APOE4 rat model of Alzheimer's disease: sex differences, genetic risk and diet.

ABSTRACT: The strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE ε4). A high fat diet also adds to the risk of dementia and AD. In addition, there are sex differences as women carriers have a higher risk of an earlier onset and rapid decline in memory than men. The present study looked at the effect of the genetic risk of ApoE ε4 together with a high fat/high sucrose diet (HFD/HSD) on brain function in male and female rats using magnetic resonance imaging. We hypothesized female carriers would present with deficits in cognitive behavior together with changes in functional connectivity as compared to male carriers. Four-month-old wildtype and human ApoE ε4 knock-in (TGRA8960), male and female Sprague Dawley rats were put on a HFD/HSD for four months.

SUBMITTER: Colarusso B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11539573 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature