Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in the Conversion of Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia: A Prospective Study
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Published on: December 26, 2016
Raúl Romero-Sevilla1, Fidel López-Espuela2, José Manuel Fuentes3,4,5
1Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario de Caceres, Cáceres, Spain.
Background:
The effect that cytokines can exert on the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to ongoing dementia is a matter of debate and the results obtained so far are controversial.
Objective:
The aim of the study is to analyze the influence of markers of subclinical inflammation on the progression of MCI to dementia.
Methods:
A prospective study involving a cohort of patients ≥ 65 years of age diagnosed with MCI and followed for 3 years was conducted. 105 patients were enrolled, and serum concentrations of several subclinical inflammatory markers were determined.
Results:
After 3.09 (2 - 3.79) years of follow-up, 47 (44.76%) patients progressed to dementia. Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) was found to be significantly higher in patients who progressed to dementia (486.45 ± 169.18 vs. 400.91 ± 163.03; p = 0.012), and observed to significantly increase the risk of developing dementia in patients with mild cognitive impairment (1.004, 1.001-1.007; p = 0.007). IL-10 levels were significantly higher in those who remained stable (6.69 ± 18.1 vs. 32.54 ± 89.6; p = 0.04). Regarding the type of dementia to which our patients progressed, we found that patients who developed mixed dementia had higher IL-4 levels than those who converted to AD (31.54 ± 63.6 vs. 4.43 ± 12.9; p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to the ESR and LPa, CRP, IL-1 and TNF-α levels.
Conclusion:
ACT levels have a significant predictive value in the conversion of MCI to dementia. IL-10 levels could be a protective factor. It is necessary to conduct studies with serial determinations of these and other inflammatory markers in order to determine their effect on the progression of MCI to dementia.
Insights
Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) levels predict dementia conversion in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) may offer protection against dementia progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- The role of cytokines in the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia is debated, with conflicting research findings.
- Subclinical inflammation markers' impact on MCI to dementia conversion requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of subclinical inflammation markers on the progression of MCI to dementia.
- To identify specific inflammatory markers associated with MCI conversion to dementia.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study followed 105 patients aged 65+ diagnosed with MCI for 3 years.
- Serum concentrations of inflammatory markers were measured, and dementia conversion rates were tracked.
Main Results:
- 44.76% of patients progressed to dementia within the follow-up period.
- Higher Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) levels were significantly associated with dementia progression (p=0.012) and increased dementia risk (p=0.007).
- Interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were significantly higher in patients who remained stable (p=0.04), suggesting a protective role. Higher IL-4 levels were observed in those who developed mixed dementia compared to Alzheimer's disease (p=0.03).
Conclusions:
- Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) is a significant predictor of MCI to dementia conversion.
- Interleukin-10 (IL-10) may act as a protective factor against dementia progression.
- Further research with serial inflammatory marker measurements is needed to fully elucidate their impact on MCI progression.
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