Diabetes-accelerated memory dysfunction via cerebrovascular inflammation and Abeta deposition in an Alzheimer mouse model with diabetes

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Apr 13;107(15):7036-41. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1000645107. Epub 2010 Mar 15.

Abstract

Recent epidemiological studies suggest that diabetes mellitus is a strong risk factor for Alzheimer disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, to investigate the pathophysiological interaction between these diseases, we generated animal models that reflect the pathologic conditions of both diseases. We crossed Alzheimer transgenic mice (APP23) with two types of diabetic mice (ob/ob and NSY mice), and analyzed their metabolic and brain pathology. The onset of diabetes exacerbated Alzheimer-like cognitive dysfunction without an increase in brain amyloid-beta burden in double-mutant (APP(+)-ob/ob) mice. Notably, APP(+)-ob/ob mice showed cerebrovascular inflammation and severe amyloid angiopathy. Conversely, the cross-bred mice showed an accelerated diabetic phenotype compared with ob/ob mice, suggesting that Alzheimer amyloid pathology could aggravate diabetes. Similarly, APP(+)-NSY fusion mice showed more severe glucose intolerance compared with diabetic NSY mice. Furthermore, high-fat diet feeding induced severe memory deficits in APP(+)-NSY mice without an increase in brain amyloid-beta load. Here, we created Alzheimer mouse models with early onset of cognitive dysfunction. Cerebrovascular changes and alteration in brain insulin signaling might play a pivotal role in this relationship. These findings could provide insights into this intensely debated association.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / biosynthesis*
  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / physiopathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Inflammation
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / complications
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Insulin