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Paraoxonase activity and dementia
Hanna Wehr1, Małgorzata Bednarska-Makaruk, Ałła Graban
1Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland. wehr@ipin.edu.pl
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|March 10, 2009
Summary
Reduced paraoxonase activity and elevated homocysteine levels are linked to Alzheimer disease and mixed dementia, suggesting oxidative stress plays a key role in neurodegenerative dementia development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Dementia, including Alzheimer disease and vascular dementia, poses a significant global health challenge.
- Oxidative stress and altered lipid metabolism are implicated in neurodegenerative processes.
- Paraoxonase activity and homocysteine levels are potential biomarkers for cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between paraoxonase activity, homocysteine levels, and lipid profiles in patients with different types of dementia.
- To explore the association of these biomarkers with cognitive function as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination.
- To determine the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative dementia.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 120 dementia patients (Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, mixed dementia), 45 with mild cognitive impairment, and 61 controls.
- Measurement of paraoxonase activity, serum homocysteine levels, and lipid profiles.
- Cognitive assessment using the Mini-Mental State Examination.
Main Results:
- Paraoxonase activity was significantly decreased in Alzheimer disease and mixed dementia compared to controls.
- Homocysteine levels were elevated in Alzheimer disease and mixed dementia.
- A negative correlation was observed between paraoxonase activity and homocysteine levels in Alzheimer disease.
- Mini-Mental State Examination scores positively correlated with paraoxonase activity.
Conclusions:
- Decreased paraoxonase activity and increased homocysteine levels are associated with Alzheimer disease and mixed dementia.
- These findings highlight the significant role of oxidative stress in the development of dementia with neurodegenerative components.
- Paraoxonase activity may serve as a potential biomarker for cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.
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