Toward prevention of alzheimers disease – Potential nutraceutical strategies for suppressing the production of amyloid beta peptides

SummaryAlzheimers disease (AD) can be viewed as a vicious cycle in which excess production and deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides promote microglial activation, and the resultant production of inflammatory mediators further boosts Aβ production while inducing death and dysfunction of neurons. Aβ production is mediated by beta- and gamma-secretase activities; it is prevented by alpha-secretase activity, and insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) catabolizes Aβ. High cellular cholesterol content increases Aβ synthesis by boosting beta-secretase activity; inhibition of cholesterol syntheses and/or stimulation of cholesterol export thus diminishes Aβ production. PPARγ activity decreases Aβ production by promoting harmless catabolism of amyloid precursor protein while blocking the up-regulatory impact of cytokines on beta-secretase expression. Nitric oxide produced by the healthy cerebral microvasculature can suppress Aβ production by boosting expression of alpha-secretase while suppressing that of beta-secretase; conversely, cerebral ischemia provokes increased APP expression. Good insulin sensitivity and efficient brain insulin function protect by inhibiting gamma-secretase activity and increasing expression of IDE. The DHA provided by fish oil diminishes cerebral Aβ deposition in rodent AD models, for unclear reasons. Various measures which oppose microglial activation can inhibit up-regulation of beta-secretase and gamma-secretase by oxidants and cytokines, respectively. These considerations suggest that a number of nutraceutical or lifestyle measures may have potential for preventing or slowing AD: policosanol; 9-cis-beta-carotene; isomerized hops extract; DHA; measures which promote efficient endothelial NO generation, such as low-salt/potassium-rich diets, exercise training, high-dose folate, and flavanol-rich cocoa; chromium picolinate and cinnamon extract as aids for insulin sensitivity; and various agents which can oppose microglial activation, including vitamin D, genistein, and sesamin. The impact of these measures on Aβ production in rodent models of AD should be evaluated, with the intent of defining practical strategies for AD prevention.