Study: Low Levels of Enzyme May Increase Risk of Alzheimer's

People who have low levels of an enzyme called insulysin that degrades insulin are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study that will appear soon in Proceedings of the Natonal Academy of Sciences.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center researchers found in a mouse study that even a partial decrease in insulysin increased levels of amyloid-beta peptides in the brain. High levels of these peptides increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Researcher Dr. Dwain Thiele, chief of hepatology at the medical center, said the study identifies another pathway that is important in regulating levels of amyloid-beta peptide.

Researcher Dr. Bonnie Miller, assistant professor of internal medicine, said the discovery also points to a new mechanism linking diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's, which she noted is an association that has not been understood.

Other sources: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center