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Microglial activation in early Alzheimer trajectory is associated with higher gray matter volume

Grazia Daniela Femminella1, Melanie Dani1, Melanie Wood1

  • 1From the Department of Medicine (G.D.F., M.D., M.W., Z.F., V.C., R.A., D.J.B., P.E.), Imperial College London; Department of Psychology (T.E.), University of London, London; Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre (R.H.), University of Manchester, UK; and Department of Nuclear Medicine (D.J.B.), Aarhus University, Denmark.

Neurology
|February 24, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microglial activation in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to increased gray matter and hippocampal volume, suggesting a potentially beneficial role. Further research is needed to explore therapeutic strategies targeting microglial activation in AD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Radiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
  • Early diagnosis and understanding of AD pathogenesis are crucial.
  • Microglial activation is implicated in AD, but its role in early stages is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between microglial activation and brain volume in early Alzheimer's disease.
  • To assess the association between microglial activation markers and gray matter/hippocampal volume in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Main Methods:

  • 55 participants (37 MCI, 18 controls) underwent [11C]PBR28 PET for microglial activation and volumetric MRI.
  • Brain volumes, including gray matter and hippocampus, were quantified.
  • Statistical parametric mapping and amyloid PET ([18F]flutemetamol) were utilized.

Main Results:

  • Higher [11C]PBR28 uptake (microglial activation) correlated with increased gray matter volume in both amyloid-positive and -negative MCI patients.
  • Increased hippocampal volume was associated with higher cortical [11C]PBR28 uptake.

Conclusions:

  • Microglial activation in MCI is associated with preserved or increased brain volumes, not necessarily neuronal damage.
  • Findings suggest a potentially beneficial or protective role of microglial activation in early AD.
  • Results have implications for therapeutic strategies targeting microglial pathways in Alzheimer's disease.

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