Brain plasticity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: evidence from resting-state fMRI

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Neurology

Background:

• Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Understanding alterations in spontaneous brain activity is crucial for characterizing RRMS pathophysiology.
• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides insights into intrinsic brain function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in spontaneous brain activity amplitude in RRMS patients compared to healthy controls.
• To identify specific brain regions exhibiting altered amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in RRMS.
• To explore the relationship between ALFF changes and clinical measures in RRMS.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state fMRI data were acquired from 35 RRMS patients and 35 healthy controls.
• Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations (ALFF) was calculated and compared between groups.
• Correlations between ALFF in significant regions and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration, and T2 lesion volume were analyzed.

Main Results:

• RRMS patients exhibited significantly increased ALFF in bilateral thalami and the right insula/superior temporal gyrus.
• No regions showed significantly decreased ALFF in RRMS patients.
• A significant positive correlation was found between EDSS scores and ALFF in the right insula/superior temporal gyrus.

Conclusions:

• Increased spontaneous brain activity amplitudes are present in RRMS, particularly in areas with extensive cortical connections.
• This phenomenon may represent an adaptive response, such as cortical plasticity or compensatory neuronal activity.
• These findings contribute to understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of RRMS.