Similar grey matter abnormalities in 22q11.2DS and chronic schizophrenia: a voxel-based morphometry study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychiatry

Background:

• 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a key genetic model for schizophrenia research.
• Investigating neuroanatomical differences in 22q11.2DS is crucial for understanding schizophrenia.
• Comparing 22q11.2DS, chronic schizophrenia, and healthy controls provides valuable insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare neuroanatomical characteristics in 22q11.2DS and schizophrenia.
• To identify shared brain structural abnormalities between 22q11.2DS and schizophrenia.
• To utilize 22q11.2DS as a biological model for studying schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) was used to analyze grey matter volumes.
• The study included individuals with chronic schizophrenia (SCZ>10), recent-onset schizophrenia (SCZ≤10), 22q11.2DS patients (DEL), and healthy controls (HCs).
• Global intelligence (IQ) was assessed for all participants.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in grey matter volume was observed in the left medial frontal gyrus in both schizophrenia patients and 22q11.2DS patients compared to controls.
• The 22q11.2DS group showed distinct grey matter differences in the right lingual gyrus compared to the chronic schizophrenia group.
• Grey matter abnormalities were extensive in the 22q11.2DS group.

Conclusions:

• A common area of grey matter loss in the left medial frontal gyrus exists between idiopathic schizophrenia and 22q11.2DS.
• This finding supports the utility of 22q11.2DS as a neurobiological model for schizophrenia.
• Further research with larger samples is warranted to confirm these neuroanatomical findings.