Oxidative stress, Homocysteine and Alzheimer's Disease

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia for which there is no effective therapy. Although the causative events(s) responsible for the disease is not known, it is evident that some environmental elements by interacting with endogenous factors could play a role in its pathogenesis. Epidemiological studies have shown that high blood levels of homocysteine (Hcy), a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a risk factor for developing AD. Hcy derives from the conversion of methionine through reactions that are dependent on the presence of necessary vitamins (i.e., B6, B12 and folate). Since cellular exposure in vitro to Hcy induces oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, we want to test the hypothesis that these mechanisms mediate in vivo the link between AD and HHcy. Previously, we have shown that lipid peroxidation is increased in selective areas of AD brains, and in AD patients where it correlates with disease severity. Inflammation also occurs in AD, and it does do with the full complexity of local and peripheral inflammatory responses. Transgenic mice over-expressing the Swedish mutation of the amyloid precursor protein (Tg2576) manifest signs of brain lipid peroxidation and inflammation. Our longterm goal is to define the effects of long-term exposure to HHcy in two different models of AD-like amyloidosis (Tg2576 and the APP/YAC Tg mice). First, we will test the hypothesis that diet-induced HHcy exacerbates brain oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerates behavioral impairments and brain amyloid/3 peptide deposition in these mice. Second, by cross-breeding AD Tg mice with Tg mice that are deficient for a key enzyme in Hcy metabolism, we will investigate whether genetic-induced HHcy exacerbates brain oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, behavioral impairments, and amyloid beta peptide levels and deposition. In summary, this proposal tests the hypothesis that long-term exposure to high Hcy levels exacerbates ADlike phenotype in two different mouse models of AD-like amyloidosis, and investigates some of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that could account for this effect. These studies will be a necessary basis before prevention studies aimed to reduce Hcy levels are initiated in patients at risk for AD.