In Addition to Poor Glycemic Control, a High Level of Irisin in the Plasma Portends Early Cognitive Deficits Clinically in Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Irisin plays an important role in the metabolism and homeostasis of energy balance, which is involved in cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the role of irisin in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: We recruited 133 Chinese patients with T2DM, and divided them according to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. Demographic data were collected and the level of irisin in the plasma was determined. In addition, the results of neuropsychological testing were examined. The concentration of irisin in the plasma was measured using an enzyme immunoassay.Results: A total of 59 patients were diagnosed with MCI and 74 patients were included as healthy-cognition controls. The level of irisin in the plasma (p = 0.043) and homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance (p = 0.032) in diabetic patients with MCI were higher than those observed in the healthy controls. A higher level of irisin in the plasma was associated with impaired overall cognition, specifically executive function. Linear regression analysis suggested that irisin (p = 0.017) and glycosylated hemoglobin (p = 0.036) were independent factors of diabetic MCI.Conclusions: The level of irisin in the plasma correlated with cognitive impairment in T2DM patients, particularly with executive function. These results further suggest that, in addition to poor glycemic control, a high level of irisin in the plasma portends early cognitive deficits clinically in Chinese patients with T2DM.

FNDC5/Irisin in dementia and cognitive impairment: update and novel perspective

“…Elevated concentrations of plasma irisin have been associated with impaired cognitive abilities, particularly in the executive function domain. Additionally, linear regression analysis demonstrated a correlation between irisin and glycated hemoglobin, and both were independent risk factors for MCI in diabetes ( 70 ).…”

Exercise–Linked Irisin: Consequences on Mental and Cardiovascular Health in Type 2 Diabetes

“…Lin et al, evaluated 133 Chinese patients, aged 45–75 years, with T2DM, where 59 patients were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 74 patients were included as healthy-cognition controls [ 75 ]. The main findings of this study revealed that patients with T2DM who had MCI presented significant higher levels of irisin, HbA1c, and insulin.…”

The Outstanding Beneficial Roles of Irisin in Depressive Disorders

“…In a study conducted in patients diagnosed with T2DM and mild cognitive impairment, the level of irisin in plasma correlated with cognitive impairment (especially executive function) in T2DM patients. Based on these results, researchers claimed that high irisin levels in plasma cause clinical early cognitive deficits in patients with T2DM [89].…”