Cortical Surface Spatial Analysis Reveals Altered Brain Functional Network Topology in T2DM With Mild Cognitive...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is prevalent, with 45% of patients experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
• The specific alterations in brain functional networks (BFNs) associated with T2DM and MCI (T2DM-MCI) are not well understood.
• Understanding these BFN changes is crucial for identifying neurophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in T2DM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in the topological properties of BFNs in T2DM patients with and without MCI.
• To compare BFNs between T2DM-MCI, T2DM without MCI (T2DM-noMCI), and healthy controls (HC).
• To explore the relationship between BFN alterations and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a cortical surface-based graph theory analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data.
• Assessed neuropsychological performance and BFN topological properties in 64 T2DM-MCI patients, 58 T2DM-noMCI patients, and 78 HC.
• Employed correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses to examine relationships.

Main Results:

• T2DM-MCI patients exhibited increased global efficiency and decreased shortest path length compared to T2DM-noMCI.
• The left posterior cingulate showed higher nodal efficiency in T2DM-MCI versus T2DM-noMCI.
• Both T2DM groups displayed elevated degree centrality and nodal efficiency in the left basal ganglia compared to HC, with alterations linked to cognitive scores.

Conclusions:

• Altered nodal properties in the left basal ganglia suggest involvement in the neurophysiopathological mechanisms of brain injury in T2DM.
• Changes in nodal efficiency within the left posterior cingulate gyrus may serve as a neuroimaging biomarker for cognitive impairment in T2DM patients.