
Researchers have identified a strong association between amyloid beta peptide levels and Alzheimer's disease.
"We have found that after several injections with LPS toxin, (seven consecutive days of LPS administration) mice showed significant elevation in Aβ levels in their brains," said Michael Chumley, assistant professor of biology at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. "This elevation corresponds with a decreased ability to learn simple tasks."
Scientists have long thought that inflammation might stimulate the onset of Alzheimer's or other cognitive diseases. It is well known that one of the things that cause inflammation in the brain is Aβ plaques, which are produced in response to inflammation. This leads to a self-perpetuating inflammation, where the product of inflammation leads to more inflammation. Scientists continue to research just how these Aβ plaques cause inflammation that leads to diminished brain function.
"In over 90% of all Alzheimer's disease cases, the so called sporadic AD, the cause is unknown. It is likely that many factors, including genetic, environmental, etc., play a role in the onset of AD. We believe that peripheral inflammation (inflammation outside of the brain and spinal cord), may also be one of these factors," said Chumley.
This research was published in Journal of Behavioural Brain Research in January 2012.
Source: Eurekalert
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