Glial cell line-derived Neurotrophic factor GDNF Gene Expression Analysis: Unveiling Neuronal Protection Mechanisms in Alzheimer's Disease Management

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD), accounting for a substantial proportion of dementia cases, presents a formidable challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. The pathogenesis of AD in patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is particularly complex due to the interplay of metabolic and neurodegenerative processes. Understanding the role of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in this context is vital for elucidating potential therapeutic targets. Objective: This study aimed to assess the expression levels of the GDNF gene in patients with Type II DM and dementia and to explore the correlation between GDNF expression and cognitive function. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 88 diabetic patients with dementia and 12 healthy controls. GDNF serum levels were measured using Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA), and genomic DNA was isolated for expression analysis via RT-qPCR. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Statistical analysis, including t-tests and one-way ANOVA, was performed using Graphpad Prism version 9.0. Results: Diabetic dementia patients exhibited significantly lower GDNF serum levels (4.37±1.38 µg/mL) compared to healthy controls (11.37±3.64 µg/mL, p=0.014). MMSE scores were also lower in the patient group (12.26±4.56) than in controls (24.1±3.12, p=0.009). RT-qPCR results showed a relative fold decrease in GDNF expression of 4.1 in dementia patients, indicating underexpression of the GDNF gene.1 Conclusion: The reduced expression of GDNF in patients with Type II DM and dementia underscores its potential as a biomarker for cognitive impairment. These findings pave the way for further research into GDNF-targeted therapies, which could prove pivotal in early detection and management of dementia in diabetic populations.