J Lipid Atheroscler.  2017 Dec;6(2):66-74. 10.12997/jla.2017.6.2.66.

The Novel Implication of Androgen in Diabetes-induced Alzheimer's Disease

• Song J
• Jung C
• Kim OY

• KMID: 2401108
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12997/jla.2017.6.2.66

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) and the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in the brain, leading to the increase in inflammation and neuronal loss. Recently, evidences to support the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and AD have markedly increased by clinical researches and experimental studies. Reduced insulin action and impaired glucose metabolism in the brain leads to diabetes induced AD. Androgen, a male sex hormone, was known to regulate inflammatory response, Aβ deposition in AD, insulin signaling, and synaptic plasticity in brain. Clinical studies demonstrated that androgen deficiency results in the increased risk of AD and its severe progression in male subjects. We reviewed the significant evidences to support that low testosterone levels are linked to diabetes-induced AD based on previous studies. Thus, we highlight the therapeutic potential of androgen in diabetes induced AD.

Keyword

Androgen; Alzheimer's disease; Insulin resistance; Inflammation; Cognitive decline

MeSH Terms

Alzheimer Disease*
Amyloid
Brain
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Glucose
Humans
Inflammation
Insulin
Insulin Resistance
Male
Metabolism
Neuronal Plasticity
Neurons
tau Proteins
Testosterone
Amyloid
Glucose
Insulin
Testosterone
tau Proteins

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Systemic images about the relationship between diabetes induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) and androgen. Diabetes induced is charactered by insulin resistance, high glucose level, Aβ accumulation, and cognitive decline. Androgen could protect neuronal cell death, Aβ accumulation, and insulin resistance in brain through PI3K, and ERK/CREB signaling. This image shows the therapeutic possibility of androgen in diabetes induced AD.

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