Molecular dynamics of amyloid-β transport in Alzheimer's disease: Exploring therapeutic plasma exchange with albumin replacement – Current insights and future perspectives

Introduction

The complex process of amyloid-β (Aβ) transportation across the blood–brain and blood–cerebrospinal fluid barriers is crucial for preventing Aβ accumulation, which linked to dementia and neurodegeneration. This review explores therapeutic plasma exchange with albumin replacement in Alzheimer's disease, based on the dynamics of amyloid-β between the brain, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Methodology

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and open databases (bioRxiv, MedRixv, preprint.org) up to April 30, 2023. The first search utilized the following MeSH terms and keywords: ‘Plasma Exchange’, ‘Plasmapheresis’, ‘Therapeutic plasma exchange’, ‘Apheresis’, ‘Aβ’, ‘p-tau’, ‘Total-tau’, ‘Alzheimer's disease’, ‘Cognitive dysfunction’, ‘neurodegenerative diseases’, ‘centrifugation’, ‘membranous’, and ‘filtration’ in the Title/Abstract, yielding 146 results. A second search with the keywords: ‘Albumin’, ‘Aβ’, ‘BBB’, ‘Alzheimer's dementia’, and ‘Nerve degeneration’ resulted in 125 additional articles for analysis. Finally, a third search using keywords: ‘Albumin structural domains’, ‘Albumin-Aβ interactions’, ‘Albumin-endothelial interactions’, and ‘Post-Translational Modification’ produced 193 results for further review.

Results/Discussion

Therapeutic plasma exchange shows potential as a disease-modifying therapy for dementia, specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the promising role of albumin supplementation in cognitive improvement has attracted attention. However, clinical evidence supporting therapeutic plasma exchange for dementia remains limited, necessitating further research and development to mitigate potential adverse effects. A deeper understanding of the molecular dynamics of Aβ transportation and the mechanisms of therapeutic plasma exchange is essential. A critical evaluation of existing evidence highlights the importance of balancing potential benefits with associated risks, which will guide the development and application of these treatments in neurodegenerative diseases.