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Association between Large Neutral Amino Acids and Brain Integrity in Middle-Aged Adults at Metabolic Risk.

Cherry Youn¹, Marie L Caillaud¹, Yanrong Li¹

¹Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.

Research Square

|February 27, 2024

Summary

Large neutral amino acids (LNAA) may impact cognitive aging differently in midlife adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Elevated phenylalanine levels correlate with brain structure changes, suggesting a potential biomarker for early cognitive decline.

Keywords:

Metabolic Syndrome Midlife Adults Phenylalanine White matter hyperintensity

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Metabolic Health
Amino Acid Metabolism

Background:

Large neutral amino acids (LNAA) are vital for cognitive function in youth.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to cognitive decline and premature brain aging.
The interplay between LNAA and MetS in midlife cognitive health remains underexplored.

Approach:

Investigated 80 midlife adults (40-61 years) with varying MetS status.
Quantified MetS components and measured LNAA levels using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Assessed brain structure via MRI, focusing on white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and medial temporal lobe (MTL) cortical thickness.

Key Points:

Phenylalanine levels moderated the relationship between MetS and WMH volume in midlife adults.
Elevated LNAA levels in MetS may be associated with brain structural changes.
No significant modulation of MetS-MTL cortical thickness by LNAA metabolites was observed.

Conclusions:

LNAA metabolic dysregulation in MetS may contribute to brain structural compromises like increased WMH load in midlife.
Findings suggest LNAA may serve as a potential biomarker for early intervention in cognitive aging.
Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm the impact of LNAA and MetS on brain health over time.