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Population variation in glial fibrillary acidic protein levels in brain ageing: Relationship to alzheimer-type pathology and dementiaon behalf of the MRC cognitive function and ageing neuropathology study group

Wharton, S. B.; O'Callaghan, J. P.; Savva, G. M.; Nicoll, J. A.R.; Matthews, F.; Simpson, J. E.; Forster, G.; Shaw, P. J.; Brayne, C.; Ince, P. G.

Authors

S. B. Wharton

J. P. O'Callaghan

G. M. Savva

J. A.R. Nicoll

J. E. Simpson

G. Forster

P. J. Shaw

C. Brayne

P. G. Ince



Abstract

Background: The cellular pathology of astrocytes in brain ageing and their role in modulating the brain's response to neurodegenerative pathology remain incompletely understood. Methods: Using quantitative ELISA, we have investigated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in the population-based neuropathology cohort of the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study to determine: (1) the population variation in the astroglial hypertrophic response, (2) its relationship to the presence of Alzheimer-type pathology, and (3) its association with cognition. Results: Increasing GFAP was found with increasing Braak stage, levels increasing even at early stages. Within Braak stages, GFAP did not differ between demented and non-demented individuals, but there was greater variance in GFAP in the demented. Possession of ApoE ε4 was associated with slightly increased GFAP levels (not significant) for given amyloid β protein loads. Conclusion: In a population-based sample, increasing gliosis precedes development of Alzheimer lesions. Population variation in GFAP with varying Alzheimer lesion burdens suggests that they are not the only driver for astrogliosis. GFAP was not independently predictive of dementia, but the variation in astrocytic responses may be a factor modulating brain responses to neurodegenerative pathology. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Citation

Wharton, S. B., O'Callaghan, J. P., Savva, G. M., Nicoll, J. A., Matthews, F., Simpson, J. E., Forster, G., Shaw, P. J., Brayne, C., & Ince, P. G. (2009). Population variation in glial fibrillary acidic protein levels in brain ageing: Relationship to alzheimer-type pathology and dementiaon behalf of the MRC cognitive function and ageing neuropathology study group. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 27(5), 465-473. https://doi.org/10.1159/000217729

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jun 1, 2009
Deposit Date Dec 8, 2023
Journal Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
Print ISSN 1420-8008
Publisher Karger Publishers
Volume 27
Issue 5
Pages 465-473
DOI https://doi.org/10.1159/000217729
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4455157