Plasma levels of vitamin B12, epidermal growth factor and tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with alzheimer dementia -

Background: It was previously reported that vitamin B 12 (Vit B 12 ) has the regulatory effects on epidermal growth factor (EGF) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The role of Vit B 12 , EGF and TNF-α in the pathogenesis of alzheimer dementia has not been elucidated yet. In this study the plasma Vit B 12 , EGF and TNF-α level were examined in individuals, between 65-99 years old with and without alzheimer dementia (AD). Methods: The study group comprised 47 patients with AD and 38 cases without dementia. EGF and TNF-α were analyzed by ELISA, and Vit B 12 was analyzed by chemiluminescence method. Results: Vit B 12 and EGF levels were significantly lower (pu003c0.0001), whereas TNF-α levels were significantly higher (pu003c0.0001) in the AD group in comparison to those without AD. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Vit B 12 , EGF and TNF-α may have a role in the pathophysiology of AD.