Correlations between CSF proteins and spontaneous neuronal activity in Parkinson's disease

The relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins and brain function in Parkinson's disease (PD) is not explained clearly. We investigated the correlations between CSF proteins and spontaneous neuronal activity in PD patients via fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) using the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database. Twenty-eight PD patients underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in “off” status and lumbar puncture within a month. Correlation analyses between CSF proteins and fALFF value in whole brain as well as clinical assessment scores were performed. We found CSF total tau (t-tau) level was negatively correlated with fALFF in posterior cingulate gyrus. And fALFF in posterior cingulate gyrus was positively correlated with Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised recognition discrimination index. Besides, alpha-synuclein (α-syn) level was correlated with fALFF in bilateral inferior frontal gyrus. This study provides evidence that CSF proteins may have a relationship with brain function related to cognitive status in PD patients.