Increased GABA concentrations in type 2 diabetes mellitus are related to lower cognitive functioning. Issue 36 (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Bussel, Frank C.G.; Backes, Walter H.; Hofman, Paul A.M.; Puts, Nicolaas A.J.; Edden, Richard A.E.; van Boxtel, Martin P.J.; Schram, Miranda T.; Stehouwer, Coen D.A.; Wildberger, Joachim E.; Jansen, Jacobus F.A.
• Other Names: Cheng. Xiwen section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 95:Issue 36(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: γ-aminobutyric acid -- cognition -- glutamate -- magnetic resonance spectroscopy -- type 2 diabetes mellitus; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000004803
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with accelerated cognitive decline. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms still remain to be elucidated although it is known that insulin signaling modulates neurotransmitter activity, including inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and excitatory glutamate (Glu) receptors. Therefore, we examined whether levels of GABA and Glu are related to diabetes status and cognitive performance. Forty-one participants with type 2 diabetes and 39 participants without type 2 diabetes underwent detailed cognitive assessments and 3-Tesla proton MR spectroscopy. The associations of neurotransmitters with type 2 diabetes and cognitive performance were examined using multivariate regression analyses controlling for age, sex, education, BMI, and percentage gray/white matter ratio in spectroscopic voxel. Analysis revealed higher GABA+ levels in participants with type 2 diabetes, in participants with higher fasting blood glucose levels and in participants with higher HbA1c levels, and higher GABA+ levels in participants with both high HbA1c levels and less cognitive performance. To conclude, participants with type 2 diabetes have alterations in the GABAergic neurotransmitter system, which are related to lower cognitive functioning, and hint at the involvement of an underlying metabolic mechanism.