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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Axonal dysfunction in the deep white matter in Machado-Joseph disease
Anelyssa D'Abreu1, Marcondes França, Simone Appenzeller
1Neuroimaging Laboratory, Universidade Estadual de Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) shows decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA/Cr) in deep white matter, indicating neuronal dysfunction. Secondary analysis also revealed altered choline-containing compounds (Cho/Cr) in MJD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Deep white matter integrity is crucial for neurological function, and its dysfunction is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases.
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive technique to assess brain metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate metabolic alterations in the deep white matter of MJD patients using proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS).
- To evaluate the relationship between metabolic changes and clinical/genetic variables in MJD.
- To determine if MJD affects neuronal and axonal function in the deep white matter.
Main Methods:
- Single-voxel proton MRS was performed on the superior-posterior deep white matter region of the left hemisphere.
- MRS data were acquired from 40 MJD patients and 27 age-matched controls.
- N-acetylaspartate to creatine-phosphocreatine (NAA/Cr) and choline-containing compounds to creatine (Cho/Cr) ratios were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in NAA/Cr ratio was observed in MJD patients compared to controls (P < .001).
- No significant difference in Cho/Cr was found in the initial analysis.
- A secondary analysis, after age-matching subgroups, revealed significant differences in both NAA/Cr (P = .004) and Cho/Cr (P = .014) ratios.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic abnormalities, specifically reduced NAA/Cr and altered Cho/Cr, are present in the deep white matter of MJD patients.
- These findings suggest widespread neuronal and axonal dysfunction in the deep white matter of individuals with MJD.
- MRS is a valuable tool for detecting white matter metabolic changes in MJD.
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