Disulfiram as a Modulator of Amyloid Precursor Protein-processing

Quantitative Analysis of the Expression of Dementia-relevant Genes by Intake of the Drug Disulfiram

A causal therapeutic approach for treatment of Alzheimer's disease has not been established so far. The protein ADAM10 represents a promising target for an A-beta peptide preventing strategy. Treatment of human neuronal cells with Disulfiram, a drug which is used in clinical routine for recrudescence prevention of alcohol dependency, revealed an increased expression of ADAM10. This finding indicates a neuroprotective potential of Disulfiram. The investigators' research purpose aims at the verification of the results obtained in cell culture experiments in the human organism. Therefore, include alcohol addicted patients were included, which take the drug Disulfiram for recrudescence prevention, in our study. Patients are recruited from the patient-collective of the University Medical Center Mainz and the Central Institute for Mental Health Mannheim. Blood samples (max. 5 ml) are taken from the participants before the intake of Disulfiram and about two weeks after treatment. Demographic data are collected (such as age or onset of addiction). Gene expression is analyzed via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) from blood cell-derived messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA).

Inclusion Criteria:

ambulant or stationary patients, which receive Disulfiram for recrudescence prevention

Exclusion Criteria:

Diagnosed Alzheimer's dementia Previous Disulfiram treatment less than four weeks before baseline blood collection