Arachidonic acid induces brain endothelial cell apoptosis via p38-MAPK and intracellular calcium signaling.

Arachidonic acid (AA), a bioactive fatty acid whose levels increase during neuroinflammation, contributes to cerebral vascular damage and dysfunction. However, the mode of injury and underlying signaling mechanisms remain unknown. Challenge of primary human brain endothelial cells (HBECs) with AA activated a stress response resulting in caspase-3 activation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, and disruption of monolayer integrity.

Neuropsychological performance in early and late onset Alzheimer's disease: comparisons in a memory clinic population.

Objectives: To compare the neuropsychological performance associated with early and late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), in order to identify differences and compare these with previous reports.

Methods: Patients attending a memory clinic were given a detailed multi-disciplinary diagnostic assessment, including a battery of neuropsychological tests. From those meeting ICD-10 criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD), an early-onset (EO) group (n = 40) and a late-onset (LO) group (n = 90) were identified, and their performances compared.