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Evaluation of Glymphatic System Using Diffusion MR Technique in T2DM Cases
Guangwei Yang1, Nan Deng2, Yi Liu1
1Hospital (T.C.M) Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|September 14, 2020
Summary
Diffusion tensor image analysis along with the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) reveals impaired glymphatic system activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Lower water diffusivity in T2DM patients indicates glymphatic dysfunction, measurable by DTI-ALPS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- The glymphatic system clears waste from the brain.
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may affect brain health and glymphatic function.
- Diffusion Tensor Image Analysis along the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS) is a novel technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate glymphatic system activity in T2DM patients using DTI-ALPS.
- To investigate the relationship between T2DM severity and glymphatic function.
Main Methods:
- Acquired diffusion tensor images in 20 T2DM patients and 10 controls.
- Calculated diffusivity along specific axes (Dx, Dy, Dz) in the lateral ventricle body.
- Defined and calculated the ALPS-index to quantify perivascular space diffusivity.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in diffusivity were found in projection and association fibers between groups.
- Lower water diffusivity along the perivascular space (ALPS-index) was observed in T2DM patients.
- Glymphatic system impairment correlates with T2DM severity.
Conclusions:
- Reduced perivascular space diffusivity on DTI-ALPS indicates glymphatic system impairment in T2DM.
- DTI-ALPS is a viable method for assessing glymphatic system activity.
- Findings highlight potential neuroimaging biomarkers for T2DM-related brain changes.
