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Three-Dimensional Shape Modeling and Analysis of Brain Structures
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Brain structural differences in monozygotic twins discordant for body mass index
Christopher M Weise1, Tobias Bachmann1, Burkhard Pleger2
1Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig, Germany.
Neuroimage
|July 13, 2019
Summary
Higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to reduced gray matter volume (GMV) in specific brain regions, even in identical twins. Environmental factors, not just genetics, influence these brain structure changes associated with obesity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Genetics
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Human obesity is influenced by neurobiological factors, with significant impacts on brain structure.
- While body weight is highly heritable, the roles of genetic versus environmental influences remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate BMI-associated differences in brain gray matter volume (GMV) using structural MRI data.
- To explore the influence of non-genetic factors on brain structure in the context of obesity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) on structural MRI data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP).
- Analyzed monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs discordant for BMI (difference > 2.5 kg*m⁻²) and the entire sample of MZ twin pairs.
Main Results:
- BMI-discordant MZ twins showed less GMV in heavier siblings in occipital, cerebellar, prefrontal cortex, and striatal regions.
- Regression analyses across all MZ twins revealed that greater BMI differences correlated with reduced GMV.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest non-genetic influences and higher BMI are significant factors in body weight-related brain alterations.
- Structural brain changes associated with obesity are not solely determined by genetic background.
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