Genetic Factors in Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Anastazija Gnjec, Katarzyna J D'Costa, Simon M Laws, Ross Hedley, Kelvin Balakrishnan, Kevin Taddei, Georgia Martins, Athena Paton, Giuseppe Verdile, Samuel E Gandy, G Anthony Broe, William S Brooks, Hayley Bennett, Olivier Piguet, Patricia Price, Judith Miklossy, Joachim Hallmayer, Patrick L McGeer, Ralph N Martins
Primary Institution: Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, Edith Cowan University
Hypothesis
Are TNFA and BAT1 polymorphisms associated with Alzheimer's disease risk?
Conclusion
The study found that TNFA -850*2 increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease, while BAT1 -22*2 is associated with a decreased risk.
Supporting Evidence
- APOE ε4 was associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.
- BAT1 -22*2 allele was linked to a reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease.
- Elevated BAT1 mRNA levels were found in the frontal cortex of Alzheimer's disease cases.
Takeaway
Some genes can make you more likely to get Alzheimer's disease, while others can help protect you from it.
Methodology
Genotyping of TNFA and BAT1 polymorphisms was performed, and BAT1 mRNA levels were analyzed in brain tissue.
Potential Biases
Potential population-specific effects may influence the results.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable beyond the Australian population.
Participant Demographics
631 individuals from a Northern European descent population, 97% Caucasian, with 272 Alzheimer's disease cases and 359 controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.048 for TNFA -308*2
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 0.24 – 0.77 for BAT1 -22*2
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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