Physiology of the natural and pathological aging focused on the study of biochemical and genetic markers in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder where genetic, biochemical and environmental factors are involved. AD mainly affects individuals over 60 years of age, but an early form of AD which is both more progressive and more serious also exists. The loss of cognitive function is typical for AD, on histological level senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are typically present. Diagnostics of AD is very problematic and accurate diagnosis is only possible post mortem. The only known gene that is associated with the risk of AD is Apolipoprotein E, respectively its allele ε4. Genome-wide association studies revealed more candidate genes for AD that have a connection with the disease. Except genetics background, there are some changes in biochemical markers including steroid hormones that can contribute to AD development. This thesis has two parts - a genetic and a biochemical one. The genetic part focuses on selected polymorphisms in candidate genes for AD and on its eventual connection with disorders of glucose metabolism. In total there were 2172 persons (550 women with gestational diabetes, 391 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 116 persons with impaired glucose tolerance and 1115 appropriate healthy controls) examined. Using Real-Time PCR, polymorphisms in BIN1, CLU, CR1 and..