Cortical morphometry and structural connectivity relate to executive function and estradiol level in healthy...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Executive functions (EF) are crucial self-regulatory processes for goal-driven behavior.
• Variations in EF are associated with brain morphology and white matter (WM) differences.
• Sex hormones, such as estradiol, may modulate neural circuits involved in cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structural neural correlates of EF behavior in gray matter (GM) and WM in adolescents.
• To examine the influence of estradiol levels on these neural correlates.
• To analyze the interaction between EF behavior and estradiol levels on brain structure.

Main Methods:

• Utilized neuroimaging, behavioral, and physiological data from the National Institute of Health's Pediatric Database (NIHPD).
• Analyzed relationships between cortical morphometry, structural connectivity (N=55), and parent-reported EF behavior (BRIEF).
• Assessed the role of estradiol levels and their interaction with EF behavior.

Main Results:

• Found bidirectional associations between EF behavior, estradiol levels, and cortical morphometry in the right posterior dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (pDLPFC) and primary motor cortex (PMC).
• Observed relationships with fractional anisotropy (FA) in the forceps major and minor.
• Identified an interaction between EF behavior and estradiol level linked to decreased right PMC volume and altered FA in the right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (iFOF).

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates that estradiol levels are bidirectionally associated with GM and WM differences underlying EF behavior.
• Findings highlight estradiol's influence on brain structures critical for EF.
• Establishes a significant link between adolescent EF behavior, hormonal influences, and brain structure.