Open AccessAn amylin analog used as a challenge test for Alzheimer's disease
Author(s) -
Zhu Haihao,
Stern Robert A.,
Tao Qiushan,
Bourlas Alexandra,
Essis Maritza D.,
Chivukula Meenakshi,
Rosenzweig James,
Steenkamp Devin,
Xia Weiming,
Mercier Gustavo A.,
Tripodis Yorghos,
Farlow Martin,
Kowall Neil,
Qiu Wei Qiao
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: translational research and clinical interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.49
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 2352-8737
DOI - 10.1016/j.trci.2016.12.002
Subject(s) - amylin , medicine , diabetes mellitus , hypoglycemia , endocrinology , pharmacology , islet
Preclinical studies demonstrate the potential of amylin in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to lay the foundation for repurposing the amylin analog and a diabetes drug, pramlintide, for AD in humans. Methods We administered a single subcutaneous injection of 60 μg of pramlintide to nondiabetic subjects under fasting conditions. Results None of the participants developed hypoglycemia after the injection of pramlintide. The pramlintide challenge induced a significant surge of amyloid‐β peptide and a decrease in total tau in the plasma of AD subjects but not in control participants. The pramlintide injection provoked an increase in interleukin 1 receptor antagonist and a decrease in retinol‐binding protein 4, which separates AD subjects from control subjects. Discussion Pramlintide use appeared to be safe in the absence of diabetes. The biomarker changes as a result of the pramlintide challenge, which distinguished AD from control subjects and mild cognitive impairment.