Cortical Surface Spatial Analysis Reveals Altered Brain Functional Network Topology in T2DM With Mild Cognitive Impairment
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Published on: June 26, 2013
YanJun Fan1,2, Jing Tian2, XiaoMei Yu1,2
1The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine (Gansu Provincial Hospital), Lanzhou, China.
Objective:
Approximately 45.0% of patients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibit mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the specific alternations in T2DM with MCI (T2DM-MCI)-related brain functional networks (BFN) remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the alterations in the topological properties of BFN in T2DM patients with and without MCI, utilizing a cortical surface-based graph theory analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data.
Methods:
Neuropsychological performance and topological properties of BFNs were determined in 64 T2DM-MCI patients, 58 T2DM patients without MCI (T2DM-noMCI), and 78 healthy controls (HC). Moreover, we conducted the correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis.
Results:
The T2DM-MCI group showed increased global efficiency and decreased shortest path length compared to T2DM-noMCI. In the left posterior cingulate, the T2DM-MCI group exhibited higher nodal efficiency compared to the T2DM-noMCI group. Additionally, both degree centrality and nodal efficiency in the T2DM-noMCI group were significantly lower than in the HC. Degree centrality and nodal efficiency in the left basal ganglia were elevated in both T2DM groups. Alterations in these regions were related to cognitive function scores.
Conclusion:
The alterations in nodal properties of the left basal ganglia suggest that nodal attributes in this region may be involved in the neurophysiopathological mechanisms of brain injury in T2DM. Conversely, the alterations of nodal efficiency in the left posterior cingulate gyrus indicate its potential as a neuroimaging biomarker of cognitive impairment in T2DM patients.
Insights
Brain network alterations in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were identified. The left basal ganglia and posterior cingulate gyrus show distinct network changes, potentially serving as biomarkers for cognitive decline in T2DM patients.
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.
