Human APRIL and FGF-21 and adhesion molecules in relation to cognitive function in elderly diabetic patients

Aim A diverse combination of etiologies such as vascular and inflammatory factors and social and physical inactivity may take place in the etiology of cognitive dysfunction (CD). Diabetes mellitus (DM) may contribute to CD over insulin resistance, inflammation, and vascular risk factors. However, mechanisms included in the process are not very clear. We aimed to investigate serum levels of selected biomarkers as a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), FGF-21, P-selectin, soluble vascular cell, and intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1) in elderly patients with DM in relation to cognitive function. Methods A group of 80 elderly type 2 diabetic patients from the outpatient clinic, consisting of 40 patients with CD (mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score