amyloid-beta-peptides and Multiple-Sclerosis

The effect of corticosteroid on the concentration of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in human CSF obtained from 16 patients without dementia treated with prednisolone (> or =30 mg daily) was studied. The concentrations of Abetax-40 and Abetax-42 in CSF decreased after treatment was started (p < 0.002). A moderate- or high-dose regimen of prednisolone decreases Abeta production or increases Abeta degradation in the human brain and deserves further study in AD.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Brain; Cranial Nerve Diseases; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Glucocorticoids; Graves Disease; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis; Peptide Fragments; Polymyalgia Rheumatica; Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating; Prednisolone

We quantitated serum neopterin levels in Down syndrome (DS), normal controls, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases. We then analyzed the relationships with age, sex, apolipoprotein E (Apo E) phenotype, and amyloid beta protein 1-40 (Abeta40) and 1-42 (Abeta42) levels. Neopterin levels were higher in DS than all other groups. Levels in young DS (< 40 years of age) and old DS (> 41 years) were similar. There was no significant correlation between neopterin levels and age, sex, Apo E phenotype, and Abeta40 or Abeta42 levels in DS. This lack of correlation between neopterin and Abeta levels suggests that the higher neopterin concentrations in DS group reflect inflammatory cell activation rather than AD neuropathology.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Apolipoproteins E; Case-Control Studies; Down Syndrome; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Sclerosis; Neopterin; Peptide Fragments