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Relationship between serum pyridoxal 5'-phosphate concentration and cognitive function in older Japanese
Kotaro Itoh1, Akiko Kuwabara1, Rei Otsuka2
1Department of Nutrition, Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino, Osaka 583-8555, Japan.
Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition
|August 8, 2025
Summary
Lower serum pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) levels are linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older Japanese adults. This study highlights PLP's potential role in cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Pyridoxal 5 -phosphate (PLP) deficiency is known to cause neurological issues.
- Declining PLP levels are associated with dementia onset, but data on Japanese populations is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum PLP concentration and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older Japanese individuals.
- To determine if lower PLP levels are independently related to the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 266 Japanese participants (84 healthy controls, 87 MCI, 95 AD).
- Serum PLP concentrations were measured and compared across groups.
- Logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for covariates including age, sex, APOE4 status, and other nutrient levels.
Main Results:
- Serum PLP concentration was significantly lower in AD patients compared to healthy controls.
- Participants in the higher quartiles (Q3 and Q4) of serum PLP had significantly lower odds of MCI or AD compared to the lowest quartile (Q1).
- Odds ratios for MCI or AD were 0.40 (95% CI 0.16-0.98) for Q3 and 0.37 (95% CI 0.13-0.99) for Q4, indicating a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Lower serum PLP concentration is independently associated with an increased incidence of MCI or AD in older Japanese individuals.
- These findings suggest a potential role for PLP in the pathogenesis or prevention of cognitive decline.
- Further research is warranted to establish a causal relationship and explore therapeutic interventions.
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