Adhesion molecules, altered vasoreactivity and brain atrophy in type 2 diabetes

August 17th, 2011

Objective: To investigate the effects of inflammation on perfusion regulation and brain volumes in type 2 diabetes.
Methods: 147 subjects (71 diabetic, 76 non-diabetic, aged 65.2±8yrs) were studied using 3T anatomical and continuous arterial spin labeling MRI. We analyzed the relationship between serum soluble vascular and intercellular adhesion molecules (sVCAM, sICAM - markers of endothelial integrity), regional vasoreactivity and tissue volumes.
Results: Diabetic subjects had greater vasoconstriction reactivity, more atrophy, depression and slower walking. Adhesion molecules were specifically related to gray matter atrophy (p=0.04) and altered vasoreactivity (p=0.03) in the diabetes and control groups. Regionally, sVCAM and sICAM were linked to exaggerated vasoconstriction, blunted vasodilatation and increased cortical atrophy in the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes (p=0.04-0.003). sICAM correlated with worse functionality.
Conclusions: Diabetes is associated with cortical atrophy, vasoconstriction and worse performance. Adhesion molecules, as markers of vascular health, have been indicated to contribute to altered vasoregulation and atrophy.

DOI: 10.2337/dc11-0969

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