1
|
Oughourlian TC, Rizvi S, Wang C, Kostiuk A, Salamon N, Holly LT, Ellingson BM. Sex-specific alterations in functional connectivity and network topology in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16020. [PMID: 38992236 PMCID: PMC11239916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67084-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) experience structural and functional brain reorganization. However, few studies have investigated the influence of sex on cerebral alterations. The present study investigates the role of sex on brain functional connectivity (FC) and global network topology in DCM and healthy controls (HCs). The resting-state functional MRI data was acquired for 100 patients (58 males vs. 42 females). ROI-to-ROI FC and network topological features were characterized for each patient and HC. Group differences in FC and network topological features were examined. Compared to healthy counterparts, DCM males exhibited higher FC between vision-related brain regions, and cerebellum, brainstem, and thalamus, but lower FC between the intracalcarine cortex and frontal and somatosensory cortices, while DCM females demonstrated higher FC between the thalamus and cerebellar and sensorimotor regions, but lower FC between sensorimotor and visual regions. DCM males displayed higher FC within the cerebellum and between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and vision-related regions, while DCM females displayed higher FC between frontal regions and the PCC, cerebellum, and visual regions. Additionally, DCM males displayed significantly greater intra-network connectivity and efficiency compared to healthy counterparts. Results from the present study imply sex-specific supraspinal functional alterations occur in patients with DCM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talia C Oughourlian
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shan Rizvi
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Interdepartmental Program, College of Life Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chencai Wang
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Alex Kostiuk
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Langston T Holly
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin M Ellingson
- UCLA Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL), Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd, Suite 615, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu K, Li H, Xie Y, Zhang S, Wang X. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation alterations in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a resting-state fMRI study. Neuroradiology 2024; 66:847-854. [PMID: 38530417 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-024-03337-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to use the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) method to investigate the changes in spontaneous brain activity in CSM patients and their relationships with clinical features. METHODS We recruited 20 patients with CSM, and 20 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, sex, and education status. The fALFF method was used to evaluate the altered spontaneous brain activities. The Pearson correlation analysis of fALFF and the clinical features were carried out. RESULTS Compared with HC, CSM group showed increased fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, and right angular gyrus. Decreased fALFF values were found in the right lingual gyrus, cuneus (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis shows that the fALFF values of all CSM were positively correlated with JOA score in the right angular gyrus (r = 0.518, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION CSM patients have abnormal fALFF distribution in multiple brain regions and might be an appealing alternative approach for further exploration of the pathological and neuropsychological states in CSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaifu Wu
- Department of Radiology, the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26, Shengli Street, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Radiology, the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26, Shengli Street, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Yuanliang Xie
- Department of Radiology, the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26, Shengli Street, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Shutong Zhang
- Department of Radiology, the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26, Shengli Street, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Radiology, the Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26, Shengli Street, Wuhan, 430014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khan AF, Muhammad F, Mohammadi E, O'Neal C, Haynes G, Hameed S, Walker B, Rohan ML, Yabluchanskiy A, Smith ZA. Beyond the aging spine - a systematic review of functional changes in the human brain in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. GeroScience 2024; 46:1421-1450. [PMID: 37801201 PMCID: PMC10828266 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00954-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative condition that leads to loss of cervical spinal cord integrity, typically affecting the aged population. Emerging fMRI-based evidence suggests that the brain is also affected by CSM. This systematic review aimed to understand the usefulness of brain fMRI in CSM. A comprehensive literature search was conducted until March 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria included original research articles in English, primarily studying the human brain's functional changes in CSM using fMRI with at least 5 participants. The extracted data from each study included demographics, disease severity, MRI machine characteristics, affected brain areas, functional changes, and clinical utilities. A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. Among the fMRI methods, resting-state fMRI was the most widely used experimental paradigm, followed by motor tasks. The brain areas associated with motor control were most affected in CSM, followed by the superior frontal gyrus and occipital cortex. Functional changes in the brain were correlated to clinical metrics showing clinical utility. However, the evidence that a specific fMRI metric correlating with a clinical metric was "very low" to "insufficient" due to a low number of studies and negative results. In conclusion, fMRI can potentially facilitate the diagnosis of CSM by quantitatively interrogating the functional changes of the brain, particularly areas of the brain associated with motor control. However, this field is in its early stages, and more studies are needed to establish the usefulness of brain fMRI in CSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fahim Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
| | - Fauziyya Muhammad
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Esmaeil Mohammadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Christen O'Neal
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Grace Haynes
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | - Sanaa Hameed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Brynden Walker
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | | | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zachary Adam Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, Zhao R, Zhu D, Fu X, Sun F, Cai Y, Ma J, Guo X, Zhang J, Xue Y. Voxel- and tensor-based morphometry with machine learning techniques identifying characteristic brain impairment in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1267349. [PMID: 38419699 PMCID: PMC10899699 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1267349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim The diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) relies on several methods, including x-rays, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although MRI is the most useful diagnostic tool, strategies to improve the precise and independent diagnosis of CSM using novel MRI imaging techniques are urgently needed. This study aimed to explore potential brain biomarkers to improve the precise diagnosis of CSM through the combination of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and tensor-based morphometry (TBM) with machine learning techniques. Methods In this retrospective study, 57 patients with CSM and 57 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. The structural changes in the gray matter volume and white matter volume were determined by VBM. Gray and white matter deformations were measured by TBM. The support vector machine (SVM) was used for the classification of CSM patients from HCs based on the structural features of VBM and TBM. Results CSM patients exhibited characteristic structural abnormalities in the sensorimotor, visual, cognitive, and subcortical regions, as well as in the anterior corona radiata and the corpus callosum [P < 0.05, false discovery rate (FDR) corrected]. A multivariate pattern classification analysis revealed that VBM and TBM could successfully identify CSM patients and HCs [classification accuracy: 81.58%, area under the curve (AUC): 0.85; P < 0.005, Bonferroni corrected] through characteristic gray matter and white matter impairments. Conclusion CSM may cause widespread and remote impairments in brain structures. This study provided a valuable reference for developing novel diagnostic strategies to identify CSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiuwei Fu
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fengyu Sun
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuezeng Cai
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Juanwei Ma
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Xue
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rafati Fard A, Mowforth OD, Yuan M, Myrtle S, Lee KS, Banerjee A, Khan M, Kotter MR, Newcombe VFJ, Stamatakis EA, Davies BM. Brain MRI changes in degenerative cervical myelopathy: a systematic review. EBioMedicine 2024; 99:104915. [PMID: 38113760 PMCID: PMC10772405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of adult spinal cord dysfunction globally. Associated neurological symptoms and signs have historically been explained by pathobiology within the cervical spine. However, recent advances in imaging have shed light on numerous brain changes in patients with DCM, and it is hypothesised that these changes contribute to DCM pathogenesis. The aetiology, significance, and distribution of these supraspinal changes is currently unknown. The objective was therefore to synthesise all current evidence on brain changes in DCM. METHODS A systematic review was performed. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with magnetic resonance imaging on a cohort of patients with DCM were eligible. PRISMA guidelines were followed. MEDLINE and Embase were searched to 28th August 2023. Duplicate title/abstract screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessments were conducted. A qualitative synthesis of the literature is presented as per the Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline. The review was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022298538). FINDINGS Of the 2014 studies that were screened, 47 studies were identified that used MRI to investigate brain changes in DCM. In total, 1500 patients with DCM were included in the synthesis, with a mean age of 53 years. Brain alterations on MRI were associated with DCM both before and after surgery, particularly within the sensorimotor network, visual network, default mode network, thalamus and cerebellum. Associations were commonly reported between brain MRI alterations and clinical measures, particularly the Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) score. Risk of bias of included studies was low to moderate. INTERPRETATION The rapidly expanding literature provides mounting evidence for brain changes in DCM. We have identified key structures and pathways that are altered, although there remains uncertainty regarding the directionality and clinical significance of these changes. Future studies with greater sample sizes, more detailed phenotyping and longer follow-up are now needed. FUNDING ODM is supported by an Academic Clinical Fellowship at the University of Cambridge. BMD is supported by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Cambridge (NIHR300696). VFJN is supported by an NIHR Rosetrees Trust Advanced Fellowship (NIHR302544). This project was supported by an award from the Rosetrees Foundation with the Storygate Trust (A2844).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Rafati Fard
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver D Mowforth
- Division of Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Melissa Yuan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Samuel Myrtle
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Keng Siang Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Arka Banerjee
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maaz Khan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R Kotter
- Division of Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Virginia F J Newcombe
- PACE Section, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emmanuel A Stamatakis
- PACE Section, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin M Davies
- Division of Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao G, Zhan Y, Zha J, Cao Y, Zhou F, He L. Abnormal intrinsic brain functional network dynamics in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Cogn Neurodyn 2023; 17:1201-1211. [PMID: 37786665 PMCID: PMC10542087 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-022-09807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The specific topological changes in dynamic functional networks and their role in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) brain function reorganization remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic functional connection (dFC) of patients with CSM, focusing on the temporal characteristics of the functional connection state patterns and the variability of network topological organization. Eighty-eight patients with CSM and 77 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We applied the sliding time window analysis method and K-means clustering analysis to capture the dFC variability patterns of the two groups. The graph-theoretical approach was used to investigate the variance in the topological organization of whole-brain functional networks. All participants showed four types of dynamic functional connection states. The mean dwell time in state 2 was significantly different between the two groups. Particularly, the mean dwell time in state 2 was significantly longer in the CSM group than in the healthy control group. Among the four states, switching of relative brain networks mainly included the executive control network (ECN), salience network (SN), default mode network (DMN), language network (LN), visual network (VN), auditory network (AN), precuneus network (PN), and sensorimotor network (SMN). Additionally, the topological properties of the dynamic network were variable in patients with CSM. Dynamic functional connection states may offer new insights into intrinsic functional activities in CSM brain networks. The variance of topological organization may suggest instability of the brain networks in patients with CSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoshu Zhao
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006 People’s Republic of China
- Neuroimaging Lab, Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaru Zhan
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006 People’s Republic of China
- Neuroimaging Lab, Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Zha
- The 908th Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Fuzhou, 330006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
- Neuroimaging Lab, Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Fuqing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006 People’s Republic of China
- Neuroimaging Lab, Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Laichang He
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006 People’s Republic of China
- Neuroimaging Lab, Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, 330006 People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang L, Gan C, Sun H, Ji M, Zhang H, Cao X, Wang M, Yuan Y, Zhang K. Impaired structural and reserved functional topological organizations of brain networks in Parkinson's disease with freezing of gait. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:66-79. [PMID: 36620158 PMCID: PMC9816763 DOI: 10.21037/qims-22-351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Freezing of gait (FOG) is a common disabling motor disturbance in Parkinson's disease (PD). Our study aimed to probe the topological organizations of structural and functional brain networks and their coupling in FOG. Methods In this cross-sectional retrospective study, a total of 30 PD patients with FOG (PD-FOG), 40 patients without FOG, and 25 healthy controls (HCs) underwent clinical assessments and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. Large-scale structural and functional brain networks were constructed. Subsequently, global and nodal graph theoretical properties and functional-structural coupling were investigated. Finally, correlations between the altered brain topological properties and freezing severity were analyzed in PD-FOG. Results For structural networks, at the global level, PD-FOG exhibited increased normalized characteristic path length (P=0.040, Bonferroni-corrected) and decreased global efficiency (P=0.005, Bonferroni-corrected) compared with controls, and showed reduced global (P=0.001, Bonferroni-corrected) and local (P=0.032, Bonferroni-corrected) efficiency relative to patients without FOG. At the nodal level, nodal efficiency of structural networks was reduced in PD-FOG compared with PD patients without FOG, located in the left supplementary motor area (SMA), gyrus rectus, and middle cingulate cortex (MCC) (all P<0.05, Bonferroni-corrected). Notably, altered global and nodal properties of structural networks were significantly correlated with Freezing of Gait Questionnaire scores [all P<0.05, false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected]. However, only an increase in local efficiency (P=0.003, Bonferroni-corrected) of functional networks was identified in PD-FOG compared with those without FOG. No significant structural-functional coupling was detected among the 3 groups. Conclusions This study demonstrates the extensively impaired structural and relatively reserved functional network topological organizations in PD-FOG. Our results also provide evidence that the pathogenesis of PD-FOG is primarily attributable to network vulnerability established by crucial structural damage, especially in the left SMA, gyrus rectus, and MCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Caiting Gan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huimin Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Ji
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingyue Cao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongsheng Yuan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kezhong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The Correlation between Functional Connectivity of the Primary Somatosensory Cortex and Cervical Spinal Cord Microstructural Injury in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:2623179. [PMID: 35096201 PMCID: PMC8791726 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2623179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To explore functional connectivity reorganization of the primary somatosensory cortex, the chronic microstructure damage of the cervical spinal cord, and their relationship in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients. Methods Thirty-three patients with CSM and 23 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for rs-fMRI and cervical spinal cord diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans. Six subregions (including leg, back, chest, hand, finger and face) of bilateral primary somatosensory cortex (S1) were selected for seed-based whole-brain functional connectivity (FC). Then, we calculated the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the cervical spinal cord. Correlation analysis was conducted between FC values of brain regions and DTI parameters of cervical spinal cord (ADC, FA), and their relationship with each other and clinical parameters. Results Compared with the HC group, the CSM group showed decreased FC between areas of the left S1hand, the left S1leg, the right S1chest, and the right S1leg with brain regions. The mean FA values of the cervical spinal cord in CSM patients were positively correlated with JOA scores. Especially, the FApos values of bilateral posterior funiculus were positively correlated with JOA scores. The ADC and FA values of bilateral posterior funiculus in the cervical spinal cord were also positively correlated with the FC values. Conclusions There was synchronization between chronic cervical spinal cord microstructural injury and cerebral cortex sensory function compensatory recombination. DTI parameters of the posterior cervical spinal cord could objectively reflect the degree of cerebral cortex sensory function impairment to a certain extent.
Collapse
|