Abstract:
Background: The global prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and its associated cognitive impairment (DCI) present a critical public health challenge. Recent studies have highlighted the role of gut microbiota and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of DCI. However, a translational pathway connecting fundamental mechanistic discoveries to practical nursing interventions remains underdeveloped. This presentation summarizes an interdisciplinary research program bridging this gap.
Methods: Our research combined clinical cohort studies, animal experiments, and multi-omics analyses. We established a prospective cohort of T2DM patients with and without cognitive impairment in China, collecting serum and fecal samples for metagenomic and metabolomic profiling. In animal studies, db/db mice and high-fat diet-induced DCI models were used to evaluate the effects of Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on metabolic and cognitive outcomes. Mechanistic studies included NLRP3 inflammasome knockout models and HCAR2 receptor signaling analysis.
Results: We found that DCI patients exhibited distinct gut microbiota profiles, with reduced abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Akk and altered SCFA levels. In mouse models, supplementation with Akk or SCFAs (e.g., butyrate, acetate) improved glycemic control, reduced neuroinflammation, and restored learning and memory functions. These effects were mediated through the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome and modulation of the gut-brain axis. Additionally, dietary patterns such as Mediterranean and DASH were associated with better cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults.
Conclusions: This research establishes a critical role for gut microbiota and their metabolites in the pathogenesis of DCI. We demonstrate that targeting the gut-brain axis through specific bacterial supplements (Akk), microbial metabolites (SCFAs), and evidence-based dietary patterns offers a viable strategy for DCI prevention and management. Our work underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration, from basic mechanism discovery to the development of personalized nutrition and nursing care paradigms, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and the advancement of metabolic and cognitive health.
Biography:
Dr. Yanhui Lu is a Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Nursing, Peking University. She earned her Ph.D. in Nutrition and Food Hygiene from Capital Medical University. Dr. Lu's research focuses on the role of gut microbiota and their metabolites in diabetic cognitive impairment. She has led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects and published extensively in high-impact journals. She also serves as a grant review expert for the National Natural Science Foundation of China and holds several editorial board memberships.
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