NeuroGenetics of Alzheimer’s Disease: Cross-Linking BDNF Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Genetic Nexus of Type II Diabetes and Dementia

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Fatima Asghar
Aqsa Yasin
Owais Aziz
Zarrien Fatima
Iqra Sarwar
Nimra Shahzad
Amna Sehar
Zainab Saeed
Syed Faizan Saeed Bukhari
Rida Zahra

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are commonly associated with aging, particularly in the context of Type II Diabetes Mellitus (Type II DM), which is known to exacerbate micro and macrovascular complications that affect cognitive functions. The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene has been implicated in the neurodegenerative processes that underscore these conditions.


Objective: This study aimed to investigate the expression of the BDNF gene in diabetic patients with dementia and analyze its correlation with cognitive impairment, to establish BDNF as a potential biomarker for early detection and therapeutic targeting.


Methods: A cohort of 102 patients with diabetic dementia and 32 healthy controls was enrolled. EDTA blood samples were collected and processed to measure BDNF serum levels using a Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA). Genomic DNA was isolated, and its integrity was confirmed via UV spectrophotometry and gel electrophoresis. The bisulfite DNA modification and Methylation-Specific PCR were conducted to analyze BDNF gene expression, followed by quantitative real-time PCR. Cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).


Results: The study revealed a significant decrease in BDNF serum levels in diabetic dementia patients (12.6 ng/mL) compared to healthy controls (34.8 ng/mL), with MMSE scores averaging at 13.2 and 24.6, respectively. BDNF gene expression showed a 4.1-fold decrease in the dementia group. Statistical analysis indicated that these differences were significant (p<0.05).


Conclusion: The reduced expression of BDNF in patients with diabetic dementia confirms its potential as a biomarker for cognitive impairment. Early detection and intervention strategies that modulate BDNF could ameliorate the impact of dementia in the context of diabetes.

Article Details

How to Cite
Asghar, F., Yasin , A., Aziz, O., Fatima, Z., Sarwar, I., Shahzad , N., Sehar , A., Saeed, Z., Bukhari , S. F. S., & Zahra, R. (2024). NeuroGenetics of Alzheimer’s Disease: Cross-Linking BDNF Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Genetic Nexus of Type II Diabetes and Dementia. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(1), 1192–1197. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i1.594
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Articles
Author Biographies

Fatima Asghar, University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Department of Allied Health Sciences University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Aqsa Yasin , University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan

Research Scholar, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) University of the Punjab Lahore Pakistan

Owais Aziz, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University)

Kausar Abdullah Malik School of Life Sciences Forman Christian College (A Chartered University)

Zarrien Fatima, Kinnaird College for Women University (KCWU) Lahore

Department of Zoology Kinnaird College for Women University (KCWU) Lahore

Iqra Sarwar, University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Department of Allied Health Sciences University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Nimra Shahzad , University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Department of Allied Health Sciences University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Amna Sehar , University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Department of Allied Health Sciences University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Zainab Saeed, University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Department of Allied Health Sciences University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Syed Faizan Saeed Bukhari , University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Department of Allied Health Sciences University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Rida Zahra, University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

Department of Allied Health Sciences University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore

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