Current approaches to studying human resting-state function in inflammatory bowel disease
Theresa A McIver1,2,3, Charles N Bernstein1,2,3, Jennifer Kornelsen1,2,4
1Department of Radiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Journal of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
|February 24, 2025
Summary
Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) reveals altered brain function in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). These brain changes may serve as biomarkers for developing new IBD treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic gastrointestinal inflammation with associated psychological and cognitive issues.
- The brain-gut axis plays a crucial role in IBD, and research is increasingly focusing on understanding IBD-related brain alterations.
- Resting-state brain function, reflecting spontaneous neural activity, is a key area of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current methodologies for studying resting-state brain function in IBD using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).
- To summarize commonly identified brain regions and networks exhibiting aberrant function in IBD patients.
- To outline future research directions for advancing the study of brain function in IBD.
Main Methods:
- Review of human resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
- Analysis of various resting-state metrics, including regional homogeneity and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations.
- Examination of functional connectivity analyses such as independent component analysis and graph theory.
Main Results:
- Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies indicate altered resting brain function in individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
- Specific brain regions and networks commonly show aberrant function in IBD.
- Variability in study approaches, including participant characteristics and analytical methods, influences findings.
Conclusions:
- Altered resting-state brain function in IBD suggests potential neural biomarkers for therapeutic development.
- Standardization of methodologies and further multimodal research are needed to advance understanding.
- Investigating the brain-gut axis in IBD holds promise for novel treatment strategies.
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