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Relation between white matter integrity, perfusion, and processing speed in early-stage schizophrenia
Feng Chen1, Marina Mihaljevic2, Zhipeng Hou3
1Department of Radiology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan, 570311, China.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|May 21, 2023
Summary
In early-stage schizophrenia, reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) is linked to white matter integrity changes in the corpus callosum, impacting processing speed. This suggests CBF supports brain structure and cognition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is vital for neuronal health, and its alterations are linked to white matter damage.
- Previous studies examined CBF and white matter changes separately in schizophrenia.
- The relationship between CBF, white matter integrity, and cognitive function in early schizophrenia remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and white matter structure in the corpus callosum of individuals with early-stage schizophrenia.
- To explore the relationship between perfusion, white matter integrity, and processing speed in this patient group.
- To elucidate the potential mediating role of CBF in the link between white matter integrity and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and pseudo-continuous arterial labeling imaging (pCASL) were used to assess white matter structure and CBF, respectively.
- The study included 51 early-stage schizophrenia patients and age/sex-matched healthy controls.
- Mediation analysis was employed to examine the relationship between fractional anisotropy (FA), CBF, and processing speed, with a focus on the corpus callosum.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse correlation was found between CBF and fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corpus callosum of schizophrenia patients, but not in controls.
- CBF negatively correlated with processing speed, while FA positively correlated with processing speed in patients.
- Mediation analysis indicated that the effect of FA on processing speed was mediated by CBF.
Conclusions:
- This study provides evidence for a connection between brain perfusion and white matter integrity in the corpus callosum in early schizophrenia.
- The findings suggest that altered CBF may underlie structural white matter changes that impact cognitive function in schizophrenia.
- Understanding this relationship may offer insights into the metabolic support mechanisms for structural and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
