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Physiological cholesterol concentration is a neuroprotective factor against β-amyloid and β-amyloid-metal complexes toxicity.

Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common forms of dementia in the elderly. One of its hallmarks is the abnormal aggregation and deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ). Endogenous and exogenous metal ions seem to influence β-amyloid folding process, aggregation and deposition. Besides these variables other elements appear to affect β-amyloid behavior, such as cholesterol. The physiological concentration of cholesterol in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was used in order to determine the extent in which Aβ and Aβ-metal complexes in vitro aggregation and their toxicity on human neuroblastoma cell cultures is affected. Cholesterol did not appear to influence Aβ and Aβ-metal complexes aggregation, but it was effective in protecting neuroblastoma cells against Aβ complexes' toxicity. The Aβ-Al complex seemed to be the most effective in disrupting and damaging membrane external layer, and simultaneously it appears to increase its toxicity on cell cultures; both of these effects are preventable by cholesterol. The presence in physiological concentrations of cholesterol seemed to compensate membrane damage that occurred to neuroblastoma cells. These findings appear to contradict some data reported in literature. We believe that our results might shed some light on the role played by cholesterol at physiological concentrations in both cellular balance and membrane protection.
AuthorsA Granzotto, M Suwalsky, P Zatta
JournalJournal of inorganic biochemistry (J Inorg Biochem) Vol. 105 Issue 8 Pg. 1066-72 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1873-3344 [Electronic] United States
PMID21726769 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
CopyrightCopyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Chemical References
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Coordination Complexes
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Phospholipids
  • Cholesterol
Topics
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides (metabolism, toxicity)
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cholesterol (cerebrospinal fluid, pharmacology)
  • Coordination Complexes (metabolism, toxicity)
  • Humans
  • Neuroprotective Agents (cerebrospinal fluid, pharmacology)
  • Phospholipids (metabolism)
  • X-Ray Diffraction

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