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Effects of medications on plasma amyloid beta (Abeta) 42: longitudinal data from the VITA cohort

Imrich Blasko1, Susanne Jungwirth, Kurt Jellinger

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. imrich.blasko@i-med.ac.at

Journal of Psychiatric Research
|December 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Certain medications like insulin may increase amyloid beta (Abeta42) levels, a marker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Long-term use of Ginkgo biloba and fibrates may decrease Abeta42, but further trials are needed to confirm cognitive benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Amyloid beta (Abeta42) in cerebrospinal fluid or plasma may increase during cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Previous studies explored medication effects on plasma Abeta42 in non-demented individuals.
  • This study investigates the longitudinal impact of various medications on plasma Abeta42 levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the longitudinal effects of insulin, Ginkgo biloba, NSAIDs, oral anti-diabetics, estrogens, fibrates, and statins on plasma Abeta42 levels.
  • To assess the association between these medications and cognitive decline, including conversion to AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal analysis of plasma Abeta42 levels in a non-demented population cohort.
  • Statistical modeling to assess medication effects, considering interactions with gender, APOE-epsilon4 status, and creatinine.
  • Evaluation of medication impact on cognitive conversion to AD or MCI.

Main Results:

  • Insulin use was associated with significantly increased plasma Abeta42 levels, particularly in conjunction with medial temporal lobe atrophy.
  • Long-term users of Ginkgo biloba showed significantly decreased plasma Abeta42 levels, and a smaller age-dependent increase.
  • Fibrate use also demonstrated a trend towards decreased plasma Abeta42 levels.
  • Statins and NSAIDs did not show significant effects on plasma Abeta42.
  • No single medication studied predicted conversion to AD or MCI.

Conclusions:

  • Insulin use may be linked to elevated Abeta42 levels, a potential indicator in AD progression.
  • Ginkgo biloba and fibrates may reduce plasma Abeta42 levels, warranting further investigation.
  • Current data do not support a significant role for the studied medications in predicting cognitive decline.
  • Prospective clinical trials are necessary to validate the potential preventive effects of Ginkgo biloba on cognitive decline.

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