The lipophilic metal chelator DP-109 reduces amyloid pathology in brains of human β-amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice

Metals such as zinc, copper and iron contribute to aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein and deposition of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study examined whether the lipophilic metal chelator DP-109 inhibited these events in aged female hAPP-transgenic Tg2576 mice. Daily gavage administration of DP-109 for 3 months markedly reduced the burden of amyloid plaques and the degree of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in brains, compared to animals receiving vehicle treatment. Moreover, DP-109 treatment appeared to facilitate the transition of Aβ from insoluble to soluble forms in the cerebrum. These results further support the hypothesis that endogenous metals are involved in the deposition of aggregated Aβ in brains of AD patients, and that metal chelators may be useful therapeutic agents in the treatment of AD.