Sex Differences in Hierarchical and Modular Organization of Functional Brain Networks: Insights from Hierarchical...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Network Science
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Sex differences are observed in neural mechanisms underlying daily functions and neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Hierarchical organization of functional brain networks is key to understanding neural mechanisms.
• Previous research has not fully explored sex-based differences in brain network hierarchy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex differences in the hierarchical organization of the human brain network.
• To determine if brain network complexity and modularity differ between males and females.
• To identify specific network patterns associated with sex-based hierarchical differences.

Main Methods:

• Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data.
• Measured hierarchical entropy and maximum modularity for individual brain networks.
• Employed a co-classification matrix to analyze consensus-level hierarchical organization.

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was found between hierarchical complexity and modularity.
• Females, on average, demonstrated higher network modularity.
• Males, on average, exhibited a more complex hierarchical brain organization.
• Distinct regional interaction patterns were observed between sexes within the dorsal attention network (DAN) and visual network (VIN).

Conclusions:

• Male and female brains utilize different network topologies for cognitive functions.
• The inverse relationship between hierarchy and modularity highlights a balance in brain network organization.
• Findings provide insights into sex-specific brain function and potential implications for neuropsychiatric disorders.