ApoE2 affects insulin signaling in the hippocampus and spatial cognition of aged mice in a sex-dependent manner

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) has garnered significant attention as one of the most influential genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). While the pathogenic role of APOE4 in sporadic AD has been extensively studied, research on the protective effects of the APOE2 genotype and its underlying mechanisms remains limited. Additionally, the existence of sex differences in the protective effects of ApoE2 continues to be a topic of debate. In this study, we utilized humanized ApoE2- and ApoE3- target replacement mice to examine the sex-specific effects of ApoE2 on cognition. Compared with female ApoE3 mice, we found significantly lower spatial cognitive ability and impaired hippocampal synaptic ultrastructure in aged female ApoE2 mice, accompanied by reduced Insulin signaling of the hippocampus. Further analyses by target metabolomics and transcriptomic analyses revealed that female ApoE2 mice exhibit an age-related decline in hippocampal inositol levels, and that alterations in inositol levels lower Insulin signaling. Importantly, inositol supplementation was found to alleviate peripheral glucose intolerance, enhance Insulin signaling, and ultimately improve cognitive function. Interestingly, these differences were not observed between male ApoE2 and ApoE3 mice. The research findings not only provide new insights into the impact of ApoE2 on cognition but also offer a new strategy for cognitive improvement through inositol supplementation in older women.

Alzheimer's disease; ApoE; Inositol; Insulin signaling; Sex differences.