Insula neuroanatomical networks predict interoceptive awareness.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Interoceptive awareness (IA) involves perceiving internal bodily signals and is linked to emotional regulation and mental health disorders.
• A proposed brain interoception network (BIN) connects regions like the amygdala, insula, and ACC, but empirical evidence is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between IA, brain structure (gray matter volume and structural covariance networks), and mental health (anxiety and depressive symptoms).
• To test the hypothesis that IA is mediated by a BIN involving the amygdala, insula, and ACC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a public dataset with neuroimaging and heartbeat detection task data for objective IA measurement.
• Employed Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) to analyze gray matter volume (GMV) and structural covariance networks (SCN) of key brain regions.
• Assessed depressive symptoms and anxiety using validated questionnaires.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was found between IA and state anxiety, but not depressive symptoms.
• Left anterior insula gray matter volume positively correlated with IA.
• Specific intra-insula structural covariance networks (right dorsal agranular insula with left dorsal and hyper-granular insula) were positively associated with IA.

Conclusions:

• Findings reveal a novel association between interoceptive awareness, insula gray matter volume, and intra-insula structural covariance networks.
• These results suggest potential for neuroimaging interventions, such as neurofeedback, to enhance IA and prevent mental health issues like anxiety disorders.