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Simultaneous Study of the Recruitment of Monocyte Subpopulations Under Flow In Vitro
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Simultaneous Study of the Recruitment of Monocyte Subpopulations Under Flow In Vitro

Published on: November 26, 2018

Soluble cell adhesion molecules in monocytes of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment

Tanja Hochstrasser1, Elisabeth Weiss, Josef Marksteiner

  • 1Department of General and Social Psychiatry, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria.

Experimental Gerontology
|October 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Monocyte cell adhesion molecules, including ICAM-3 and P-selectin, are decreased in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These changes may offer potential diagnostic biomarkers for AD and MCI.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves neuroinflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • Microglial cells, potentially derived from circulating monocytes, mediate damage in AD.
  • Investigating monocyte-related molecules may reveal insights into AD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore alterations in cell adhesion molecules and related markers in monocytes of AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients compared to healthy controls.
  • To assess specific molecules such as ICAM-1, ICAM-3, PECAM-1, VCAM-1, selectins, E-cadherin, RAGE, and CD14.

Main Methods:

  • Monocytes were isolated from EDTA blood samples using negative magnetic selection (MACS).
  • Extracts were analyzed using Searchlight Multiplex ELISAs to quantify target molecules.
  • Ratios of specific monocytic molecules (e.g., ICAM-3/CD14, P-selectin/CD14) were calculated and compared between groups.

Main Results:

  • The ratio of monocytic ICAM-3/CD14 was significantly decreased in both MCI and AD patients compared to healthy subjects.
  • The ratio of monocytic P-selectin/CD14 was specifically decreased in AD patients.
  • Overall, monocytic cell adhesion molecules showed decreased levels in AD and MCI patients.

Conclusions:

  • Monocytic cell adhesion molecules are altered in patients with AD and MCI.
  • The observed decreases in ICAM-3/CD14 and P-selectin/CD14 ratios suggest potential roles in AD pathogenesis.
  • Further longitudinal studies are warranted to validate these findings as diagnostic biomarkers for AD and MCI.

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