Serum albumin and white matter hyperintensities

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomarkers
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Serum albumin, a general biomarker, predicts cardiovascular events and cognitive impairment.
• Its association with white matter hyperintensities (WMH), a marker of brain aging and disease, is less understood.
• This study investigates serum albumin's relationship with WMH and cognitive performance in diverse clinical populations.

Approach:

• Serum albumin levels were analyzed in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), HIV, and healthy controls.
• WMH volumes (periventricular and deep) and cognitive performance were assessed.
• Statistical models controlled for cardiovascular risk factors and relevant clinical variables.

Key Points:

• Lower serum albumin predicted larger periventricular WMH volumes, particularly in AUD and HIV groups.
• Serum albumin also independently predicted visual and verbal learning and memory performance.
• Albumin levels correlated with markers of liver integrity and blood status, suggesting multifaceted clinical relevance.

Conclusions:

• Serum albumin is a valuable, accessible biomarker for predicting periventricular WMH and cognitive deficits in learning and memory.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanistic link between serum albumin and WMH.
• These findings highlight serum albumin's potential role in assessing neurological health.