Bibliographic
The goal of this study was to investigate the interrelation between AD and diabetes using a high fat diet (HFD) in a mouse model of AD-like neuropathology (3xTg-AD). The HFD massively increased brain beta amyloid pathology and worsened memory function in 3xTg-AD mice. A single acute injection of insulin in 3xTg-AD mice fed with HFD restored memory function and brought back soluble brain Abeta concentrations to control levels, while increasing plasma Abeta levels in plasma. These data reveal tight links between AD and peripheral metabolic defects and suggest that insulin signaling in the brain plays a key role in the production and clearance of Abeta from the brain to the blood. If replicable in humans, these findings highlight the potential of correcting insulin signaling defects as a promising therapeutic tool to modulate cerebral concentrations of Abeta and treat Abeta-related symptoms of AD.