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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Analysis of Oxidative Stress in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: July 7, 2014
Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are associated with reduced cognition in type 2 diabetes
Onno N Groeneveld1, Esther van den Berg1,2, Odd Erik Johansen3
1Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Objective:
Type 2 diabetes is associated with cognitive dysfunction, but the mechanisms are unknown. We assessed the relationships of biomarkers of oxidation, endothelial function and inflammation with cognition in participants of the CAROLINA® trial (CARdiovascular Outcome Trial of LINAgliptin Versus Glimepiride in Type 2 Diabetes).
Methods:
Baseline circulating biomarkers of oxidation (8-iso-prostaglandin F2α), endothelial function (asymmetric dimethylarginine, endothelin-1) and inflammation (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α), based on linear regression, were related to cognition on five domains, as measured with an automated battery.
Results:
In 37 patients (mean age 66.7 ± 8.7 years, median HbA1c 6.9%/52 mmol/mol), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α was associated with reduced mental flexibility and attention (standardised regression coefficients -0.47, -0.34), whereas asymmetric dimethylarginine was associated with reduced psychomotor speed and attention (standardised regression coefficients -0.39, -0.34). No significant associations were observed between biomarkers of inflammation and cognition.
Conclusion:
Elevated biomarkers of oxidation and endothelial function are associated and may play a role in reduced psychomotor speed, mental flexibility and attention in type 2 diabetes.
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