Plasma MMP-9 Levels as the Future Risk of Conversion to Dementia in ApoE4-Positive MCI Patients: Investigation Based...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Genetics

Background:

• Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is linked to cognitive decline and reduced hippocampal volume in ApoE4-positive mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients.
• The role of plasma MMP-9 in the progression of MCI, particularly concerning the ApoE4 genotype, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of plasma MMP-9 levels on the risk of conversion from MCI to dementia in patients with and without the ApoE4 gene.
• To determine if plasma MMP-9 serves as a predictive biomarker for dementia conversion in MCI patients, stratified by ApoE4 status.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study utilizing data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database.
• Inclusion of 211 ApoE4-positive MCI (ApoE4+ MCI) and 184 ApoE4-negative MCI (ApoE4- MCI) subjects.
• Analysis of baseline plasma MMP-9 levels, longitudinal cognitive changes (CDR), and conversion rates using Log-rank tests and Cox regression, controlling for demographic and clinical factors.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in baseline plasma MMP-9 levels was found between ApoE4+ MCI and ApoE4- MCI groups.
• High plasma MMP-9 levels were associated with a significantly increased risk of conversion to dementia in ApoE4+ MCI patients (HR, 2.46) compared to low levels.
• Elevated plasma MMP-9 also increased conversion risk compared to middle levels (HR, 1.67) in ApoE4+ MCI, but this effect was not observed in ApoE4- MCI patients.

Conclusions:

• Plasma MMP-9 levels are a significant risk factor for future dementia conversion in ApoE4-positive MCI patients.
• MMP-9 may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting dementia progression in ApoE4+ MCI.
• Targeting MMP-9 could potentially offer therapeutic strategies for mitigating dementia risk in specific MCI populations.