Longitudinal [F]FDG-PET/CT analysis of the glucose metabolism in ApoE-deficient mice.

Background: Strong line of evidence suggests that the increased risk to develop AD may at least be partly mediated by cholesterol metabolism. A key regulator of cholesterol transport is the Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), which plays a fundamental role in neuronal maintenance and repair. Impaired function of ApoE4 may contribute to altered cerebral metabolism leading to higher susceptibility to neurodegeneration.

Metformin Therapy Aggravates Neurodegenerative Processes in ApoE-/- Mice.

Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with diabetes mellitus are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A well-known insulin-sensitizing drug and the most widely prescribed oral medication for diabetes is metformin. There is evidence that metformin acts in a neuroprotective manner via the AMPK/mTOR pathway by inhibiting the tau phosphorylation.