Mitochondrial Perturbation Contributing to Cognitive Decline in Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetic Rats

Mitochondrial perturbation is a well-established cause of cognitive decline, but as yet it is unclear how mitochondria-associated neuronal abnormalities in type 1 diabetic (T1DM) brain contribute to cognitive decline.

The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mouse model of T1DM was used. The Morris water maze test was applied to assess the effect of T1DM on learning and memory. We detected changes in mitochondrial morphology, function and dynamics. Furthermore, we employed metabolomic analysis to reveal the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial perturbation which contribute to cognitive decline.

Our results show that T1DM impairs mitochondrial dynamics, morphology and function in neurons, associated with a decline in cognitive ability. Metabolomic analyses revealed that T1DM mainly affects metabolic pathways involved in mitochondrial energy failure and impairs the antioxidative system.

These results lay the basis for understanding the underlying mitochondria-associated causes of T1DM-associated cognitive decline and may provide a potential treatment strategy for this condition in future.