The role of luteinising hormone (LH)/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in regulating the production of beta amyloid (Aβ), a protein central to Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD)

Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain, is the most common form of dementia among the elderly which is clinically characterised by memory complaints and personality changes. AD is classified broadly into early on set AD (EOAD, occurringyrs) and late on set (LOAD, occurring \u3e65 yrs). Hormonal changes following menopause/andropause have been implicated in AD development and pathogenesis. Currently high levels of the gonadotropins LH and FSH have been associated with increased risk of AD development; however the exact role of LH in AD pathogenesis remains unknown. Interestingly LH and hCG have similar structure and function, thus effects of hCG on Aβ production were assessed in vivo and in vitro models. Additionally the link between pregnancy and cognitive function were also assed