Circulating free nitrotyrosine and cognitive decline.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the circulating nitrotyrosine level significantly correlates with parameters measuring cognitive abilities.


METHODS
One-hundred and twelve community-living subjects (ranging in age from 27 to 98 years) were evaluated for cognitive abilities [Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score] and circulating free nitrotyrosine plasma level, as well as for several variables that might influence cognitive abilities (age, education) and nitrotyrosine level (body mass index, haematological parameters, cardiovascular and inflammatory indices).


RESULTS
In the sub-group of cognitively impaired subjects (score at MMSE < 23.9), but not in that of cognitively not impaired subjects, a significant inverse correlation exists between nitrotyrosine level and MMSE score (r = -0.378; P < 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
The finding, if confirmed by longitudinal studies, could play a role in the management of the subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment, the clinical condition considered as a transitional state between the changes of cognitive ability in normal aging and dementia.
Coppola
L
L
Department of Geriatrics and Metabolic Diseases, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. ludovico.coppola@unina2.it
Pastore
A
A
Adamo
G
G
Coppola
A
A
Manzella
D
D
Gombos
I
I
Luongo
M
M
Mastrolorenzo
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000379:methods; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012737:Sex Factors; D014443:Tyrosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood
D006454:Hemoglobins; C002744:3-nitrotyrosine; D014443:Tyrosine