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Altered functional connectivity between the default mode network in diabetic retinopathy patients
Wan Yun Chen1,2, Yu Lin Zhong1, Han Jin1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College.
Neuroreport
|March 26, 2023
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy patients exhibit altered brain connectivity within the default mode network (DMN). This enhanced functional connectivity may represent a compensatory mechanism for cognitive impairment in individuals with diabetic retinopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is increasingly linked to cognitive impairment.
- Understanding the neural underpinnings of this association is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional connectivity patterns within the default mode network (DMN) in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
- To explore the relationship between DMN connectivity and cognitive function in DR.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was employed.
- 34 DR patients and 37 healthy controls were recruited and matched for age, gender, and education.
- Functional connectivity was analyzed using the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) as the region of interest.
Main Results:
- DR patients demonstrated increased functional connectivity between the PCC and the left medial superior frontal gyrus.
- Enhanced functional connectivity was also observed between the PCC and the right precuneus in DR patients compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic retinopathy is associated with enhanced intrinsic functional connectivity within the DMN.
- This heightened connectivity may indicate a compensatory neural activity increase, offering insights into the mechanisms of cognitive impairment in DR.
