High Level of Fat-Transporting Molecule Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease

Oxford, 24 April 2024 – In a new, groundbreaking study by the University of Mississippi and Harvard University, researchers have potentially identified a novel risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. High levels of a specific lipoprotein could increase the likelihood of developing this neurodegenerative disease, according to the findings.

Groundbreaking Study Finds Potential Alzheimer’s link

Published in Nature’s Communications Biology, the research employed genetic data from 21,982 Alzheimer’s patients and 41,944 controls. The research focused on a specific type of lipoprotein – a molecule that transports fat throughout the body – found in Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), often known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. It was concluded that higher levels of this specific lipoprotein may elevate Alzheimer’s disease risk.

“The method that we used, Mendelian randomization, removes many of the problems that happen in correlational research,” said lead scientist Charleen Adams from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: A Growing Concern

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common dementia form, triggers more than 10 million new diagnoses each year, equivalent to one new diagnosis every three seconds. Despite Alzheimer’s disease’s common prevalence, its exact causes still remain largely unknown.

Apolipoprotein: A Key Player in Metabolism

The research focused on a specific lipoprotein called Apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB). A crucial metabolic process player, APOB has previously been linked to cardiovascular disease. Given the difficulty of modifying APOB levels in study participants, this association analysis is considered challenging. But the use of Mendelian randomization has provided significant insights.

Caution and Optimism About Findings

However, co-author Brian Boutwell, an associate professor of population health science at the University of Mississippi, cautions against rush conclusions. He underlines that the research should not be seen as fundamental, incontrovertible proof of APOB causing Alzheimer’s disease.

“We need five, ten, fifteen more studies that line up with what our results show,” Boutwell said. “That’s the nature of science.” But both Boutwell and Adams concur – further research needs to clarify the mechanism that heightens Alzheimer’s risk.

More than Just ‘Bad’ Cholesterol: APOB in Our Bodies

It’s crucial to remember that lipoproteins play essential roles in our bodies beyond disease, such as transporting fats and cholesterol necessary for new cell creation. Alluding to this, Boutwell highlighted, “Cholesterol is vital to life, not only in our species but in many others as well.”

Future Implications of the Study

While there’s still much work to be done before categorically stating high APOB levels cause Alzheimer’s, both Adams and Boutwell hope their study will inspire other researchers’ interest in the field. Boutwell succinctly concluded, “We’re not there yet, but I think most folks would agree it’s a goal very much worth pursuing.”