Shaik Munvar M, Gan Siew H, Kamal Mohammad A
Human Genome Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2014 Mar;13(2):283-9. doi: 10.2174/18715273113126660181.
Cognitive decline is a debilitating feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The causes leading to such impairment are still poorly understood and effective treatments for AD are still unavailable. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been identified as a risk factor for AD due to desensitisation of insulin receptors in the brain. Recent studies have suggested that epigenetic mechanisms may also play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of both AD and T2DM. This article describes the correlation between AD and T2DM and provides the insights to the epigenetics of AD. Currently, more research is needed to clarify the exact role of epigenetic regulation in the course and development of AD and also in relation to insulin. Research conducted especially in the earlier stages of the disease could provide more insight into its underlying pathophysiology to help in early diagnosis and the development of more effective treatment strategies.
认知功能衰退是阿尔茨海默病（AD）的一个致残特征。导致这种损害的原因仍知之甚少，且针对AD的有效治疗方法仍然缺乏。2型糖尿病（T2DM）已被确定为AD的一个风险因素，原因是大脑中的胰岛素受体脱敏。最近的研究表明，表观遗传机制可能在AD和T2DM的发病机制中也起关键作用。本文描述了AD与T2DM之间的相关性，并提供了对AD表观遗传学的见解。目前，需要更多研究来阐明表观遗传调控在AD病程和发展中以及与胰岛素相关的确切作用。特别是在疾病早期阶段进行的研究可以更深入地了解其潜在的病理生理学，以帮助早期诊断和制定更有效的治疗策略。
