MicroRNA Signatures Predict Brain Amyloidosis and Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease: Insights from [F] AV45 and FDG PET Imaging.

PURPOSE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease primarily manifesting with cognitive decline. This study aimed to investigate the alterations in microRNAs in patients across AD continuum as potential biomarkers.

METHOD

Data were extracted from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, including microRNA levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients across AD continuum. We analyzed the associations between microRNA levels and previously known AD biomarkers, such as amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulations in the brain and glucose reuptake values using positron emission tomography ([F]AV45 and FDG PET, respectively).

FINDINGS

The study found a significant positive correlation between CSF levels of miR-210-3p and Aβ accumulations in the brain (B = 4.69). Conversely, miR-223-3p levels were significantly lower in APOE-ε4 carriers. Significant negative correlations were also observed between glucose reuptake and several miRNAs in the AD group. Specifically, plasma levels of let-7g-5p, mir-423-5p, and mir-660-5p were negatively associated with glucose reuptake in the brain.

CONCLUSION

Elevated levels of miR-210-3p correlate with Aβ accumulation, supporting previous findings of increased levels of certain microRNAs in patients with MCI and AD. Our findings highlight the potential of microRNAs as biomarkers of AD.