Cytokines appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Their modulation by treatment has been investigated only in a few studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) on Interleukin-4 (IL-4) production in AD patients. IL-4 levels were measured by ELISA on peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures in the presence or absence of Concanavalin A or Phytohaemagglutinin. Linear regression analysis shows that patients who have been treated, have higher levels of IL-4 independently from age, gender and comorbidity. The increased production of IL-4 in AChEI treated patients might represent an additional mechanism through which AChEI act on AD progression.
        
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Lugaresi A, Di Iorio A, Iarlori C, Reale M, De Luca G, Sparvieri E, Michetti A, Conti P, Gambi D, Abate G, Paganelli R (2004) IL-4 in vitro production is upregulated in Alzheimer's disease patients treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Experimental Gerontology39: 653-7
Lugaresi A, Di Iorio A, Iarlori C, Reale M, De Luca G, Sparvieri E, Michetti A, Conti P, Gambi D, Abate G, Paganelli R (2004) Experimental Gerontology39: 653-7