Clinical relevance of plasma ADAM-17 with cognition and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease

Background A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM-17) has multiple pathophysiological functions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the clinical relevance of ADAM-17 in AD is not clear yet. Objective This study aims to investigate the levels of circulating ADAM-17 and their association with AD. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 40 normal cognition (NC) participants and 36 AD patients. Plasma ADAM-17 and biomarkers of neurodegeneration were determined. The association of plasma ADAM-17 with cognitive functions and biomarkers of neurodegeneration was analyzed. Results Plasma ADAM-17 levels were elevated in AD patients in comparison with NC subjects. Plasma ADAM-17 was positively associated with Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores, but negatively associated with the Mini-Mental State Examination scores and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. Plasma ADAM-17 levels were positively associated with the levels of Aβ 40 , Aβ 42 , and p-Tau181. Conclusions These findings suggest a link between ADAM-17 and the pathogenesis of AD from a clinical perspective.