CRP gene variation affects early development of Alzheimer's disease-related plaques

2011

CRP Gene Variation and Alzheimer's Disease Plaques

Sample size: 603 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kok Eloise Helena, Alanne-Kinnunen Mervi, Isotalo Karita, Luoto Teemu, Haikonen Satu, Goebeler Sirkka, Perola Markus, Hurme Mikko A, Haapasalo Hannu, Karhunen Pekka J

Primary Institution: School of Medicine, University of Tampere and Centre for Laboratory Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland

Hypothesis

Individuals with CRP genotypes associated with higher CRP production would be more likely to show development of senile plaques in the prodromal phase of Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion

CRP gene variation affects early senile plaque development in prodromal Alzheimer's disease, independent of APOE genotype.

Supporting Evidence

High-CRP level SNPs were associated with increased risk of non-neuritic senile plaques.
The low-CRP level-linked C allele of SNP rs2794521 reduced the risk of non-neuritic senile plaques.
CRP staining correlated with Aβ staining in the hippocampal region.

Takeaway

This study found that certain gene variations related to inflammation can influence the early signs of Alzheimer's disease in the brain.

Methodology

The study used autopsy data from 603 individuals to analyze the association between CRP gene SNPs and the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.