Are pNF-H, IL-6, BDNF, and NSP Reliable Biomarkers of Cognitive Function in Prostate Cancer Patients?

Cognitive decline can result from various factors, including direct neurotoxic injury, brain tissue damage, inflammation, and disruptions in coagulation and fibrinolysis. This study aimed to examine the relationship between biochemical markers associated with cognitive function and cognitive performance in men with prostate cancer (PC) following radical prostatectomy. Participants underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including clinical assessments (demographic information, medical history, PC progression, and complications such as erectile dysfunction [IIEF-5] and urinary incontinence [ICIQ-UI]), biochemical testing (testosterone, prostate-specific antigen, phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain [pNF-H], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], neuroserpin [NSP], and interleukin-6 [IL-6]), and neuropsychological assessment of cognitive functions. Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlations between BDNF and NSP levels and performance on delayed memory tasks, specifically the number of correct responses. No other significant associations were found between protein biomarkers and cognitive test outcomes. These findings suggest that the relationship between biochemical markers and cognitive function is complex. However, BDNF and NSP may serve as potential biomarkers for delayed memory impairment in men post-prostatectomy.