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Homocysteine levels are associated with hippocampus volume in type 2 diabetic patients
Author(s) -
Shimomura Tsuyoshi,
Anan Futoshi,
Masaki Takayuki,
Umeno Yoshikazu,
Eshima Nobuoki,
Saikawa Tetsunori,
Yoshimatsu Hironobu,
Fujiki Minoru,
Kobayashi Hidenori
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02464.x
Subject(s) - medicine , insulin resistance , hippocampus , endocrinology , homocysteine , diabetes mellitus , type 2 diabetes , atrophy , insulin
Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (7): 751–758 Abstract Background Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) levels are associated with cognitive dysfunction, in which changes in the hippocampus plausibly play a pivotal role. We tested the hypothesis that elevated tHcy levels are correlated with hippocampus volume and insulin resistance in nondementia patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods The study included 43 nondementia patients with type 2 diabetes, who were divided into two groups: a high tHcy group (age: 65 ± 8 years, mean ± standard deviation, n = 16) and a normal tHcy group (64 ± 9 years, n = 27). Hippocampus volume was quantified with a computer‐assisted analysis using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) voxel‐based specific regional analysis system developed for the study of Alzheimer’s disease (VSRAD), which yields a Z‐score as the end point for the assessment of hippocampal volume. Results The Z‐score was higher in the high tHcy group compared to the normal tHcy group ( P < 0·0001). The fasting plasma glucose ( P < 0·01) and insulin ( P < 0·0001) concentrations and the homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index ( P < 0·0001) were higher in the high tHcy group than in the normal tHcy group. Multiple regression analysis showed that the main factors that influenced tHcy levels may be the Z‐score and the HOMA index. Conclusions Our results indicate that the elevated levels of tHcy in Japanese nondementia patients with type 2 diabetes are characterised by hippocampal atrophy and insulin resistance and that the Z‐score and HOMA index may be the primary factors that influence tHcy levels.