C-type lectin-like receptor 2 and zonulin are associated with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

Objective Increased permeability and changes in gut microbiota contributed to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Zonulin is a key modulator that regulates intestinal barrier function. Peripheral platelet alterations have been involved in AD pathology. C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) is a receptor on the platelet surface for activation. The purpose of this study was to determine zonulin and CLEC-2 levels in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, and investigate the relationship between zonulin and CLEC-2. Methods In this study, CLEC-2 and zonulin levels were measured using ELISA assay in 110 AD patients, 110 MCI patients, and 110 non-demented control subjects. Results Increased CLEC-2 and zonulin levels were observed in MCI and AD patients. Furthermore, AD patients had higher CLEC-2 and zonulin levels compared with MCI patients. In addition, CLEC-2 levels were positively correlated with zonulin levels, after adjusting confounding factors (r = .592, P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that increased CLEC-2 and zonulin levels were significantly associated with reduced Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Conclusions C-type lectin-like receptor 2 is correlated with zonulin after adjusting confounding covariates. Moreover, increased CLEC-2 and zonulin are the significant factors for reduced MMSE score in MCI and AD. Further studies are needed.