Aging and APOE-ε4 are determinative factors of plasma Aβ42 levels

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to confirm determinative factors for plasma Aβ and its association with cognitive function. Methods: Fasting plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels were measured by ELISA in 1019 participants in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project. The relationships between plasma Aβ and health-related items, including physical characteristics, cognitive function tests, blood chemistry, and APOE-ε4 genotype were analyzed. Results: The plasma levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42, and Aβ40/42 ratio were found to significantly increase with aging. The age-dependent increase in Aβ42 level was significantly suppressed by APOE-ε4. Renal function was an associated factor for the plasma Aβ40 level. The plasma Aβ42 level and Aβ40/42 ratio correlated with cognitive function. Interpretation: Age and APOE-ε4 are major determinative factors of plasma levels of Aβ42 and the Aβ40/42 ratio. These factors are critical adjustment factors for the usage of plasma Aβ as a biomarker of central nervous system amyloidosis.