Cerebrospinal fluid mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor: A moderating effect on sleep time and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sleep Medicine
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Late sleeping is linked to cognitive deficits, potentially mediated by feeding-related cytokines.
• Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) are neurotrophic factors associated with cognitive function and neuroprotection.
• Enhanced GDNF and MANF expression correlate with increased energy expenditure and hyperphagia, respectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) GDNF, MANF levels, cognitive function, and sleep timing.
• To explore the potential moderating role of GDNF and MANF in cognitive impairment among individuals with late sleep schedules.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 191 participants categorized into ≤23 o'clock sleepers (n=66) and >23 o'clock sleepers (n=125).
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
• CSF levels of GDNF and MANF were measured.

Main Results:

• Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) demonstrated a moderating effect on the relationship between sleep time and cognition (R²=0.06, β=0.59, p=0.031).
• Age negatively correlated with MoCA scores (R²=0.08, β=-0.18, p<0.05), while education positively correlated (β=0.17, p<0.05).
• A negative correlation between MANF levels and BMI was observed only in ≤23 o'clock sleepers (r=-0.35, p=0.005).

Conclusions:

• This study provides novel evidence for the potential protective effect of CSF MANF against cognitive impairment in late sleepers.
• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule may support cognitive health, with MANF potentially mediating this benefit.
• MANF may play a significant role in the relationship between sleep patterns and cognitive function.