Mitochondrial Aβ:: A potential cause of metabolic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease

Deficits in mitochondrial function are a characteristic finding in Alzheimer's disease (AD), though the mechanism remains to be clarified. Recent studies revealed that amyloid P peptide (A,6) gains access into mitochondrial matrix, which was much more pronounced in both AD brain and transgenic mutant APP mice than in normal controls. AP progressively accumulates in mitochondria and mediates mitochondrial toxicity. Interaction of mitochondrial AP with mitochondrial enzymes such as amyloid P binding alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD) exaggerates mitochondrial stress by inhibiting the enzyme activity, releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and affecting glycolytic, Krebs cycle and/or the respiratory chain pathways through the accumulation of deleterious intermediate metabolites. The pathways proposed may play a key role in the pathogenesis of this devastating neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease.