Abstract # 3182 Neuroinflammation and hypertension iteract in the pathogenesis of white matter hyperintensity in subjects with mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Background White matter hyperintensity (WMH) in MCI increases the risk of AD. WMH while related to hypertensive arteriolosclerosis can also occur among non-hypertensives. We studied the association between neuroinflammation and WMH in MCI subjects with and without hypertension. Methods MCI subjects who additionally underwent evaluation for neuroinflammation were evaluated for WMH using the Fazekas scale. Global cognition (MMSE and MOCA) and plasma HMGB1 (Mybiosource, USA) was measured with ELISA kits. Results 55 MCI subjects were evaluated. MCI subjects with WMH and hypertension (MCI-WMH HTN) were older, less educated and had the highest proportion of males compared to the other 2 groups. 56% of MCI subjects with WMH had hypertension while the remaining 44% had blood pressure within low normal range. Serum HMGB1 levels was highest in the group with MCI WMH-HTN, followed by MCI-WMH No HTN and MCI-no WMH (31.92 vs. 26.80 vs. 22.20; p = 0.012). Levels were TNF on the other hand were in the reverse direction (9.3 vs 10.33 vs. 19.40; p = 0,047). There were no significant differences in levels of IL-1b, 6, 18 and annexin. Conclusions HMGB-1 and TNF have a role in the pathogenesis of WMH. Hypertension further accentuates the association between HMGB-1 and WMH. Longitudinal animal and human studies are underway to study the causal effect of HMGB-1 in WMH.