Correlation of statin-increased platelet APP ratios and reduced blood lipids in AD patients

Neurology. 2003 Jun 24;60(12):2006-7. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000068029.56740.96.

Abstract

Platelets, like neurons, contain 120- to 130- and 110-kd amyloid precursor proteins (APPs). Their ratio is reduced in AD, further reductions correlating with reduced Mini-Mental Status Examination scores [r(11) = 0.69, p < 0.05]. As statins alter APP processing, platelet APPs were analyzed in patients with AD given anticholesterol drugs for 6 weeks. APP ratios increased [t(37) = -3.888, p = 0.0004], proportionally with reduced cholesterol [r(36) = -0.45, p = 0.005]. Longer trials may reveal slowed cognitive loss, validating this index.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / blood*
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / blood*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / blood*
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects*
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Lovastatin / pharmacology*
  • Lovastatin / therapeutic use
  • Niacin / pharmacology
  • Niacin / therapeutic use
  • Pravastatin / pharmacology*
  • Pravastatin / therapeutic use
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / drug effects
  • Simvastatin / pharmacology*
  • Simvastatin / therapeutic use
  • Single-Blind Method

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Niacin
  • Cholesterol
  • Lovastatin
  • Simvastatin
  • Pravastatin