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Meta-analysis of brain gray matter changes in chronic smokers
Zhengui Yang1, Yong Zhang1, Jingliang Cheng1
1First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University 450002, Zhengzhou, China.
European Journal of Radiology
|October 3, 2020
Summary
Chronic smokers exhibit significant brain gray matter (GM) alterations, including decreased volume in the prefrontal cortex and insula. These changes in brain structure are linked to smoking habits and nicotine dependence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Addiction Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies indicate brain gray matter (GM) differences in smokers, but findings are inconsistent.
- Inconsistencies in prior research highlight the need for a comprehensive analysis of VBM studies on chronic smokers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a quantitative meta-analysis of VBM studies examining brain GM alterations in chronic cigarette smokers compared to nonsmokers.
- To investigate the association between smoking parameters (cigarettes per day, smoking history, FTND) and observed GM changes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Knowledge (2000-2020) for eligible VBM studies.
- Meta-analysis using Seed-based d Mapping software to compare GM volume between smokers and nonsmokers.
- Meta-regression analysis to explore the influence of smoking intensity, duration, and nicotine dependence (FTND).
Main Results:
- Analysis of 17 studies (905 smokers, 1344 nonsmokers) revealed significant GM volume decreases in bilateral prefrontal cortex and left insula in smokers.
- Smokers showed increased GM volume in the right lingual cortex and left occipital cortex.
- Meta-regression indicated that smoking frequency, duration, and FTND scores were partially associated with GM alterations.
Conclusions:
- Chronic cigarette smoking is associated with significant and robust brain GM alternations.
- Identified brain regions may serve as potential therapeutic targets for nicotine dependence.
- Future longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm these findings and explore therapeutic potential.
