Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease
09:33

Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: December 26, 2016

8.5K

Relevance of defensin β-2 and α defensins (HNP1-3) in Alzheimer's disease

Martha Szekeres1, Eszter Ivitz2, Zsolt Datki2

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology University of Szeged, Dom ter 10, Szeged 6725, Hungary.

Psychiatry Research
|April 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Higher DEFB4 gene copy numbers and elevated defensin levels (human defensin β-2 and α-defensins) were found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, suggesting a role in AD development.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.
  • Defensins are antimicrobial peptides with potential roles in inflammation and immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between DEFB4 gene copy number and defensin levels in Alzheimer's disease.
  • To explore the potential role of defensins in AD development.

Main Methods:

  • Compared DEFB4 gene copy numbers in 206 AD patients and 250 controls.
  • Quantified human defensin β-2 (hBD2) and α-defensins (HNP 1-3) levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Main Results:

  • AD patients exhibited higher DEFB4 gene copy numbers compared to controls.
  • Significantly elevated levels of hBD-2 and HNP 1-3 were observed in the serum and CSF of AD patients.

Conclusions:

  • Increased DEFB4 gene copy number is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
  • Elevated levels of human defensin β-2 and α-defensins suggest their involvement in AD pathogenesis.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial peptidesCerebrospinal fluidCopy number polymorphism

More Related Videos

Detection of Neuritic Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model06:02

Detection of Neuritic Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model

Published on: July 26, 2011

37.6K
Analysis of β-Amyloid-induced Abnormalities on Fibrin Clot Structure by Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy06:27

Analysis of β-Amyloid-induced Abnormalities on Fibrin Clot Structure by Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Published on: November 30, 2018

9.9K

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
2.0K
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
1.2K
Amyloid Fibrils03:03

Amyloid Fibrils

Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins.  Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils. 
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen.   In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
12.8K
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory01:23

Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory

Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
 Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
2.9K