Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with clinical symptoms of memory loss, cognitive impairment and learning disabilities. Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress and ROS production caused by disorders of iron metabolism are associated with the pathological process of AD. Also, studies have found regional iron deposition in the brains of AD patients and that iron chelator treatment can effectively alleviate AD symptoms, and the above evidence suggests a close relationship between disorders of iron metabolism and AD.

Abnormal Iron Metabolism in AD

Studies have shown that ferroptosis is an iron-dependent and lipid peroxidation-driven type of programmed cell death that contributes to neurodegeneration in AD. Therefore, how to intervene in ferroptosis in the context of AD has become one of the questions to be addressed by research aimed at developing new therapeutic strategies.

• Iron Metabolism-related Protein Changes in AD
  Disturbances in iron metabolism and changes in the expression of iron regulatory proteins in iron metabolic pathways may lead to the accumulation of iron ions in the brain and induce oxidative stress, which can lead to neuronal damage. Many experimental results have shown that iron accumulation in the brain of AD patients is one of the sources of oxidative stress in the brain, which is closely related to the disorder of brain iron metabolism and some key iron homeostasis regulators, such as ferritin, transferrin, and FPN.

• Ferroptosis in Alzheimer's Disease
  Studies have shown that iron accumulation in the brain is associated with age spots and neuronal fiber tangle formation, that elevated iron levels in the brain increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, and that ferritin levels in cerebrospinal fluid predict progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the chronic inflammation, neuronal degeneration, and lack of downstream indicators of apoptosis that accompany Alzheimer's disease suggest the presence of other modes of cell death such as ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease.

Ablation of ferroptosis regulator glutathione peroxidase 4 in forebrain neurons promotes cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration ^[1].

Studies have proven that metal ions such as zinc, iron and copper are involved in the misfolding of β-amyloid protein, hyperphosphorylation process of tau protein; and can increase the oxidative stress of nerve cells. Protheragen provides research services on the physiological mechanisms related to iron metabolism and Alzheimer's disease, helping our clients to conduct in-depth research on the etiological significance of a Alzheimer's disease and to provide new therapeutic ideas for the prevention and treatment of the disease. If you are interested in the services we offer, please contact us for more information.