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Vitamin D and inflammatory cytokines association in mild cognitive impaired subjects
Abhai Kumar1, Ashish Verma2, Rameshwar Nath Chaurasia3
1Department of Neurology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, 221005, India; Department of Botany, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India; Centre of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur 273009, India.
Background:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The association of low Vitamin D and chronic inflammation in the onset of cognitive decline in the elderly population has been established but the variable population-based study is still lacking.
Methodology:
The present study aims to investigate the level of plasma Vitamin D, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, cognitive performance, and white matter changes in the elderly population in the North-Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Results:
70 participants with (Mean age- 75.14 ± 1.24, Male/Female- 50/20) with an Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of (24.82 ± 1.82) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MOCA) score (21.83 ± 1.75), were cognitive decline, against the 70 healthy controls (Mean Age-73.18 ± 1.43; Male/Female- 50/20) with MMSE score (28.1 ± 1.5) and MOCA (28.5 ± 1.65), White matter variable Fractional Anisotropy (FA) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values in MCI subject was found significantly altered in Right temporal lobe, Corpus Callosum (Right) and Hippocampus body (Right), Hippocampus body (left), Hippocampus head (Right) and Hippocampus head (Left)as compared with healthy controls. The level of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, was significantly high in MCI subjects as compared with controls. Further lower Vitamin D level in plasma was detected in MCI as compared with healthy controls.
Conclusion:
The result from the present study depicts that chronic inflammation and lower Vitamin D level influences neurodegeneration and decline in cognitive performance in the elderly population. These variables can be used as biomarkers for early identification of AD and interventional strategies can be designed for prevention at the prodromal stage of AD.
Insights
Low Vitamin D and chronic inflammation are linked to cognitive decline in the elderly. These factors may serve as early biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and inform preventative strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a precursor to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Low Vitamin D and chronic inflammation are associated with cognitive decline in older adults.
- Population-based studies on these associations are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma Vitamin D levels, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), cognitive function, and white matter changes in elderly individuals with cognitive decline.
- To compare these factors between individuals with MCI and healthy controls in North-Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.
Main Methods:
- The study included 70 participants with MCI and 70 healthy controls (mean age ~73-75).
- Cognitive performance was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MOCA).
- White matter integrity was evaluated using Fractional Anisotropy (FA) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values via MRI. Plasma levels of Vitamin D and cytokines were measured.
Main Results:
- MCI subjects showed significantly altered white matter integrity (FA and ADC values) in specific brain regions (e.g., temporal lobe, corpus callosum, hippocampus) compared to controls.
- Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were observed in MCI subjects.
- Lower plasma Vitamin D levels were detected in individuals with MCI.
Conclusions:
- Chronic inflammation and low Vitamin D levels contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in the elderly.
- These factors can serve as potential biomarkers for the early detection of AD.
- Interventions targeting Vitamin D and inflammation may help prevent AD progression at its prodromal stage.
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