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Published on: April 3, 2016
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Structure/function alterations and related neurotransmitter activity maps in high myopia patients
Xiaopan Zhang1, Liang Liu2, Zijun Liu2
1Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; School of Physics, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
Neuroscience
|February 22, 2025
Summary
High myopia (HM) is linked to altered brain structure and function, particularly in visual and temporal-frontal areas. These changes correlate with key neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- High myopia (HM) is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of HM is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Previous research suggests potential brain alterations in individuals with HM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between brain structure and functional patterns in patients with high myopia.
- To explore potential alterations in neurotransmitter activity associated with these brain changes.
- To identify specific brain regions and neurotransmitter systems involved in HM.
Main Methods:
- Utilized parallel independent component analysis (ICA) for data fusion of brain structure (Gray Matter Volume - GMV) and function (Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations - ALFF).
- Included 33 HM patients and 31 healthy controls.
- Calculated spatial correlations between altered ICA components and neurotransmitter maps.
Main Results:
- Identified significantly related structural (GMV_IC5) and functional (ALFF_IC4) components in HM patients compared to controls.
- Structural changes involved temporal, frontal, cingulate gyrus, and occipital lobes; functional changes involved precuneus, occipital, temporal lobes, and lingual gyrus.
- GMV_IC5 changes correlated with serotonin, dopamine D1, GABAa, and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5; ALFF_IC4 changes correlated with serotonin, dopamine D1, and GABAa.
Conclusions:
- Structural and functional brain changes in HM are interconnected, involving visual and temporal-frontal areas.
- These alterations are associated with alterations in serotonin, dopamine, and GABA neurotransmitter systems.
- Findings provide insights into the neurobiological basis of high myopia and potential therapeutic targets.
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