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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction (PPI) Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: November 14, 2017
Oxidative DNA damage in peripheral leukocytes of mild cognitive impairment and AD patients
L Migliore1, I Fontana, F Trippi
1Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, University of Pisa, Via S. Giuseppe 22, 56126 Pisa, Italy. I.migliore@geog.unipi.it
Abstract:
It is well established that oxidative stress plays a key role in the degenerative neuronal death and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although it is not clear if it is the primary triggering event in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical condition between normal aging and AD, characterized by a memory deficit without loss of general cognitive and functional abilities. We performed this study by a comet assay analysis to evaluate the level of primary and oxidative DNA damage in two groups of MCI and AD patients, compared to healthy controls. Data showed a significantly higher level of primary DNA damage in leukocytes of AD and also of MCI patients compared to control individuals (average: 2.09+/-0.79 and 2.47+/-1.01, respectively for AD and MCI, versus 1.04+/-0.31 in controls). Moreover, the amount of oxidised DNA bases (both purines and pyrimidines) was significatively higher in the two groups of patients (AD and MCI) compared to controls. Our results give a further indication that oxidative stress, at least at the DNA level, is an earlier event in the pathogenesis of AD.
Insights
Oxidative stress, indicated by DNA damage, is an early event in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) pathogenesis. This DNA damage is significantly higher in patients with MCI and AD compared to healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oxidative stress is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurodegeneration.
- The precise role of oxidative stress as a primary trigger in AD pathogenesis remains unclear.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate stage between normal aging and AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of primary and oxidative DNA damage in patients with MCI and AD.
- To compare DNA damage levels between MCI patients, AD patients, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Comet assay analysis was employed to assess DNA damage.
- Leukocytes from MCI patients, AD patients, and healthy controls were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated primary DNA damage was observed in leukocytes of both AD and MCI patients compared to controls.
- Oxidized DNA bases (purines and pyrimidines) were significantly higher in AD and MCI patient groups versus controls.
- Average primary DNA damage levels were 2.09±0.79 for AD, 2.47±1.01 for MCI, and 1.04±0.31 for controls.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress, evidenced by DNA damage, appears to be an early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
- These findings suggest that DNA damage is a relevant biomarker in the progression from MCI to AD.
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