If it is correct that ineffective levels of transforming growth factors beta and their receptor account for old age being a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), then increasing TGFBR2 might be therapeutic. Pacltaxel is a direct way to increase TGFBR2 levels. Indirect ways that will increase TGFBR2, include decreasing the levels of c-myc because that will lower the miRNA cluster 17-92, particularly its miR-17 and miR-20a components; and raising EGFR because that also will increase TGFBR2. Metformin and desferrioxamine are drugs that decrease c-myc; and statins increase levels of EGF. Clinical trials using those drugs, would demonstrate whether they decrease the progression from amnestic mild cognitive impairment to AD.
© 2020 The Authors. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Alzheimer's Association.