Urinary Cytokines as Potential Biomarkers of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 80% all cases. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) a transitional state between normal aging and AD. Early detection crucial, as irreversible brain damage occurs before symptoms manifest. Objective: This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers early AD by analyzing urinary cytokine concentrations. We investigated 37 cytokines in AD, MCI, cognitively individuals (NC), assessing their associations with development. Methods: Urinary concentrations were measured (n = 25), MCI NC 26) patients. IL6ST MMP-2 levels compared NC, while TNFRSF8, IL6ST, IL-19 assessed versus MCI. Diagnostic models distinguished from in-silico analysis explored molecular mechanisms related Results: Significant perturbations observed urine suggesting biomarkers. differed significantly implicating them progression. exhibited promising performance (AUC: 0.59–0.79, sensitivity: 0.72–0.80, specificity: 0.56–0.78) distinguishing NC. In-silico revealed insights, including relevant non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, transcription factors. Conclusion: establishes significant MMP-2, emerge enhances understanding Further validation exploration these larger cohorts are warranted assess clinical utility.