The relationship between cholesterol level and Alzheimer's disease-associated APP proteolysis/Aβ metabolism

Globally, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly population, the hallmark of which is amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. Energy metabolism and AD pathogenesis are believed to influence one another. Different cholesterol levels are thought to influence various steps in neurotoxic Aβ generation, including amyloid precursor protein (APP) proteolysis and the corresponding activities of α-, β-, and γ-secretases. In addition, cholesterol has been proved to mediate Aβ metabolism, such as its fibrillation, transportation, degradation, and clearance processes. The current review discusses in detail the intimate interaction between the cholesterol level and the various aspects of APP proteolysis and Aβ metabolism.