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Neto S, Reis A, Pinheiro M, Ferreira M, Neves V, Castanho TC, Santos N, Rodrigues AJ, Sousa N, Santos MAS, Moura GR. Unveiling the molecular landscape of cognitive aging: insights from polygenic risk scores, DNA methylation, and gene expression. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:75. [PMID: 38956648 PMCID: PMC11221141 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00640-6] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging represents a significant risk factor for the occurrence of cerebral small vessel disease, associated with white matter (WM) lesions, and to age-related cognitive alterations, though the precise mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for WM integrity, together with age-related DNA methylation, and gene expression alterations, on cognitive aging in a cross-sectional healthy aging cohort. The PRSs were calculated using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of WM integrity, including WM hyperintensities, fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD). These scores were utilized to predict age-related cognitive changes and evaluate their correlation with structural brain changes, which distinguish individuals with higher and lower cognitive scores. To reduce the dimensionality of the data and identify age-related DNA methylation and transcriptomic alterations, Sparse Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (sPLS-DA) was used. Subsequently, a canonical correlation algorithm was used to integrate the three types of omics data (PRS, DNA methylation, and gene expression data) and identify an individual "omics" signature that distinguishes subjects with varying cognitive profiles. RESULTS We found a positive association between MD-PRS and long-term memory, as well as a correlation between MD-PRS and structural brain changes, effectively discriminating between individuals with lower and higher memory scores. Furthermore, we observed an enrichment of polygenic signals in genes related to both vascular and non-vascular factors. Age-related alterations in DNA methylation and gene expression indicated dysregulation of critical molecular features and signaling pathways involved in aging and lifespan regulation. The integration of multi-omics data underscored the involvement of synaptic dysfunction, axonal degeneration, microtubule organization, and glycosylation in the process of cognitive aging. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide valuable insights into the biological mechanisms underlying the association between WM coherence and cognitive aging. Additionally, they highlight how age-associated DNA methylation and gene expression changes contribute to cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Neto
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia Reis
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Pinheiro
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Ferreira
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Vasco Neves
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Costa Castanho
- ICVS - School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
| | - Nadine Santos
- ICVS - School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana João Rodrigues
- ICVS - School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- ICVS - School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
- P5 Medical Center, Braga, Portugal
| | - Manuel A S Santos
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Aging, MIA-Portugal, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Largo 2, 3º, 3000-370, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela R Moura
- Institute for Biomedicine (iBiMED) and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Rodrigues B, Portugal-Nunes C, Magalhães R, Schmidt L, Moreira PS, Soares JM, Castanho TC, Marques P, Sousa N, Santos NC. Larger dlPFC and vmPFC grey matter volumes are associated with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet: A cross-sectional study in older adults. AGING BRAIN 2023; 3:100064. [PMID: 36911265 PMCID: PMC9997170 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbas.2023.100064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary self-control is associated with inter-individual differences in neuroanatomy. Yet, whether such inter-individual differences are also associated with healthier dietary patterns is yet to be determined. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 100 northern Portuguese older community-dwellers were assessed with regards to i) the adherence to a healthy dietary eating pattern - the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), and ii) grey matter density (GMD) of brain regions associated with valuation and dietary self-regulation, the ventromedial (vmPFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), through voxel-based morphometry. Healthy food choices were ascertained through the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) where higher scores indicated greater adherence to the MedDiet. Voxel-based morphometry showed that greater grey matter density in the dlPFC and vmPFC associated with a higher adherence to the MedDiet. These results replicate previous links between dietary decision-making measured under laboratory conditions and the neuroanatomy of the brain's valuation and self-control system. Importantly, they shed new light on the potential relevance of inter-individual differences in the neuroanatomy of these two brain regions for adhering to healthier dietary patterns in everyday life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belina Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Carlos Portugal-Nunes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Magalhães
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Liane Schmidt
- Control-Interoception-Attention (CIA) Team, Paris Brain Institute, Inserm/CNRS/Sorbonne University, UMR 7225/U1127, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Pedro Silva Moreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - José Miguel Soares
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Teresa Costa Castanho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal.,Association P5 Digital Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Paulo Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal.,Association P5 Digital Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nadine Correia Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal.,Association P5 Digital Medical Centre, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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3
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Domingos C, Picó-Pérez M, Magalhães R, Moreira M, Sousa N, Pêgo JM, Santos NC. Free-Living Physical Activity Measured With a Wearable Device Is Associated With Larger Hippocampus Volume and Greater Functional Connectivity in Healthy Older Adults: An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Portugal. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:729060. [PMID: 34916921 PMCID: PMC8670087 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.729060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies using neuroimaging techniques have established a positive relationship between physical activity (PA) and brain structure and function in older populations. However, the use of subjective measures of PA and the lack of multimodal neuroimaging approaches have limited the understanding of this association. This study aims to explore the associations between PA and brain structure and function by objectively evaluating PA. Community-dwelling cognitively healthy older adults (without diagnosed cognitive, neurological or degenerative disease) were recruited from local health centers and local gyms. In a cross-sectional design, participants were evaluated regarding cognitive, clinical, anthropometric, physical performance, and lifestyle characteristics. A 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for structural and functional brain measures. PA time and level was assessed via a Xiaomi Mi Band 2® worn for 15 consecutive days. Participants (n = 110, after inclusion/exclusion criteria and completion of all evaluations) were 58 females (56%), with an average age of 68.42 years old (SD = 3.12), most were active. Multiple regression analysis revealed that higher time spent in vigorous PA associated with larger left parahippocampal gyrus and right hippocampus volumes. Furthermore, the analysis of the functional connectome indicated a greater functional connectivity (FC) between the frontal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, occipital inferior lobe for light, moderate, and total PA time, and sedentary time associated with lower FC in the same networks. Overall, the structural and functional findings may provide evidence on the relevant association between PA and brain health in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Domingos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.,iCognitus4ALL - IT Solutions, Braga, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
| | - Maria Picó-Pérez
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Magalhães
- NeuroSpin, CEA, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Mariana Moreira
- ENCONTRAR+SE-Association for the Promotion of Mental Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.,Associação Centro de Medicina P5 (P5), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - José Miguel Pêgo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.,iCognitus4ALL - IT Solutions, Braga, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal
| | - Nadine Correia Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga (2CA-B), Braga, Portugal.,Associação Centro de Medicina P5 (P5), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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4
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Coelho A, Fernandes HM, Magalhães R, Moreira PS, Marques P, Soares JM, Amorim L, Portugal‐Nunes C, Castanho T, Santos NC, Sousa N. Reorganization of brain structural networks in aging: A longitudinal study. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1354-1376. [PMID: 33527512 PMCID: PMC8248023 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Normal aging is characterized by structural and functional changes in the brain contributing to cognitive decline. Structural connectivity (SC) describes the anatomical backbone linking distinct functional subunits of the brain and disruption of this communication is thought to be one of the potential contributors for the age-related deterioration observed in cognition. Several studies already explored brain network's reorganization during aging, but most focused on average connectivity of the whole-brain or in specific networks, such as the resting-state networks. Here, we aimed to characterize longitudinal changes of white matter (WM) structural brain networks, through the identification of sub-networks with significantly altered connectivity along time. Then, we tested associations between longitudinal changes in network connectivity and cognition. We also assessed longitudinal changes in topological properties of the networks. For this, older adults were evaluated at two timepoints, with a mean interval time of 52.8 months (SD = 7.24). WM structural networks were derived from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, and cognitive status from neurocognitive testing. Our results show age-related changes in brain SC, characterized by both decreases and increases in connectivity weight. Interestingly, decreases occur in intra-hemispheric connections formed mainly by association fibers, while increases occur mostly in inter-hemispheric connections and involve association, commissural, and projection fibers, supporting the last-in-first-out hypothesis. Regarding topology, two hubs were lost, alongside with a decrease in connector-hub inter-modular connectivity, reflecting reduced integration. Simultaneously, there was an increase in the number of provincial hubs, suggesting increased segregation. Overall, these results confirm that aging triggers a reorganization of the brain structural network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Coelho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Henrique M. Fernandes
- Center for Music in the Brain (MIB)Aarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Ricardo Magalhães
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Pedro S. Moreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Paulo Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
| | - José M. Soares
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Liliana Amorim
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Carlos Portugal‐Nunes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Teresa Castanho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Nadine Correia Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s, PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinical Academic Center – BragaBragaPortugal
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5
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Coelho A, Fernandes HM, Magalhães R, Moreira PS, Marques P, Soares JM, Amorim L, Portugal-Nunes C, Castanho T, Santos NC, Sousa N. Signatures of white-matter microstructure degradation during aging and its association with cognitive status. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4517. [PMID: 33633204 PMCID: PMC7907273 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83983-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown an association between cognitive decline and white matter integrity in aging. This led to the formulation of a "disconnection hypothesis" in the aging-brain, which states that the disruption in cortical network communication may explain the cognitive decline during aging. Although some longitudinal studies have already investigated the changes occurring in white matter microstructure, most focused on specific white matter tracts. Our study aims to characterize the longitudinal whole-brain signatures of white matter microstructural change during aging. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship between distinct longitudinal alterations in white matter integrity and cognition. White matter microstructural properties were estimated from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, and cognitive status characterized from extensive neurocognitive testing. The same individuals were evaluated at two timepoints, with a mean interval time of 52.8 months (SD = 7.24) between first and last assessment. Our results show that age is associated with a decline in cognitive performance and a degradation in white matter integrity. Additionally, significant associations were found between diffusion measures and different cognitive dimensions (memory, executive function and general cognition). Overall, these results suggest that age-related cognitive decline is related to white matter alterations, and thus give support to the "disconnected hypothesis" of the aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Coelho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Henrique M Fernandes
- Center for Music in the Brain (MIB), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ricardo Magalhães
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Silva Moreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Paulo Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - José M Soares
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Liliana Amorim
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Carlos Portugal-Nunes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Teresa Castanho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nadine Correia Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
- Clinical Academic Center-Braga, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
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Mollayeva T, Mollayeva S, Colantonio A. Traumatic brain injury: sex, gender and intersecting vulnerabilities. Nat Rev Neurol 2018; 14:711-722. [DOI: 10.1038/s41582-018-0091-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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7
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Bauer CM, Hirsch GV, Zajac L, Koo BB, Collignon O, Merabet LB. Multimodal MR-imaging reveals large-scale structural and functional connectivity changes in profound early blindness. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173064. [PMID: 28328939 PMCID: PMC5362049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the setting of profound ocular blindness, numerous lines of evidence demonstrate the existence of dramatic anatomical and functional changes within the brain. However, previous studies based on a variety of distinct measures have often provided inconsistent findings. To help reconcile this issue, we used a multimodal magnetic resonance (MR)-based imaging approach to provide complementary structural and functional information regarding this neuroplastic reorganization. This included gray matter structural morphometry, high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) of white matter connectivity and integrity, and resting state functional connectivity MRI (rsfcMRI) analysis. When comparing the brains of early blind individuals to sighted controls, we found evidence of co-occurring decreases in cortical volume and cortical thickness within visual processing areas of the occipital and temporal cortices respectively. Increases in cortical volume in the early blind were evident within regions of parietal cortex. Investigating white matter connections using HARDI revealed patterns of increased and decreased connectivity when comparing both groups. In the blind, increased white matter connectivity (indexed by increased fiber number) was predominantly left-lateralized, including between frontal and temporal areas implicated with language processing. Decreases in structural connectivity were evident involving frontal and somatosensory regions as well as between occipital and cingulate cortices. Differences in white matter integrity (as indexed by quantitative anisotropy, or QA) were also in general agreement with observed pattern changes in the number of white matter fibers. Analysis of resting state sequences showed evidence of both increased and decreased functional connectivity in the blind compared to sighted controls. Specifically, increased connectivity was evident between temporal and inferior frontal areas. Decreases in functional connectivity were observed between occipital and frontal and somatosensory-motor areas and between temporal (mainly fusiform and parahippocampus) and parietal, frontal, and other temporal areas. Correlations in white matter connectivity and functional connectivity observed between early blind and sighted controls showed an overall high degree of association. However, comparing the relative changes in white matter and functional connectivity between early blind and sighted controls did not show a significant correlation. In summary, these findings provide complimentary evidence, as well as highlight potential contradictions, regarding the nature of regional and large scale neuroplastic reorganization resulting from early onset blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna M. Bauer
- Laboratory for Visual Neuroplasticity. Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Gabriella V. Hirsch
- Laboratory for Visual Neuroplasticity. Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Lauren Zajac
- Center for Biomedical Imaging. Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Bang-Bon Koo
- Center for Biomedical Imaging. Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Olivier Collignon
- Crossmodal Perception and Plasticity Laboratory. University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Lotfi B. Merabet
- Laboratory for Visual Neuroplasticity. Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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8
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Soares JM, Marques P, Magalhães R, Santos NC, Sousa N. The association between stress and mood across the adult lifespan on default mode network. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:101-112. [PMID: 26971253 PMCID: PMC5225218 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1203-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Aging of brain structure and function is a complex process characterized by high inter- and intra-individual variability. Such variability may arise from the interaction of multiple factors, including exposure to stressful experience and mood variation, across the lifespan. Using a multimodal neuroimaging and neurocognitive approach, we investigated the association of stress, mood and their interaction, in the structure and function of the default mode network (DMN), both during rest and task-induced deactivation, throughout the adult lifespan. Data confirmed a decreased functional connectivity (FC) and task-induced deactivation of the DMN during the aging process and in subjects with lower mood; on the contrary, an increased FC was observed in subjects with higher perceived stress. Surprisingly, the association of aging with DMN was altered by stress and mood in specific regions. An increased difficulty to deactivate the DMN was noted in older participants with lower mood, contrasting with an increased deactivation in individuals presenting high stress, independently of their mood levels, with aging. Interestingly, this constant interaction across aging was globally most significant in the combination of high stress levels with a more depressed mood state, both during resting state and task-induced deactivations. The present results contribute to characterize the spectrum of FC and deactivation patterns of the DMN, highlighting the crucial association of stress and mood levels, during the adult aging process. These combinatorial approaches may help to understand the heterogeneity of the aging process in brain structure and function and several states that may lead to neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Soares
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Paulo Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Magalhães
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nadine Correia Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal. .,Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal.
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Lebedeva A, Borza T, Håberg AK, Idland AV, Dalaker TO, Aarsland D, Selbaek G, Beyer MK. Neuroanatomical correlates of late-life depression and associated cognitive changes. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 36:3090-3099. [PMID: 26277679 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We compared cortical thickness between patients with late-life depression (LLD) and healthy controls and between patients with early-onset (EOD) and late-onset (LOD) depression. We also tested age effects on cortical thickness in LLD and controls and if cortical thickness and hippocampal volumes were associated with cognitive performance in LLD. Three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were obtained in 49 LLD and 49 matched hospital controls and processed using FreeSurfer. General linear model analysis was used as a statistical approach. LLD group had thinning in the left parahippocampal, fusiform, and inferior-parietal cortex compared with controls. Age correlated with cortical thinning in controls but not in LLD. Women in the LOD groups had extensive cortical thinning in the lateral prefrontal cortex bilaterally compared with EOD women. Absence of statistically significant changes observed in men should however be treated with caution because of the low number of men in the study. Mini-Mental Status Examination score correlated with lateral prefrontal cortical thickness bilaterally and hippocampal volume in the total group of LLD and in LOD but not EOD. LLD is associated with cortical thinning, which is associated with age at depression onset, gender, and level of cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Lebedeva
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Tom Borza
- Centre for Old Age Psychiatric Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway
| | - Asta Kristine Håberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Medical Imaging, St Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ane-Victoria Idland
- Oslo Delirium Research Group, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus AHUS, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Turi Olene Dalaker
- Department of Radiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Geir Selbaek
- Centre for Old Age Psychiatric Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway; Norwegian National Advisory Unit for Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway; Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Mona K Beyer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
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