Age: A Moderating Effect on Cerebrospinal Fluid Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and Cognitive Function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Aging Research

Background:

• Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19 subclass (FGF19, FGF21, FGF23) impacts endocrine metabolism and cognition.
• Age is a key factor influencing FGF secretion and cognitive decline.
• Age may modulate the association between FGF19 subclass and cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) FGF19 subclass levels, cognition, and age.
• To explore how age moderates the effects of the FGF19 subclass on cognitive changes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study with participants stratified by age (≤34 and >34 years).
• Measurement of CSF FGF19 subclass levels.
• Cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores.

Main Results:

• Age significantly moderates the relationship between CSF FGF21 and cognition (R² = 0.12, β = -0.32, p = 0.003).
• In individuals >34 years, higher serum triglyceride (TG) levels correlated with lower MoCA scores (r = -0.31, p = 0.041).
• No significant correlation found between CSF FGF19 or FGF23 levels and MoCA scores in either age group.

Conclusions:

• This study first demonstrates age as a moderator in the CSF FGF21-cognition relationship.
• Elevated CSF FGF21 levels are associated with cognitive protection in individuals ≤34 years old.
• Individuals >34 years may require alternative strategies to maintain or improve cognitive function.