A model of lipid dysregulation and altered nutrient status in Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION: Dysregulated lipid metabolism and nutrient status are thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the precise involvement is not well understood, and it remains unclear exactly how such dysregulated lipid metabolism and altered nutrient status, especially changes in phosphatidylcholine, B12, and folate, are connected to the hallmark pathology in AD (i.e., amyloidogenesis). METHODS: We have postulated that genetic susceptibility (i.e., APOE ε4/ε4) to environmental exposure to emissions of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) could underlie the onset of AD and its early neuropsychiatric correlates RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The current theoretical editorial describes, using clinical, preclinical, and in vitro evidences, how this model contributes not only to amyloidogenesis but also other nonopioid effects, specifically altered lipid metabolism, depletion of vitamin B12, and disruption of the folate-mediated one carbon metabolic pathway.