Neuroglobin protein is upregulated in Alzheimer's disease

Neuroglobin is a neuronal protein with protective effects in animal models of stroke and Alzheimer's disease, but the relevance of these effects to Alzheimer's disease in humans is unknown. We measured neuroglobin levels by western blot and immunostained hippocampal sections for neuroglobin, cell-type protein markers, and amyloid-β, in brain tissue obtained at autopsy from patients with Alzheimer's disease. Neuroglobin levels were increased in early and moderately advanced Alzheimer's disease compared to controls, but declined to control levels in severe disease. In patients with Alzheimer's disease, neuroglobin was detected within neurons, as well as at extracellular sites associated with amyloid-β deposits. We conclude that, as in transgenic mouse models, neuroglobin may influence the course of clinical Alzheimer's disease.