Brain iron alterations associated with metabolic syndrome in the UK Biobank study cohort

Motivation: Metabolic syndrome (Mets) is a complex disease defined by various metabolic disturbances. However, the association between Mets, brain iron homeostasis, and brain aging remains unclear. Goal(s): This study investigated altered brain iron levels in Mets and impactful factors on brain iron in the UK Biobank cohort. Approach: We compared brain iron alterations in the striatum and thalamus of Mets participants and healthy controls (HCs) using blood and imaging data from 21,346 subjects in the UK Biobank. Results: The susceptibility of the caudate nucleus, putamen, pallidum, and thalamus was significantly increased in Mets participants compared with HCs. Impact: Iron deposition in the brains of metabolic syndrome patients increases their susceptibility to brain damage and possibly degenerative diseases. Understanding this metabolic disturbance is crucial for managing brain iron levels in Mets patients as they age.