Epidemiological studies demonstrate that
hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for
Alzheimer's disease (AD). As the generation and accumulation of the
beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) in the brain appears to be significant for the initiation and progression of AD, it is possible that
cholesterol levels regulate Abeta formation and/or clearance. To test the effects of altering
cholesterol on Abeta formation, we incubated cells with or without
lovastatin acid, the active metabolite of the
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin, and measured the fraction of Abeta formed from its precursor under each condition. We observed that treatment with
lovastatin acid led to a profound decrease in the levels of Abeta formed. This effect was observed at concentrations of 0.05-5 microM, ranges where this compound is effective at inhibiting
HMG-CoA reductase. To examine the effects of
lovastatin on Abeta in vivo, human subjects who had elevated
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were treated during a double-blind, randomized study with 10-60-mg once-daily doses of a
controlled-release formulation of
lovastatin, or matching placebo. Serum Abeta concentrations were measured before and after up to 3 months of treatment. Mean and median changes from baseline in serum Abeta concentrations showed a significant (p < 0.0348), dose-dependent decrease. Differences between the 40- and 60-mg dose groups and placebo were statistically significant (Dunnett's p< 0.05). Our results suggest a mechanism by which
hypercholesterolemia may increase risk for AD and indicate that
lovastatin reduces Abeta formation and may thereby be effective in delaying the onset and/or slowing the progression of AD.