Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 is associated with plasma GFAP dependent on age

Introduction: We investigated the relationship between metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) availability and plasma biomarkers in individuals with cognitive impairment. Methods: Seventy-one subjects were included (17 cognitively unimpaired [CU], 10 early-onset cognitive impairment [EOCI], and 44 late-onset cognitive impairment [LOCI]). Amyloid beta (Aβ) pathology was quantified using 18F-Florbetapir, and mGluR5 availability by 18F-PSS232. The associations of mGluR5 availability, plasma biomarkers, and age were explored using partial correlation, mediation, and interaction analyses. Results: In individuals aged over 65 years and the LOCI group, mGluR5 availability was positively associated with plasma glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP). This positive relationship of mGluR5 with plasma GFAP in LOCI only survived in the Aβ-positive subgroup (r = 0.475, p = 0.011). Discussion: Increased mGluR5 availability is significantly associated with elevated plasma GFAP levels dependent on age in individuals aged over 65 years and the LOCI group.