Biomarkers

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nephrology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is vital for brain function and a key indicator of brain health.
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assesses kidney function and disease stage.
• Both CBF and eGFR reflect the vascular health of the brain and kidneys, respectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in healthy adults.
• To determine if CBF can serve as an early biomarker for changes in brain integrity related to kidney function.

Main Methods:

• 785 healthy middle-aged and older adults were enrolled.
• Brain MRIs with pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) measured CBF.
• Participants were categorized into three eGFR stages based on creatinine levels.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher CBF was observed in participants with high and moderate eGFR compared to those with low eGFR.
• CBF was notably higher in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus in higher eGFR groups.
• A positive correlation was found between CBF and eGFR, and a negative correlation between CBF and creatinine levels.

Conclusions:

• CBF levels differ significantly across eGFR stages, indicating its sensitivity to renal function changes.
• CBF shows potential as an early biomarker for monitoring cerebral perfusion changes linked to kidney health.
• The study highlights the link between renal and brain health, with CBF reflecting early cerebral changes.