Brain aging: Evaluation of pH using phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy

What is it about?

Aim: Very important aspects of aging include age-related changes occurring in the brain. The aim of the study is to identify the standard pH value in the entire brain volume using 31P MRS in healthy subjects of both sexes in different age groups, and then to determine whether there are differences in these values. Methods: 65 subjects aged from 20 to 32 years (mean age 24.5 ± 2.1 years, 31 women and 34 men) and 31 subjects aged from 60 to 81 (mean age 64.9 ± 5.5 years, 17 women and 14 men) were studied. The phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) examination was performed using 1.5 T MR system. The signal was acquired from the Volume of Interest which covered the whole brain. Results: A vast majority of the examined individuals had slightly alkaline brain pH regardless of age. In the 20+ group pH = 7.09 ± 0.11 and in the 60+ group the average pH = 7.03 ± 0.05. This comparison of the pH identified in all the tested subjects shows a negative correlation of pH with age. Conclusions: The present findings may provide a valuable basis for further research into "healthy aging" as well as pathology in elderly.

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Why is it important?

HIGHLIGHTS: • Brain pH is close to neutral or slightly alkaline regardless of age. • The average pH in the 20+ group is 7.09 and in the 60+ group 7.03. • There is a negative correlation of pH with age. • There are no significant sex differences in brain pH regardless of age. • The findings may provide a valuable basis for further research into healthy aging.