF) is expressed at higher levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. They found that in the disease state, the glycation and oxidation of pro-NGF to form NGF is blocked, and excessive levels of pro-NGF trigger nerve cell apoptosis. The team injected pro-NGF into rat brains and found that their learning capability and plasticitywere diminished. Both these symptoms are hallmarks of AD.

Alzheimer's is typically attributed to the accumulation of amyloid fibrils of mutant tau proteins. The exact method by which these fibrils cause pathology, or whether they are a cause at all, is unknown. Alternative explanations of the pathophysiology of AD and other neurological diseases will spur discussion within the scientific community and hold the possibility of furthering our understanding of the underlying causes of these diseases.

Kichev et al. Cell Death and Learning Impairment in Mice Caused by in Vitro Modified Pro-NGF Can Be Related to Its Increased Oxidative Modifications in Alzheimer Disease. American Journal Of Pathology, 2009; DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2009.090018