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Age- and gender-related differences in brain tissue microstructure revealed by multi-component T2 relaxometry
Erick Jorge Canales-Rodríguez1, Silvia Alonso-Lana2, Norma Verdolini3
1FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Mental Health Research Networking Center (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
This study reveals sex differences in brain aging using Multi-component T2 relaxometry. While myelin water fraction (MWF) aging is similar, men show faster declines in water fractions, suggesting women may be less vulnerable to age-related brain changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Human Brain Anatomy
- Aging Research
Background:
- Neuroimaging studies show inconsistent age- and gender-related brain microstructure patterns.
- Existing techniques lack specificity, necessitating further research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age- and gender-related brain tissue microstructure using Multi-component T2 relaxometry.
- To identify specific quantitative microstructure parameters for detailed analysis.
Main Methods:
- Conducted the largest cross-sectional Multi-component T2 relaxometry study to date (N=145, ages 18-60).
- Evaluated five quantitative microstructure parameters derived from T2 spectra.
- Analyzed age- and gender-related patterns in brain tissue microstructure.
Main Results:
- Similar age-related myelin water fraction (MWF) patterns were observed in men and women.
- Men exhibited increased MWF in specific white matter tracts.
- Men showed a faster age-related decline in intra- and extra-cellular water fractions and a faster increase in free water fraction across gray matter.
Conclusions:
- Results indicate significant sexual dimorphism in brain tissue microstructure.
- Women may exhibit lesser vulnerability to age-related brain changes compared to men.
