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Systemic oxidative stress and conversion to dementia of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment

Carlo Cervellati1, Arianna Romani1, Davide Seripa2

  • 1Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.

Biomed Research International
|February 14, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Oxidative stress (OxS) is elevated in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, serum OxS markers do not predict MCI progression to AD, suggesting OxS is an early feature, not a prognostic indicator.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD).
  • Oxidative stress (OxS) is hypothesized to play a role in LOAD pathogenesis.
  • Redox imbalance, including hydroperoxides and antioxidant capacity, may be linked to disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if serum OxS markers predict clinical progression from MCI to LOAD.
  • To assess serum hydroperoxide levels and antioxidant capacity in MCI, LOAD, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Serum hydroperoxide levels and antioxidant capacity were measured in 111 MCI patients, 105 LOAD patients, and 118 controls.
  • Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, gender, smoking, and comorbidities.
  • MCI patients were monitored for conversion to LOAD over 2.0 ± 0.6 years.

Main Results:

  • Baseline OxS levels were significantly increased in both MCI and LOAD groups compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05).
  • No significant differences in OxS markers were observed between MCI patients who converted to LOAD and those who did not.
  • Systemic OxS appears to be an early characteristic of MCI and LOAD.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated systemic oxidative stress is an early feature in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
  • Current serum OxS markers are not predictive of progression from MCI to LOAD.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the prognostic role of oxidative stress in LOAD progression.

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