Association between abnormal plasma metabolism and brain atrophy in alcohol-dependent patients

Abstract

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to characterize the plasma metabolic profiles of brain atrophy and alcohol dependence (s) and to identify the underlying pathogenesis of brain atrophy related to alcohol dependence.MethodsWe acquired the plasma samples of alcohol-dependent patients and performed non-targeted metabolomic profiling analysis to identify alterations of key metabolites in the plasma of BA-ADPs. Machine learning algorithms and bioinformatic analysis were also used to identify predictive biomarkers and investigate their possible roles in brain atrophy related to alcohol dependence.ResultsA total of 26 plasma metabolites were significantly altered in the BA-ADPs group when compared with a group featuring alcohol-dependent patients without brain atrophy (NBA-ADPs). Nine of these differential metabolites were further identified as potential biomarkers for BA-ADPs. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated that these potential biomarkers exhibited good sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing BA-ADPs from NBA-ADPs. Moreover, metabolic pathway analysis suggested that glycerophospholipid metabolism may be highly involved in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced brain atrophy.ConclusionThis plasma metabolomic study provides a valuable resource for enhancing our understanding of alcohol-induced brain atrophy and offers potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Analysis of Association of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Blood Pressure Variability

“…Our findings are consistent with previous studies that have demonstrated a significant association between BNP levels and blood pressure variability in hypertensive patients [4]. Zhang et al [5] reported "a positive correlation between plasma BNP and ambulatory blood pressure variability in hypertensive patients", while Wang et al [7] found that "BNP levels were positively correlated with visit-to-visit blood pressure variability in patients with essential hypertension". Nakamura et al [8] also reported "a significant correlation between BNP levels and blood pressure variability in hypertensive patients".…”

“…Li et al [9] reported that "both BNP and aldosterone are biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in the general population, suggesting that these peptides may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and its complications". "It has been suggested that BNP may influence blood pressure variability through its effects on the renin-angiotensin -aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous system, and endothelial function" [5,8,10].…”

“…studies have investigated the association between BNP levels and blood pressure variability in various populations, but the results have been inconsistent [3,4]. Some studies have found a positive association between BNP levels and blood pressure variability [5], while others have found no association or even an inverse association [6]. Moreover, most of these studies have focused on patients with heart failure or other cardiovascular diseases, and few studies have examined this relationship in patients with hypertension [7].…”