Abnormal Brain Functional Connectivity Strength in the Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Resting-State fMRI Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Urology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a common condition affecting bladder control.
• Understanding the neurological underpinnings of OAB is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whole-brain functional connectivity strength (FCS) in patients with OAB.
• To identify specific brain regions and network alterations associated with OAB.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were acquired from 26 OAB patients and 28 healthy controls.
• Functional connectivity strength (FCS) was computed for both long-range and short-range connections.
• Statistical comparisons were made between OAB patients and controls, with correlations to clinical scores.

Main Results:

• OAB patients exhibited decreased short-range FCS in the medial superior frontal and anterior cingulate gyri.
• Increased short-range FCS was observed in the middle frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, and caudate nucleus.
• Decreased long-range FCS was found in the middle and posterior cingulate gyri; caudate nucleus FCS correlated with depression scores.

Conclusions:

• OAB is associated with abnormal short-range and long-range functional connectivity in the brain.
• These findings highlight alterations in the brain-bladder network topology in OAB patients.
• This study offers novel insights into the neurobiological basis of OAB.