[Alpha2-macroglobulin gene polymorphism in patients with Alzheimer's disease]

Recent studies suggest that alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2 m) may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The presence of alpha 2-macroglobulin G/G genotype is thought to increase the risk of AD. The aim of the study was to analyse alpha 2 m polymorphism in two groups: AD patients (n = 60, F = 41, M. = 19, mean age 73.3 +/- 6.3) and non-demented control group (n = 58, F = 36, M. = 22, mean age 73.1 +/- 8.3, mean MMSE score 27). Frequencies of genotypes A/A, A/G, G/G in AD group were: 0.46: 0.42: 0.12. In control group those frequencies were: 0.40: 0.48: 0.12. The lack of statistically significant difference between G/G frequencies in both groups of patients may suggest that alpha 2-macroglobulin G/G genotype is not a risk factor for AD.