University of Sussex
Browse
Alruwais_BBB_APOE_2022.pdf (1.57 MB)

Evidence of emerging BBB changes in mid-age apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 carriers

Download (1.57 MB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 05:31 authored by Nourah M Alruwais, Jenifer M Rusted, Naji TabetNaji Tabet, Nicholas DowellNicholas Dowell
Introduction Studies have recognized that the loss of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity is a major structural biomarker where neurodegenerative disease potentially begins. Using a combination of high-quality neuroimaging techniques, we investigated potential subtle differences in BBB permeability in mid-age healthy people, comparing carriers of the apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 (APOEe4) genotype, the biggest risk factor for late onset, non-familial AD (LOAD) with APOEe3 carriers, the population norm. Methods Forty-one cognitively healthy mid-age participants (42–59) were genotyped and pseudo-randomly selected to participate in the study by a third party. Blind to genotype, all participants had a structural brain scan acquisition including gadolinium-based dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging acquired using a T1-weighted 3D vibe sequence. A B1 map and T1 map were acquired as part of the multi-parametric mapping acquisition. Results Non-significant, but subtle differences in blood–brain barrier permeability were identified between healthy mid-age APOEe4 and APOEe3 carriers, matched on age, education, and gender. Discussion This study demonstrated a tendency toward BBB permeability in APOEe4 participants emerging from mid-age, with quantitative differences observable on a number of the measures. While the differences did not reach a statistical significance, the results from this study hint at early changes in e4 carrier BBB that may help identify at-risk populations and facilitate the development of early interventions to change the trajectory of decline.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Brain and Behavior

ISSN

2162-3279

Publisher

Wiley

Page range

e2806 1-11

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Neuroscience Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2022-11-22

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-11-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2022-11-21

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC