The presence of a skin-brain connection whereby alterations in the skin can inform on mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases is increasingly recognized. In this study, we used a discovery (n=321) and replication (n=147) sample from the TwinsUK population to test the association between naevus count and memory function, and its mediation by telomeres. Memory function was assessed in 1995 and 2005 using the Paired Associates Learning test (PAL), while naevus count and leukocyte telomere length (LTL, assessed by the terminal restriction fragment assay) were measured once. Higher baseline naevus count was significantly associated with fewer errors at the baseline and follow up PAL, as well as with change in PAL score over 10 years. This association was significantly attenuated after adjustment for LTL. The significant association between naevus count and PAL score was reproduced in the replication sample. These findings suggest that melanocytes might be used as model system to study the biological ageing pathways involved in neurodegeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The relationship between naevus count, memory function and telomere length in the Twins UK cohort

Masi, Stefano
Primo
;
Taddei, Stefano;
2018-01-01

Abstract

The presence of a skin-brain connection whereby alterations in the skin can inform on mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases is increasingly recognized. In this study, we used a discovery (n=321) and replication (n=147) sample from the TwinsUK population to test the association between naevus count and memory function, and its mediation by telomeres. Memory function was assessed in 1995 and 2005 using the Paired Associates Learning test (PAL), while naevus count and leukocyte telomere length (LTL, assessed by the terminal restriction fragment assay) were measured once. Higher baseline naevus count was significantly associated with fewer errors at the baseline and follow up PAL, as well as with change in PAL score over 10 years. This association was significantly attenuated after adjustment for LTL. The significant association between naevus count and PAL score was reproduced in the replication sample. These findings suggest that melanocytes might be used as model system to study the biological ageing pathways involved in neurodegeneration. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
2018
Masi, Stefano; Georgiopoulos, Georgios; Ribero, Simone; Taddei, Stefano; Bataille, Veronique; Steves, Claire J
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Masi_et_al-2018-Pigment_Cell_&_Melanoma_Research.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Versione finale editoriale
Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 593.51 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
593.51 kB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/924591
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 2
  • Scopus 2
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 2
social impact