The role of Alzheimer’s disease related factors on blood-brain barrier transport of fatty acids and astrocyte release of apolipoprotein E isoforms

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to the imbalance of iron and an essential fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brain. A variant of a lipid-associated protein called apolipoprotein E4 increases AD risk and affects DHA movement into the brain. Iron impacts other proteins at the interface between the blood and the brain. This research examined how excess iron, apolipoprotein E status and DHA movement at the interface can contribute to AD. Findings suggest that targeting iron could be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD, as it impacts multiple factors that are important for the development of AD.