This is so interesting, Nita! So does this mean we can prevent Alzheimer’s by exercising and eating less sugar? (Or maybe eating MORE sugar, that would be fun)
Thanks, Christina! Fiber consumption, in particular, could help prevent Alzheimer's by increasing butyrate production in the gut, promoting the expression of genes that facilitate memory consolidation, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. This paper is a decent primer on the topic: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304394016300775
I wonder what role statins play in the development of insulin resistance. Reports indicate that 10% of statin users develop type 2 diabetes, independent of other factors. Do you have any thoughts on that, Nita? This was a wonderful article again. Thank you.
Great question, Tom! The mechanisms underlying this association aren't completely understood, but statins might impair pancreatic β-cell function and downregulate the expression and translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). The latter seems to be mediated by inhibition of isoprenoid synthesis.
Statins inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, which also affects the synthesis of important isoprenoids. Fig. 3 in this paper illustrates the possible mechanism: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2013.37.6.415
Patients with pre-existing risk factors for diabetes like obesity or metabolic syndrome appear to be at highest risk, and the risk may also be dose-dependent.
Thank you, Nita. That makes sense, and we should understand these pathways before taking some of these powerful medications. When I had osteoarthritis in my ankle, the ortho prescribed a drug that I refused to accept. It was later taken off the market because it caused cardiac events.
This is so interesting, Nita! So does this mean we can prevent Alzheimer’s by exercising and eating less sugar? (Or maybe eating MORE sugar, that would be fun)
Thanks, Christina! Fiber consumption, in particular, could help prevent Alzheimer's by increasing butyrate production in the gut, promoting the expression of genes that facilitate memory consolidation, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. This paper is a decent primer on the topic: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304394016300775
I wonder what role statins play in the development of insulin resistance. Reports indicate that 10% of statin users develop type 2 diabetes, independent of other factors. Do you have any thoughts on that, Nita? This was a wonderful article again. Thank you.
Great question, Tom! The mechanisms underlying this association aren't completely understood, but statins might impair pancreatic β-cell function and downregulate the expression and translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). The latter seems to be mediated by inhibition of isoprenoid synthesis.
Statins inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, which also affects the synthesis of important isoprenoids. Fig. 3 in this paper illustrates the possible mechanism: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2013.37.6.415
Patients with pre-existing risk factors for diabetes like obesity or metabolic syndrome appear to be at highest risk, and the risk may also be dose-dependent.
Thank you, Nita. That makes sense, and we should understand these pathways before taking some of these powerful medications. When I had osteoarthritis in my ankle, the ortho prescribed a drug that I refused to accept. It was later taken off the market because it caused cardiac events.
Great research which puts a lot of the pieces of the dementia puzzle together. Many thanks
Thanks, we're learning more every day!