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Multi-Tracer Studies of Brain Oxygen and Glucose Metabolism Using a Time-of-Flight Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography Scanner
Published on: June 7, 2024
Metabolic syndrome is associated with accelerated brain aging.
Abigail Dove1,2,3, Jiao Wang1,4, Rongrong Yang1,5
1Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Summary
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) accelerates brain aging, indicated by a larger brain age gap. This accelerated aging is partly explained by inflammation and changes in lipid metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Health
- Aging Research
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to higher dementia risk.
- The precise impact of MetS on brain aging remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MetS and brain aging.
- To explore potential mediating factors in the MetS-brain aging relationship.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank data from 27,375 individuals (aged 40-70).
- Defined MetS based on five key components.
- Estimated brain age gap (BAG) using machine learning on brain MRI data.
- Measured 33 plasma metabolites.
Main Results:
- MetS was significantly associated with an increased BAG (β = 1.13).
- Each component of MetS correlated with a higher BAG.
- Eight metabolites, including apolipoproteins and inflammatory markers, mediated the association between MetS and BAG.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic syndrome is associated with accelerated brain aging.
- Inflammation and altered lipid metabolism partially mediate this accelerated brain aging process.
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