Serum Cytokine 6, 10 and α‑Tumour Necrosis Factor Levels in Alzheimer’s Disease Subjects Treated with Donepezil Plus Vitamin B12

Abstract

Background: Neuroinflammation is a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of Cytokine 6 (Cyto‑6), Cytokine 10 (Cyto‑10), and alpha‑tumor necrosis factor (α‑TNF) in Alzheimer’s disease patients and observe the effects of donepezil plus vitamin B12 (VB12) treatment on these cytokines. Methods and Materials: Seventy‑one AD cases and 70 controls with age more than 60 years. Cyto‑6, Cyto‑10, and α‑TNF were measured using the Chemiluminescence Immulite 1000 system, Siemens. Alzheimer’s disease subjects were treated with donepezil (5 mg/day) plus VB12 (1.5 mg/day) supplement for 6 months, and serum cytokine levels were reinvestigated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Result: Cyto‑6, Cyto‑10, and α‑TNF values were raised in Alzheimer’s disease as compared to controls (P < 0.001) [AD (Cyto‑6: 10.27 ± 2.76 pg/ml; Cyto‑10: 6.2 ± 1.48 pg/ml; α‑TNF: 26.49 ± 6.85 pg/ml) and Control (Cyto‑6: 3.29 ± 0.77 pg/ml; Cyto‑10: 8.213 ± 0.787 pg/ml; α‑TNF: 5.18 ± 1.65 pg/ml)]. After 6 months, a significant decrease (P < 0.01) was observed in Cyto‑6 (7.95 ± 2.21 pg/ml), Cyto‑10 (4.77 ± 1.12 pg/ml), and α‑TNF (22.67 ± 7.00 pg/ml) levels in AD. Conclusion: We conclude that serum Cyto‑6, Cyto‑10, and α‑TNF play an inflammatory role in Alzheimer’s disease progression. Combined therapy of donepezil and VB12 supplement showed a beneficial effect in reducing inflammation. This study might benefit further research along with molecular follow‑up studies for development of novel therapeutic strategies in Alzheimer’s disease.