Cognition and BDNF levels in prediabetes and diabetes: A mediation analysis of a cross-sectional study

Abstract

AimClinical and epidemiological studies suggest links between dementias and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The underlying mechanisms of diabetes-related cognitive impairment are largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the role of BDNF in cognitive impairment in prediabetes and T2DM.MethodsThe study included 68 patients with prediabetes (preDM), 96 patients with T2DM, and 65 healthy controls. The cognitive function of the patients was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and serum BDNF levels were measured by Elisa. The MoCA scores and BDNF levels were compared between diabetes groups after adjusting for age, gender, and education using ANCOVA. The role of BDNF in the diabetes-related cognitive impairment was investigated through mediation analysis.ResultsPatients with T2DM had significantly lower cognitive performance, particularly in memory. Diabetes was found to be a predictor of both cognitive impairment and BDNF levels. A significant increase in serum BDNF levels was observed in patients with T2DM. However, the mediator role of BDNF in the pathology of cognitive impairment in diabetes was not determined.ConclusionCognitive impairment is prevalent in patients with T2DM and should be included in routine screening for complications. The results of the mediation analysis suggest that although BDNF is a biomarker affected by T2DM and cognition, it does not play a mediator role between cognitive impairment and diabetes.

Circulating Myokines as Novel Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Diseases

“…Accumulating evidence supports the role of certain myokines in CVD, with some having the potential to serve as novel biomarkers reflecting disease development (Table 1 , Ref. [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 34 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 44 , 46 , 47 , 54 , 56 , 57 , 60 , 62 , 63 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 72 , 73 , 77 , 78 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 113 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 125 , 126 , 128 ]). Myokines are involved in CVD development and can provide new insights into CVD progression and help identify patients at a high risk of poor prognosis.…”

“…BDNF plays a crucial role in pre-diabetes and T2DM cognitive impairment, where serum levels are considerably increased in T2DM patients. BDNF, therefore, could be a biomarker affected by T2DM and cognition [ 65 ]. The association between miR-1-3p expression and BDNF levels has been investigated in patients with essential hypertension.…”

Identification of Putative Causal Relationships between Blood-Based Biomarkers and Prediabetes-Induced Senescence: A Comprehensive Review

“…A protein called BDNF is essential for the development, upkeep, and plasticity of brain neurons [247]. Changes in BDNF levels in prediabetes patients may impact cognitive function [248]. A higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline has been linked to decreased BDNF levels [249].…”

Flavonols as a Potential Pharmacological Intervention for Alleviating Cognitive Decline in Diabetes: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

“…Its effects are mediated by the activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), a member of the family of tyrosine kinase receptors [159]. Most of the studies have found reduced BDNF levels, both in diabetic animals and human patients, in a correlation with the intensity of memory decline, suggesting the important contribution of BDNF in the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment [97,[160][161][162][163][164][165]. Furthermore, the prevalence of depression is higher in diabetic patients, with a more prominent decrease in serum BDNF levels [166].…”