Mapping white matter structural and network alterations in betel quid-dependent chewers using high angular resolution...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neuroscience
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Betel quid dependence (BQD) is a widespread habit with potential neurological consequences.
• Understanding the brain's structural changes associated with BQD is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in brain white matter diffusion characteristics and anatomical network connectivity in individuals with betel quid dependence (BQD).
• To utilize high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) to assess these changes.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 53 BQD chewers and 37 healthy controls (HC).
• Employed automated fiber quantification (AFQ) to analyze regional diffusion metrics.
• Utilized white matter (WM) anatomical networks and graph theory to explore connectivity alterations.

Main Results:

• BQD chewers showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in key brain regions (cingulate, thalamic radiation, uncinate).
• Elevated radial diffusivity (RD) was observed in the right uncinate fasciculus of BQD chewers.
• Poorer global network efficiency and increased network path length (Lp) were found in the BQD group, alongside reduced nodal efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Brain structural changes in BQD involve white matter diffusivity and anatomical network connectivity.
• These alterations may underlie enhanced reward system function and impaired inhibitory control in BQD.