Brain sterol metabolism : modulating Alzheimer’s disease

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

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Abstract

This dissertation shows that stimulating the processing of cholesterol (turnover) in the brains of Alzheimer mice (by means of medication) can turn around the cognitive regression that characterizes the disease. It was also shown that the natural stimulation of the cholesterol turnover with plantsterols leads to an irreversible accumulation of these plantsterols in the brains of mice, which in healthy mice does not influence the normal brain functions. In an Alzheimer cell model, however, was found that plantsterols reduce the production of toxic peptides that characterize Alzheimer’s disease. This dissertation offers a solid foundation for further studies into the modulation of the brains-sterol-metabolism in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Dietary intervention can play an important role here.
The study was financially supported by a Marie Curie early stage training site fellowship (MEST-CT-2005-02058)
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Steinbusch, Harry, Supervisor
  • Mulder, extern, Co-Supervisor, External person
  • Lütjohann, D., Co-Supervisor, External person
Award date30 Sept 2010
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789064644115
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010

Keywords

  • Alzheimer
  • cholesterol
  • plantsterol
  • brain
  • cognition

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