Functional connectivity density of postcentral gyrus predicts rumination and major depressive disorders in males

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest. Recent evidence suggested that abnormal functional connectivity (FC) may be linked to the development of MDD, and gender differences existed in FC patterns. In this study, we utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) data from 41 healthy participants to identify FC patterns that correlate with levels of rumination in both genders. A 2-sample t-test showed no gender differences in rumination levels. A functional connectivity density (FCD) analysis was then conducted using DPABI. It was revealed that in males, the FCD of the postcentral gyrus (PCG) was negatively correlated with the levels of rumination and brooding (Pearson's r > 0.25), while not with reflection. No FCD in females was related to rumination or its subtypes. Further FC analysis revealed that the FC between the PCG and several regions, predominantly from the default mode network (DMN), were negatively correlated with rumination levels (Pearson's r > 0.25). This link was assumed to be a risk factor for rumination and MDD in males. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the PCG-DMN connectivity is a potential risk factor for MDD in males, while no FC risk factors were found in females.