Systemic inflammation mediates the negative relationship between visceral adiposity and cognitive control

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Elevated visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is linked to chronic inflammation and cardiometabolic risks.
• The impact of inflammation on human cognitive function, particularly cognitive control, remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between VAT, inflammatory cytokines, and cognitive control in adults.
• To determine if inflammatory markers mediate the effect of VAT on selective attention and processing speed.

Main Methods:

• 115 adults (25-46 years) had VAT estimated via DXA scan.
• Cognitive control was assessed using a modified Eriksen Flanker task with event-related potentials.
• Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were quantified using ELISA.

Main Results:

• CRP mediated the negative association between VAT and accuracy on incongruent trials.
• IL-6 mediated the relationship between VAT and slower P3 peak latency on incongruent trials.
• These findings were significant after controlling for diet quality and education.

Conclusions:

• Systemic inflammation, indicated by CRP and IL-6, is a key mechanism linking visceral adiposity to impaired cognitive control.
• Visceral fat accumulation may negatively affect cognitive functions like selective attention and processing speed via inflammatory pathways.