Project description:BackgroundPrevious studies found that visual impairment (VI) is associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment, but the molecular basis of these conditions is unknown.ObjectiveWe aim to compare the metabolite associations of VI and cognitive impairment.MethodsThe study population with comprehensive measurements was derived from the UK Biobank study. Visual acuity worse than 0.3 logMAR units were defined as VI. Failure in one or more of the four cognitive tests was defined as cognitive impairment. A panel of 249 metabolites was measured using a nuclear magnetic resonance metabolites profiling platform. Logistic regression models were applied to compare metabolite associations with VI and cognitive impairment.Results23,775 participants with complete data on visual acuity, cognitive tests and metabolomics, and without a history of neurological disorders at baseline were included. After adjusting for confounding factors, VI was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (odds ratio[OR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-1.74, p < 0.001). After multiple testing correction (p < 9×10-4), five metabolites including the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) (OR = 1.18[1.10-1.27]), ratio of omega-3 to total FAs (OR = 0.84[0.77-0.91]), ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to total FAs (OR = 0.86[0.80-0.94]), DHA (OR = 0.85[0.78-0.92]), and omega-3 FAs (OR = 0.84[0.77-0.91]) were uniquely associated with VI. Glycoprotein acetyls (OR = 1.06[1.03-1.10]) and alanine (OR = 0.95[0.92-0.98]) were exclusively associated with cognitive impairment. Albumin was identified as the common metabolite shared by the two phenotypes (OR = 0.90[0.85-0.95] for VI, and 0.95[0.92-0.98]) for cognitive impairment).ConclusionsWe identified distinct and overlapping metabolites associated with VI and cognitive impairment, unveiling their distinct metabolic profiles and potential common pathophysiology.
Project description:BackgroundCognitive impairments are associated with increased risk for progression to dementia. In China, limited surveys have been conducted to estimate the national prevalence and risk factors associated with cognitive impairment in China. This study aims to assess the national prevalence and modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairments in the Chinese elderly population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is recommended to test for cognitive impairment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used in assessing risk factors for cognitive impairments in the Chinese elderly population.ResultsA total of 3768 participants aged 60 years or older were enrolled in this study. The national prevalence of cognitive impairments was 22.24% in China, and the prevalence of cognitive impairment was higher in the south-west region than in the north region (29.94 vs. 16.53%, p < 0.05). The risk for cognitive impairments was higher in the following participants: not married or not living with spouse relative to married with spouse present (OR = 1.39, 95% CI, 1.15-1.70; p = 0.001), nap duration of ≥ 90 min relative to 30-60 min (OR = 1.54, 95% CI, 1.20-1.98; p = 0.001), sleep duration of ≥ 8 h relative to 6-8 h (OR = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.29-2.31; p < 0.001), and depression relative to no depression (OR = 1.67, 95% CI, 1.41-1.97; p < 0.001). The risk of cognitive impairment was lower in participants living in the urban areas relative to the rural areas (OR = 0.57, 95% CI, 0.47-0.69; p < 0.001) and consuming alcohol once a month relative to never consuming alcohol (OR = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.51-0.94; p = 0.02).ConclusionCognitive impairment prevalence was high in the Chinese elderly population. The potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment should be further assessed in the development of interventions for the elderly Chinese population.
Project description:Evidence has demonstrated that vascular risk factors (VRFs) contribute to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly population. Because of the race and different diagnosis standard, there is still no definitive conclusions.To estimate the VRFs and potential protective factors for MCI in elderly population living in the community in North China.A total of 3136 participants entered the study. They were screened for hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Cognitive function was assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The diagnosis of MCI was made according to Petersen's criteria. We investigated the relationship between vascular risk factors, potential protective factors and MCI.A total of 2511 (80%) participant belonged to normal group and 625 (20%) participants showed MCI. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that stroke and diabetes, but not hypertension or CHD was associated with MCI. Besides, exercise habit could lower the risk of MCI.Vascular Risk Factors, including stroke and diabetes, rather than hypertension and CHD are independent risk factors of MCI. Involvement in physical activities seems to reduce the risk of MCI.
Project description:Background and objectivesExposures to environmental chemicals are ubiquitous in the US. Little is known about how neighborhood factors contribute to exposures.MethodsGrowing Up Healthy is a prospective cohort study of environmental exposures and growth and development among Hispanic and African American children (n = 506) in New York City. We sought to determine associations between neighborhood-level factors (eg, housing type, school, time spent indoors versus outdoors) and urinary biomarkers of chemical exposures suspected to be associated with these characteristics (cotinine, 2,5-dichlorophenol, and phthalate metabolites) adjusted by age, sex, race, and caregiver education and language.ResultsUrinary cotinine concentrations revealed a prevalent exposure to secondhand smoke; children living in public housing had higher concentrations than those in private housing. In homes with 1 smoker versus none, we found significant differences in urinary cotinine concentrations by housing, although not in homes with 2 or more smokers. Children in charter or public schools had higher urinary cotinine concentrations than those in private schools. School type was associated with exposures to both low- and high-molecular-weight phthalates, and concentrations of both exposure biomarkers were higher for children attending public versus private school. 2,5-Dichlorophenol concentrations declined from 2004 to 2007 (P = .038) and were higher among charter school children.ConclusionsHousing and school type are associated with chemical exposures in this minority, inner city population. Understanding the role of neighborhood on environmental exposures can lead to targeted community-level interventions, with the goal of reducing environmental chemical exposures disproportionately seen in urban minority communities.
Project description:Nicotine is the major pharmacologically active substance in tobacco. Several studies have examined genotypes related to nicotine metabolism, but few studies have been performed in the Mexican population. The objective was to identify associations between gene variants in metabolizing enzymes and the urinary levels of nicotine metabolites among Mexican smokers. The levels of nicotine and its metabolites were determined in the urine of 88 young smokers from Mexico, and 167 variants in 24 genes associated with nicotine metabolism were genotyped by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Trans-3'-hydroxy-cotinine (3HC) and 4-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)-butanoic acid were the most abundant metabolites (35 and 17%, respectively). CYP2A6*12 was associated with 3HC (p = 0.014). The rs145014075 was associated with creatinine-adjusted levels of nicotine (p = 0.035), while the rs12471326 (UGT1A9) was associated to cotinine-N-glucuronide (p = 0.030). CYP2A6 and UGT1A9 variants are associated to nicotine metabolism. 4HPBA metabolite was an abundant urinary metabolite in young Mexican smokers.
Project description:Introduction: To develop appropriate strategies for early diagnosis and intervention of cognitive impairment, the identification of minimally invasive and cost-effective biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cognitive impairment is crucial and desirable. Therefore, the CHina registry study on cOgnitive imPairment in the Elderly (HOPE) study is designed to investigate the natural course of cognitive decline and explore the clinical, imaging, and biochemical markers for the detection and diagnosis of cognitive impairment on its earliest stage. Methods: Approximately 5,000 Chinese elderly aged more than 50 years were recruited from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China by the year 2024. All subjects were invited to complete the clinical assessment, neuropsychological assessment, the biological samples collection (blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)], magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, and optional amyloid and tau PET. The follow-up survey was conducted every 1 year to repeat these assessments for 20 years. To better clarify the relationship between potential risk factors and endpoint events [changes in cognitive score or incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia], appropriate statistical methods were used to analyze the data, including but not limited to, such as linear mixed-effect model, competing risk model, or the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model. Significance: The CHina registry study on cOgnitive imPairment in the Elderly study is designed to explore the longitudinal changes in characteristics of participants with cognitive decline and to identify potential plasma and imaging biomarkers with cost-benefit and scalability advantages. The results will enable broader clinical access and efficient population screening and then improve the development of treatment and the quality of life for cognitive impairment at the early stage. Trial registration number: NCT04360200.
Project description:ObjectiveBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that is widely expressed in the mammalian brain and acts to regulate neuronal survival and influence cognitive processes. The present study measured serum BDNF levels to investigate the associations of the BDNF Val66Met and 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms with cognitive function in elderly Korean individuals.MethodsOver 60 years, a total of 834 subjects were recruited for the present study. The subjects were classified into groups based on the degree of cognitive impairment (age-associated cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease) and compared with normal controls in terms of a neuropsychological assessment and a clinical evaluation.ResultsOf the initial 834 study participants, 165 (59 controls and 106 subjects with cognitive impairments) completed the study. There was a significant increase in serum BDNF levels in subjects with cognitive impairments relative to the control group and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was significantly associated with cognitive function but not serum BDNF levels. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism did not have any associations with cognitive impairment or serum BDNF levels.ConclusionThe present findings suggest that BDNF may play a role in the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism may be an important factor in the susceptibility to these age-related deficits.
Project description:Non-invasive and simple methods enabling easy identification of individuals at high risk of cognitive decline are needed as preventive measures against dementia. This pilot study aimed to explore protein biomarkers that can predict cognitive decline using urine, which can be collected non-invasively. Study subjects were selected from participants in a cohort study of middle-aged and older community-dwelling adults who underwent cognitive testing using the Mini-Mental State Examination and provided spot urine samples at two time points with an interval of approximately 5 years. Seven participants whose cognitive function declined 4 or more points from baseline (Group D) and 7 sex- and age-matched participants whose cognitive function remained within the normal range during the same period (Group M) were selected. Urinary proteomics using mass spectrometry was performed and discriminant models were created using orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). OPLS-DA yielded two models that significantly discriminated between the two groups at baseline and follow-up. Both models had ORM1, ORM2, and SERPINA3 in common. A further OPLS-DA model using baseline ORM1, ORM2, and SERPINA3 data showed similar predictive performance for data at follow-up as it did for baseline data (sensitivity: 0.85, specificity: 0.85), with the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielding an area under the curve of 0.878. This prospective study demonstrated the potential for using urine to identify biomarkers of cognitive decline.
Project description:RATIONALE: Nicotine uptake during smoking was estimated by either analyzing the metabolites of nicotine in various body fluids or by analyzing filters from smoked cigarettes. However, no comparison of the filter analysis method with body fluid analysis methods has been published. OBJECTIVES: Correlate nicotine uptake estimates between filter analysis, salivary cotinine, and urinary excretion of selected nicotine metabolites to determine the suitability of these methods in estimating nicotine absorption in smokers of filtered cigarettes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 5-day clinical study was conducted with 74 smokers who smoked 1-19 mg Federal Trade Commission tar cigarettes, using their own brands ad libitum. Filters were analyzed to estimate the daily mouth exposure of nicotine. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected and analyzed for nicotine, cotinine, and 3'-hydroxycotinine plus their glucuronide conjugates. Saliva samples were collected daily for cotinine analysis. RESULTS: Each method correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with the other two. The best correlation was between the mouth exposure of nicotine, as estimated by filter analysis, and urinary nicotine plus metabolites. Multiple regression analysis implies that saliva cotinine and urinary output are dependent on nicotine mouth exposure for multiple days. Creatinine normalization of the urinary metabolites degrades the correlation with mouth exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The filter analysis method was shown to correlate with more traditional methods of estimating nicotine uptake. However, because filter analysis is less complicated and intrusive, subjects can collect samples easily and unsupervised. This should enable improvements in study compliance and future study designs.
Project description:ObjectiveProton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was applied in this study to detect metabolite changes in the brain of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and normal volunteers. The levels of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and creatinine (Cr) and in the frontal lobe, hippocampus and cingulate gyrus were measured to distinguish patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and normal control group (NC). The relationship between them and cognitive function was explored and a critical value of the metabolite ratio was predicted. This study may serve as a reference for the diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction after stroke.MethodsA total of 46 patients with PSCI (PSCI group, all patients are unilateral cerebral infarction or intracerebral haemorrhage) were screened by the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), and 35 healthy volunteers were selected as normal control group (NC group). The general information of gender, age, and education level was matched between the two groups. Two groups of subjects were examined using MRS and evaluated for cognitive function using the MMSE test and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). The correlation between MRS and neurobehavioral scale (MMSE test and MoCA scale) was analysed, and the possible demarcation points of the brain metabolism of PSCI were evaluated.ResultThe MMSE and MoCA scores of patients with PSCI were lower significantly when compared with those of the NC group (P < 0.05). The NAA/Cr values of the bilateral hippocampus, bilateral frontal lobe and bilateral anterior and posterior cingulate gyrus in the PSCI group were lower than those in the NC group (P < 0.05). The NAA/Cr cut-off value for the right frontal lobe was 1.533, and the NAA/Cr sensitivity, specificity and Youden index for the right frontal lobe were 0.943, 0.935, and 0.878.ConclusionNAA/Cr values in the MRS bilateral frontal, bilateral hippocampus and bilateral anterior and posterior cingulate gyrus were reduced in the cognitively impaired post-stroke patients compared to the normal control group. MRS was also found to be correlated with the score of neurobehavioral scale (MMSE test and MoCA scale) and the combination of the two could evaluate cognitive dysfunction more comprehensively and objectively. NAA/Cr value of the right frontal lobe < 1.533 indicated that PSCI may occur. In accordance with this cut-off point, PSCI could be detected as early as possible and timely intervention could be carried out.