Association of CSF visinin-like protein 1 levels with cerebral glucose metabolism among older adults

Abstract

Background CSF visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1) levels have exhibited potential utility as a marker of neuronal damage and are increased in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The levels of CSF VILIP-1 have been associated with memory decline and hippocampal atrophy, while no studies have investigated the association between CSF VILIP-1 levels and cerebral glucose metabolism among older adults. Methods Study participants had available baseline CSF VILIP-1 data and more than two assessments of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F] FDG-PET) brain imaging. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the association between baseline CSF VILIP-1 levels and longitudinal changes in FDG-PET over time. Models were performed separately for the cognitively unimpaired (CU) and cognitively impaired (CI) participants. Results Among CU older adults, higher CSF VILIP-1 levels were marginally associated with a faster reduction in cerebral glucose metabolism. In CI older adults, CSF VILIP-1 levels were significantly associated with a faster reduction in cerebral glucose metabolism. Conclusion These results provide novel insights into the relationship between neuronal injury and cerebral glucose metabolism, highlighting the potential of CSF VILIP-1 as a biomarker for monitoring and predicting the progression of neurodegenerative processes.