Zi Shen Wan Fang regulates kynurenine metabolism to alleviate diabetes-associated cognitive impairment via activating the skeletal muscle PGC1α-PPARα signaling.

Background: Cognitive dysfunction is commonly observed in diabetic patients, yet, the underlying mechanisms are obscure and there are no approved drugs. Skeletal muscle is a key pathological organ in diabetes. Evidence is accumulating that skeletal muscle and brain communication are important for cognitive, and kynurenine (KYN) metabolism is one of the mediators.