The Relationship Between Astrocyte-mediated Metabolism of β-Amyloid Protein and Pathogenesis of The Early Stages of Alzheimer′s Disease*: The Relationship Between Astrocyte-mediated Metabolism of β-Amyloid Protein and Pathogenesis of The Early Stages of Alzheimer′s Disease*

Abstract

Alzheimer′s disease(AD),which is characterized with acquired deterioration of cognitive functioning and neuronal loss,is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the elderly population.However,the pathogenesis of AD is still unclear.The accumulation of β-amyloid protein(Aβ) in the brains has been associated with pathogenesis of AD.Studies have shown that astrocytes,the most abundant cells in the central nervous system(CNS),play an important role in the cause and progression of AD by regulating the metabolism of Aβ.The present paper reviews the production,internalization and degradation of Aβ in astrocytes.Our goal is to provide updated views of the role and mechanism of astrocytes in the metabolism of Aβ and its role in pathogenesis in the early stages of Alzheimer′s disease.