Aug 2026· Biological Research for Nursing· pp.
10998004261479322
· 0 citations· 47 references
Medicine
TL;DR
The inverse relationship between BDNF and S100 B suggests a link between neurotrophic and neuroinflammatory processes and nursing interventions that enhance BDNF may also affect S100 B level, which may foster brain health in older adults.
Abstract
Population aging has made the maintenance of cognitive function and mental health in older adults a major public health priority. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100 B) are biomarkers of brain health, reflecting neurotrophic support and neuroinflammatory activity, respectively. The objectives of this study were to examine the association (a) between serum BDNF and S100 B levels and (b) between these biomarkers and cognitive function and depression in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study included 95 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years living in rural Japan. Serum BDNF and S100 B levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Cognitive function and depressive symptoms were assessed using four instruments. Spearman's correlation analyses examined associations between the biomarkers and neuropsychological measures. Multiple regression analyses were performed using log10-transformed S100 B as the dependent variable and log10-transformed BDNF, age, sex, education, and BMI as independent variables. Serum BDNF levels were negatively correlated with serum S100 B levels (β = -0.509, p < 0.0001). This association remained significant across adjusted models (all p < 0.0001). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results. No associations were observed between serum BDNF or S100 B levels and cognitive function or depression. The inverse relationship between BDNF and S100 B suggests a link between neurotrophic and neuroinflammatory processes. Nursing interventions that enhance BDNF may also affect S100 B level, which may foster brain health in older adults.
It is demonstrated that decreased serum BDNF levels are associated with the presence and symptom severity of anxiety disorders, and the Val66Met polymorphism does not appear to be a primary determinant of serum BDNF levels in this population, suggesting that other genetic or environmental factors may be involved.
Dicle Yilmaz Uyanik, Merve Şahin Can, O. Baykan et al.· Molecular Biology Reports· 0 citations
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function. Age-related decline in BDNF signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and mild cognitive impairment. However, the prognostic value of circulating BDNF and its genetic variants remains controversial due to inconsistent findings across studies. This review synthesizes current evidence on peripheral BDNF levels and the Val66Met polymorphism as potential biomarkers of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. We critically analyze biological mechanisms linking BDNF to neurodegeneration, including its interaction with amyloid-beta and tau pathology. We further examine factors underlying discrepant results: demographic characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, pharmacological interventions, and methodological variability. Despite these challenges, BDNF remains a promising diagnostic factor. Nevertheless, standardizing preanalytical protocols and accounting for patient heterogeneity are essential to unlock its diagnostic potential.
Tatiana V. Tulupova, M. Vedunova, E. Mitroshina· Frontiers in Aging Neuroscie...· 0 citations
BACKGROUND
Cognitive impairment in older adults has been linked to low serum Vitamin B12 (B12) and elevated homocysteine (HCY) levels, but evidence remains inconclusive. This study examined their relationship with cognitive impairment among older adults in India.
METHODS
This retrospective case note-based study included 96 subjects: cognitively normal (n = 21), Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 42), and other cognitive disorders (n = 33). The mean age was 70.1 (± 8.9) years, with 58% males. Cognitive function was assessed using the Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE). Serum B12 (pg/ml) and HCY (micromol/L) levels were measured. Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression, and bootstrapped mediation analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Elevated HCY (>15 micromol/L) was seen in 72%, and low B12 (<200 pg/mL) in 33%. The mean HMSE score was 16.9 (± 8.5). No significant correlation was found between HMSE scores and HCY (r = -0.006, p = 0.95) or B12 (r = 0.12, p = 0.23). HCY levels were higher in cognitively impaired groups than controls, but not significantly. Regression analysis showed gender as a significant predictor, while B12, HCY, and age were not.
CONCLUSION
B12 and HCY levels were not independently associated with cognitive performance. No significant moderation effect between B12 and HCY on HMSE scores was observed.
Ravish Huchegowda, V. Harbishettar, Preeti Sinha et al.· Journal of Nutrition in Gero...· 0 citations
Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate state between normal cognitive ageing and dementia. Given the increasing dementia burden in the country, there is a critical need for early detection through the assessment of MCI. However, studies that comprehensively examined the associations between micronutrients, neuronal markers, and cognitive impairment are scarce. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 184 adults aged 55–85 years in Hyderabad between January 2024 and March 2025. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, nutritional, and neuronal biomarkers were estimated. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool. Results: The study reported an MCI prevalence of 36.4% among older adults, significantly associated with higher HbA1c and systolic blood pressure, and elevated neuronal markers such as β-Amyloid, T tau, and Nfl. Vitamin D, B1, B2, B6, and B9 levels were significantly lower in the MCI group, with a higher burden of deficiency. Higher vitamin levels were correlated with better MoCA scores and a lower predicted probability of MCI, especially vitamins D and B6. In particular, B2 and B6 have shown associations with BDNF, tau, and Nfl markers. Conclusions: Lower levels of circulatory vitamins were significantly associated with a higher probability of MCI. Also, neuronal biomarkers were significantly associated with micronutrient deficiencies. These findings suggest that micronutrient deficiencies may be associated with MCI in older adults, highlighting the potential importance of maintaining adequate micronutrient status to support healthy cognitive aging and possibly reduce the risk of dementia. However, given the cross-sectional design of the present study, causal relationships cannot be established. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to validate these associations and further clarify the temporal relationship between micronutrient status and cognitive decline.
