Alzheimer's disease and cytokine IL-10 gene polymorphisms: is there an association?

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2017 Sep;75(9):649-656. doi: 10.1590/0004-282X20170110.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. In the last 15 years, a new theory has proposed the autoimmune mechanism as a trigger for AD. Studies on the association between AD and inflammatory biomarkers have yielded controversial results. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory mediator, has been pointed out as one of the main cytokines associated with the occurrence of AD. Moreover, treatment that increases IL-10 levels could be a potential therapy for AD, since this cytokine acts on amyloid and pro-inflammatory molecule reduction. Based on the current literature, this study reviews evidence regarding the role of IL-10 polymorphisms in the context of AD, which has been shown to be of paramount importance for attenuating neuroinflammation, cognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics*
  • Alzheimer Disease / immunology
  • Biomarkers
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Interleukin-10