Diminished circulating retinol and elevated α-TOH/retinol ratio predict an increased risk of cognitive decline in aging Chinese adults, especially in subjects with ApoE2 or ApoE4 genotype.

OBJECTIVE

The current study evaluated the relationship between circulating fat soluble vitamin status and cognition in aging Chinese population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 1754 community residents aged 55-80 years aiming to evaluate the relationship between circulating α-tocopherol and retinol status and cognition. The effect of ApoE genetic polymorphism on the relationship between vitamins and cognition was also explored.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that serum retinol status positively correlated with cognitive performance; while, serum α-tocopherol (α-TOH)/retinol ratio negatively correlated with cognitive performance. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subject demonstrated higher serum α-TOH status ( < 0.05), α-TOH/retinol ratio ( < 0.01) and lower retinol status ( < 0.01) than normal subjects. Subjects with ApoE4 genotype have lower serum retinol level ( < 0.05) and higher α-TOH/retinol ratio ( < 0.01) than subjects with ApoE3 genotype. MCI-ApoE4 carriers demonstrated the worst cognitive performance ( < 0.05) and exhibited higher serum TC, α-TOH and α-TOH/retinol ratio levels ( < 0.05), and lower LDL-C, retinol and lipid-adjusted retinol status ( < 0.05). MCI-ApoE2 subjects showed higher serum TC, HDL-C content and α-TOH/retinol ratio ( < 0.05); and lower serum retinol and lipid-adjusted retinol status ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lower circulating retinol and higher α-TOH/retinol ratio potentially predicts an increased risk for the development of cognitive decline in aging Chinese adults. ApoE2 or E4 carriers with higher circulating α-TOH/retinol ratio infer poor cognitive performance and an increased risk of developing MCI.