Plasma levels of soluble ADAM10 are increased in persons with Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Background: Active ADAM10 is a transmembrane protein with α-secretase function that inhibits β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide formation, an important neuropathological agent of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, persons with cognitive decline, such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), have a high conversion rate to AD. Previous studies show that the levels of active platelet ADAM10 are reduced in persons with AD dementia, compared with cognitively healthy individuals. In blood plasma the inactive and soluble form of ADAM10 is found. In this study we investigated the levels of inactive ADAM10 in plasma in order to corroborate with previous results found in platelets. Method:This study was approved by the UFSCar's Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 02763012.0.0000.5504). Altogether, samples from 88 participants (n = 28 MCI, n = 31 AD and n = 29 controls) were analysed in this study. Blood samples were collected, plasma was separated and total protein content (15µg) was run on gel electrophoresis