Plasma levels of beta-amyloid(1-40), beta-amyloid(1-42), and total beta-amyloid remain unaffected in adult patients with hypercholesterolemia after treatment with statins.

• BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies suggest that statins reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer disease. Cell and animal experiments have revealed a connection between cholesterol metabolism and the processing of amyloid precursor protein. To our knowledge, the mechanism for statins in risk reduction of Alzheimer disease is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To test the effect of statin treatment on beta-amyloid (A beta) metabolism in humans. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, dose-finding 36-week treatment trial with statins. Plasma samples were taken at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 6, 12, and 36. SETTING: Outpatient clinical study at a university hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-nine patients who met the criteria for hypercholesterolemia. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to oral treatment with either simvastatin or atorvastatin calcium according to the following regimen: simvastatin, 40 mg/d, or atorvastatin, 20 mg/d, for 6 weeks; followed by simvastatin, 80 mg/d, or atorvastatin, 40 mg/d, for 6 weeks; and finally, simvastatin, 80 mg/d, or atorvastatin, 80 mg/d, for 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma levels of A beta(1-40) and A beta(1-42) were measured using 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and total A beta was quantified by Western blotting. RESULTS: Treatment with both statins reduced total plasma cholesterol levels by 56% (P =.00). The plasma levels of A beta(1-40), A beta(1-42), and total A beta were stable in individual patients during the treatment period. No significant change in the level of A beta(1-40), A beta(1-42), or total A beta was found. CONCLUSION: This study questions the effect of statins on the processing of amyloid precursor protein in humans.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adult

Aged

Amyloid beta-Protein

blood

Anticholesteremic Agents

therapeutic use

Cross-Over Studies

Dose-Response Relationship

Drug

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

methods

Female

Heptanoic Acids

therapeutic use

Humans

Hypercholesterolemia

blood

drug therapy

Lipids

blood

Male

Middle Aged

Peptide Fragments

blood

Prospective Studies

Pyrroles

therapeutic use

Simvastatin

therapeutic use

Time Factors

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)