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Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy to Study Microglial Interactions with β-Amyloid Plaques
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Rust on the Brain from Microbleeds and Its Relevance to Alzheimer Studies: Invited Commentary on Cacciottolo

M Cacciottolo1, T E Morgan1, C E Finch2

  • 1Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles CA, USA.

Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease & Parkinsonism
|January 3, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cerebral microbleeds (MB) are linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) cognitive decline. This commentary discusses MB detection gaps, hemoglobin

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neuropathology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cerebral microbleeds (MB) and small vessel disease (SVD) contribute to cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Sex-ApoE interactions influence MB prevalence in AD.
  • Previous research highlighted the need for further exploration of MBs in AD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss key aspects of cerebral microbleeds (MBs) not fully covered in a recent report on sex-ApoE interactions.
  • To explore the discrepancy between MRI and post-mortem MB detection.
  • To examine the role of hemoglobin degradation products in neurodegeneration and assess MBs via CSF iron markers for AD screening.

Main Methods:

  • Commentary based on a recent report on sex-ApoE interactions in MBs.
  • Discussion of existing literature regarding MB prevalence detection methods (MRI vs. post-mortem).
  • Exploration of the biochemical pathways involving hemoglobin degradation products and amyloid pathology.
  • Consideration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) iron-related markers for MB assessment.

Main Results:

  • A potential gap exists between MRI-detected MB prevalence and post-mortem findings.
  • Hemoglobin degradation products may play a role in amyloid-associated neurodegeneration.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) iron assays show promise for screening AD patient subgroups for interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Cerebral microbleeds are a significant factor in AD cognitive impairments, influenced by sex-ApoE interactions.
  • Further research is needed to reconcile MB detection discrepancies and understand the role of hemoglobin products.
  • CSF iron markers may offer a novel approach for identifying patients for AD therapeutic interventions.
Keywords:
Alzheimer diseaseCSF hemeMicrobleedsTransgenic mice

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