Quantitative evaluation of rRNA in Alzheimer's disease

The ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes are located in nucleolus during active trans cription and are transcribed by RNA polymerase I. This group of genes is in volved in transcription and translation processes which can modulate gene e xpression. The association between rRNA levels and aging has been reported. In the present study, Eve investigated the ratio of mature rRNA 28S and 18 S in peripheral blood of 15 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, 15 elderly h ealthy controls and 15 healthy young controls. Our results showed a statist ically significant decrease of the mature rRNA 28S/18S ratio in AD patients when compared with the elderly and young control groups. Thus we can sugge st that there is a possible change in the transcriptional or maturation pro cess or a preferential degradation of the 28S subunit in AD. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.