Abnormal degree centrality and functional connectivity in Down syndrome: A resting-state fMRI study

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Brain Connectivity
• Down Syndrome Research

Background:

• Neuroimaging studies indicate brain abnormalities in Down syndrome (DS).
• Underlying mechanisms of dysfunction in DS remain unclear.
• This study investigates brain network alterations in DS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate degree centrality (DC) abnormalities in DS.
• To analyze seed-based functional connectivity (FC) in DS.
• To elucidate differences in brain networks between DS and controls.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used.
• 18 individuals with DS and 18 controls participated.
• Degree centrality and seed-based functional connectivity analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Increased DC was observed in temporal and right frontal lobes, left caudate, and rectus in DS.
• Decreased DC was found in the left frontal lobe in DS.
• Both increased and decreased functional connectivity were observed, with significant between- and within-network differences.

Conclusions:

• Degree centrality, functional connectivity, and brain networks appear altered in DS.
• Hypoconnectivity and hyperconnectivity were identified in specific brain regions and networks.
• These brain network abnormalities may be linked to the characteristics of Down syndrome.