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Dried Blood Spot Collection of Health Biomarkers to Maximize Participation in Population Studies
Published on: January 28, 2014
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Biomarkers
1Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) correlates with neurofilament light chain (NfL) and lower cognitive function, with pulse pressure (PP) mediating this relationship. These findings suggest GDF-15
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and its systemic effects.
- Cerebrovascular health and cognitive impairment.
Background:
- Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is an emerging biomarker linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Pulse Pressure (PP) is implicated in cognitive impairment due to its effects on cerebral blood flow.
- This study investigates the relationship between GDF-15, neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a marker of neuroaxonal injury, and cognitive function, exploring PP as a potential mediator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between GDF-15 levels and neurofilament light chain (NfL) and cognitive function.
- To investigate the mediating role of Pulse Pressure (PP) in the relationship between GDF-15 and NfL.
- To explore the potential of GDF-15 as a biomarker for cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 100 participants from a tertiary hospital.
- Measurement of plasma GDF-15 and NfL using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
- Assessment of cognitive function via Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and calculation of peripheral PP.
Main Results:
- GDF-15 positively correlated with NfL (r=0.520, p<0.001) and negatively with MoCA scores (r=-0.213, p=0.036).
- GDF-15 was associated with higher NfL and lower MoCA scores in linear regression analyses (p<0.001 and p=0.013, respectively).
- Mediation analysis indicated that PP accounted for 15.7% of the association between GDF-15 and NfL (p=0.046).
Conclusions:
- GDF-15 is associated with increased neuroaxonal injury (NfL) and reduced cognitive function in older individuals.
- Pulse Pressure (PP) partially mediates the relationship between GDF-15 and NfL.
- GDF-15 may play a role in cognitive impairment, suggesting potential for future interventions targeting GDF-15 and PP for prevention.
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