Adiponectin and Inflammatory Marker Levels in the Elderly Patients with Diabetes, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Depressive Symptoms

Some studies suggest that low-grade inflammation and adipokines may be involved in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depression in subjects with type 2 diabetes; however, the available data concerning the elderly population are limited. Therefore, we conducted novel research to determine the serum adiponectin, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels in elderly diabetic patients with MCI and depressive symptoms and to identify the factors associated with MCI in this group. A total of 178 diabetic patients (mean age 84.4 ± 3.4 years) were screened for MCI and depressive symptoms. Various biochemical and biomarker data were collected. We found that patients with MCI and depressive symptoms demonstrated lower adiponectin levels and high hs-CRP and TNF-α. In this group, adiponectin concentration was negatively correlated with hs-CRP, TNF-α, HbA1c, and GDS-30 scores and positively correlated with MoCA scores. Multivariable analysis found the risk of MCI to be associated with higher TNF-α levels, fewer years of formal education, an increased number of comorbidities, and the presence of CVD. We concluded that low-grade inflammation and the presence of adipokines are associated with MCI and depressive symptoms in elderly diabetics. Further research should evaluate the suitability of Hs-CRP, TNF-α, and adiponectin as diagnostic markers for MCI and potential therapeutic targets.