Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging
Published on: November 8, 2012
The macroscale routing mechanism of structural brain connectivity related to body mass index
Chae Yeon Kim1, Yunseo Park1, Jong Young Namgung1
1Department of Data Science, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea.
Abstract:
Understanding the brain's mechanisms in individuals with obesity is important for managing body weight. Prior neuroimaging studies extensively investigated alterations in brain structure and function related to body mass index (BMI). However, how the network communication among the large-scale brain networks differs across BMI is underinvestigated. This study used diffusion magnetic resonance imaging of 290 young adults to identify links between BMI and brain network mechanisms. Navigation efficiency, a measure of network routing, was calculated from the structural connectivity computed using diffusion tractography. The sensory and frontoparietal networks indicated positive associations between navigation efficiency and BMI. The neurotransmitter association analysis identified that serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors, as well as opioid and norepinephrine systems, were related to BMI-related alterations in navigation efficiency. The transcriptomic analysis found that genes associated with network routing across BMI overlapped with genes enriched in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, specifically, gene enrichments related to synaptic transmission and neuron projection. Our findings suggest a valuable insight into understanding BMI-related alterations in brain network routing mechanisms and the potential underlying cellular biology, which might be used as a foundation for BMI-based weight management.
More Related Videos
09:01A Method for Investigating Age-related Differences in the Functional Connectivity of Cognitive Control Networks Associated with Dimensional Change Card Sort Performance
Published on: May 7, 2014
05:55Modeling the Functional Network for Spatial Navigation in the Human Brain
Published on: October 13, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Weighted Mean
For example, consider the number of goals scored in the matches of a tournament. While computing the average number of goals scored in the tournament, it may be more important to...
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Biological Influences on Intelligence
Storage
Gut-Brain Axis