Targeting hypercoagulation to alleviate Alzheimer's disease progression in metabolic syndrome

Int J Obes (Lond). 2022 Feb;46(2):245-254. doi: 10.1038/s41366-021-00977-1. Epub 2021 Oct 22.

Abstract

Introduction: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) constitutes an important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the mechanism linking these two disorders has not been completely elucidated. Hence, hypercoagulation may account for the missing hallmark connecting MetS and AD. The present review proposes how hemostatic imbalance triggered in MetS advances in the context of AD. MetS causes interruption of insulin signaling and inflammation, inciting insulin resistance in the brain. Subsequently, neuroinflammation and brain endothelial dysfunction are prompted that further intensify the exorbitant infiltration of circulating lipids and platelet aggregation, thereby causing hypercoagulable state, impairing fibrinolysis and eventually inducing prothrombic state in the brain leading to neurodegeneration.

Objective: This study aims to understand the role of hypercoagulation in triggering the progression of neurodegeneration in MetS. It also offers a few interventions to prevent the progression of AD in MetS targeting hypercoagulation.

Methods: Literature studies based on MetS related neurodegeneration, the impact of coagulation on aggravating obesity and AD via the mechanisms of BBB disruption, neuroinflammation, and hypofibrinolysis.

Conclusion: The present paper proposes the hypothesis that hypercoagulation might amplify MetS associated insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, BBB disruption, and amyloid beta accumulation which eventually leads to AD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology
  • Alzheimer Disease / etiology*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Metabolic Syndrome / complications*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Thrombophilia / therapy*