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Sex-differences in network level brain dynamics associated with pain sensitivity and pain interference
Junseok A Kim1,2, Rachael L Bosma1, Kasey S Hemington1,2
1Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research, Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Human Brain Mapping
|October 17, 2020
Summary
This study reveals how brain network dynamics influence pain perception. We found sex differences in brain communication speeds related to pain sensitivity and interference, with men showing faster dynamics and women showing slower dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Brain Connectivity
Background:
- Neural dynamics significantly impact human experiences, notably pain perception.
- Previous research linked pain to dynamic functional connectivity within the dynamic pain connectome (ascending nociceptive pathway (Asc), descending antinociceptive pathway (Desc), salience network (SN), default mode network (DMN)), primarily using fMRI.
- Sex differences in pain perception and associated brain activity are well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between individual pain perception and pain interference with resting-state functional coupling (FCp) using magnetoencephalography (MEG).
- To explore sex differences in neural dynamics underlying pain processing.
- To leverage MEG's temporal resolution to examine fast brain communication patterns in pain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized magnetoencephalography (MEG) to measure resting-state functional coupling (FCp) in 50 healthy individuals (26 women, 24 men).
- Analyzed broadband FCp within and across the ascending nociceptive pathway (Asc) and salience network (SN).
- Investigated sex-specific differences in static and dynamic functional connectivity and frequency band associations with pain sensitivity and interference.
Main Results:
- Pain sensitivity and interference were associated with within- and cross-network broadband FCp across the Asc and SN.
- Significant sex differences emerged: women showed greater static FCp, while men exhibited greater dynamic FCp within the dynamic pain connectome.
- Relationships between pain metrics and FCp occurred in the theta band for women and predominantly in the beta and low gamma bands for men.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic interactions of brain networks involved in pain processing exhibit sex-specific temporal characteristics.
- Men demonstrate faster brain communication dynamics related to pain, while women show slower dynamics.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering sex differences and temporal dynamics in understanding the neural basis of pain.
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