Platelet α- and β-secretase activities: A preliminary study in normal human subjects

Abstract

β-amyloid (Aβ) arises from an amyloid precursor protein (APP) via β- and γ-secretase proteolysis. Platelets are the primary depot of APP in the circulation and may be a source of cerebral Aβ. We measured the platelet activities of α- and β-secretases in normal individuals. Platelet α- and β-secretase activities were linear with respect to incubation time and quantity of platelet extract included in the assays. β-secretase activity, calculated relative to platelet count (PC) and platelet protein (PP), varied between individuals 3.5-fold and 4.6-fold, respectively. Meanwhile, α-secretase varied 3.75-fold and 5.8-fold. β-secretase/α-secretase ratios varied 4.1-fold (PC) or 10.5-fold (PP). β-secretase correlated with age (r = 0.779, p < 0.02, PP) and mean platelet volume (MPV) (r = 0.702, p < 0.05, PC). α-secretase correlated negatively with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (−0.76, p < 0.01, PP). β-secretase/α-secretase ratios correlated with MPV (r = 0.67, p < 0.05, PC) and HDL (r = 0.77, p < 0.02, PP). These data could indicate that platelet secretase activity is related to aging, platelet size and plasma lipoprotein levels. Clearly, however, this is a preliminary study involving a limited number of individuals and further, more detailed, investigations are required to establish that such relationships are valid.

• β-amyloid
• α-secretase
• β-secretase
• Platelets
• Alzheimer's disease