Neurobiology of aging
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Neurobiology of aging · Nov 2003
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialIncreased concentrations of homocysteine and asymmetric dimethylarginine and decreased concentrations of nitric oxide in the plasma of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Vascular risk factors increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Increased concentrations of circulating homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of both vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. ⋯ Endothelial dysfunction is also associated with atherosclerosis and stroke, which are important risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Inflammation plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease and the inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide by ADMA may increase the concentration of inflammatory mediators in the brain. The inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthesis by ADMA may cause cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.