Altered surface-based brain morphometry in type 1 diabetes and neuropathic pain

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Diabetology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Type 1 diabetes is associated with various complications, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
• The central nervous system's structural changes in diabetes, especially concerning neuropathic pain, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate surface brain morphometry in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
• To specifically examine differences in brain structure related to painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Main Methods:

• Brain MRI scans were acquired from 56 individuals with type 1 diabetes (categorized by DPN status) and 20 healthy controls.
• Analysis included global and regional cortical thickness, sulcus depth, and gyrification.
• Associations with clinical data and pain levels were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Globally reduced cortical thickness was observed in the combined diabetes group and the painful DPN group compared to controls.
• Specific regions, including the middle frontal gyrus, showed reduced thickness in diabetes and painful DPN.
• The postcentral gyrus exhibited reduced cortical thickness in painful DPN and reduced sulcus depth correlating with pain intensity.

Conclusions:

• Cortical thinning is prevalent in the brain cortex of individuals with diabetes, especially those with painful DPN.
• Altered morphometry of the postcentral gyrus may be implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain.
• Assessing cortical morphometry is crucial for understanding central nervous system involvement in diabetes and painful DPN.