Dysfunction of norepinephrine and its metabolites in Alzheimer?s dementia-A review with meta-analysis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Moreira, IP (Author) Other; Henriques, T (Author) FMUP; vieira-coelho, ma (Author) FMUP; Guimaraes, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Ageing Research Reviews

Vol. 83

ISSN: 1568-1637

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-G5E

DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101784

Abstract (EN): Some studies point locus coeruleus cell loss, the central nervous system main source of norepinephrine, to be one of the earliest neuropathological events of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there are conflicting reports regarding the level of norepinephrine and its metabolites (3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), 3,5-dihy-droxyphenylglycine (DHPG) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde (DOPEGAL)) in AD patients. Uncover these alterations may be a key factor for understanding cognitive deficits and AD pathology. We review the literature that compare norepinephrine and its metabolites between AD patients and non-demented controls. A meta-analysis did not reveal significant statistical differences, but there was a trend towards a lower level of norepinephrine of AD, with almost no difference in MHPG in the cerebrospinal fluid. Regarding MHPG in plasma, DHPG and DOPEGAL we only performed a qualitative analyse due to the small or absent number of studies. These findings point to a decrease in norepinephrine, what is in line with locus coeluleus cell loss in AD. The absence of statistical difference and an equal level of MHGP could indicate a compensatory mechanism.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8