scholarly journals White matter microstructure shows sex differences in late childhood: Evidence from 6,797 children

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine E. Lawrence ◽  
Zvart Abaryan ◽  
Emily Laltoo ◽  
Leanna M. Hernandez ◽  
Michael Gandal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Neurite Density ◽  
White Matter Microstructure ◽  
White Matter Region ◽  
Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
The Impact

AbstractSex differences in white matter microstructure have been robustly demonstrated in the adult brain using both conventional and advanced diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) approaches. However, the effect of sex on white matter microstructure prior to adulthood remains poorly understood, with previous developmental work focusing on conventional microstructure metrics and yielding mixed results. Here we thoroughly and rigorously characterized sex differences in white matter microstructure among over 6,000 children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study who were between 9 and 10 years old. Microstructure was quantified using both the conventional model - diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) - and an advanced model, restriction spectrum imaging (RSI). DTI metrics included fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean, axial, and radial diffusivity (MD, AD, RD). RSI metrics included normalized isotropic, directional, and total intracellular diffusion (N0, ND, NT). We found significant and replicable sex differences in DTI or RSI microstructure metrics in every white matter region examined across the brain. The impact of sex on FA was regionally specific. Across white matter regions, boys exhibited greater MD, AD, and RD than girls, on average. Girls displayed increased N0, ND, and NT compared to boys, on average, suggesting greater cell and neurite density in girls. Together, these robust and replicable findings provide an important foundation for understanding sex differences in health and disease.

scholarly journals Cerebral White Matter Sex Dimorphism in Alcoholism: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayle S. Sawyer ◽  
Nasim Maleki ◽  
George Papadimitriou ◽  
Nikos Makris ◽  
Marlene Oscar-Berman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Corpus Callosum ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Imaging Study ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Cerebral White Matter ◽  
Excessive Alcohol Consumption ◽  
White Matter Microstructure ◽  
White Matter Connectivity

AbstractBackgroundExcessive alcohol consumption is associated with widespread brain damage, including abnormalities in frontal and limbic brain regions. In a prior study of neuronal circuitry connecting the frontal lobes and limbic system structures in abstinent alcoholic men, we demonstrated decreases in white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) on diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI). In the present study, we examined sex differences in alcoholism-related abnormalities of white matter connectivity.MethodsdMRI scans were acquired from 49 abstinent alcoholic individuals (26 women) and 41 nonalcoholic controls (22 women). Tract-based spatial statistical tools were used to estimate regional FA of white matter tracts and to determine sex differences and their relation to measures of alcoholism history.ResultsSex-related differences in white matter connectivity were observed in association with alcoholism: Compared to nonalcoholic men, alcoholic men had diminished FA in portions of the corpus callosum, the superior longitudinal fasciculi II and III, and the arcuate fasciculus and extreme capsule. In contrast, alcoholic women had higher FA in these regions. Sex differences also were observed for correlations between corpus callosum FA and length of sobriety.ConclusionsSexual dimorphism in white matter microstructure in abstinent alcoholics may implicate underlying differences in the neurobehavioral liabilities for developing alcohol abuse disorders, or for sequelae following abuse.

scholarly journals Genome-wide discovered psychosis-risk gene ZNF804A impacts on white matter microstructure in health, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma-Jane Mallas ◽  
Francesco Carletti ◽  
Christopher A. Chaddock ◽  
James Woolley ◽  
Marco M. Picchioni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Risk Variant ◽  
White Matter Microstructure ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
The Impact

Background.Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) have both been associated with reduced microstructural white matter integrity using, as a proxy, fractional anisotropy (FA) detected using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Genetic susceptibility for both illnesses has also been positively correlated in recent genome-wide association studies with allele A (adenine) of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1344706 of the ZNF804A gene. However, little is known about how the genomic linkage disequilibrium region tagged by this SNP impacts on the brain to increase risk for psychosis. This study aimed to assess the impact of this risk variant on FA in patients with SZ, in those with BD and in healthy controls.Methods.230 individuals were genotyped for the rs1344706 SNP and underwent DTI. We used tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) followed by an analysis of variance, with threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE), to assess underlying effects of genotype, diagnosis and their interaction, on FA.Results.As predicted, statistically significant reductions in FA across a widely distributed brain network (p< 0.05, TFCE-corrected) were positively associated both with a diagnosis of SZ or BD and with the double (homozygous) presence of the ZNF804A rs1344706 risk variant (A). The main effect of genotype was medium (d= 0.48 in a 44,054-voxel cluster) and the effect in the SZ group alone was large (d= 1.01 in a 51,260-voxel cluster), with no significant effects in BD or controls, in isolation. No areas under a significant diagnosis by genotype interaction were found.Discussion.We provide the first evidence in a predominantly Caucasian clinical sample, of an association betweenZNF804Ars1344706 A-homozygosity and reduced FA, both irrespective of diagnosis and particularly in SZ (in overlapping brain areas). This suggests that the previously observed involvement of this genomic region in psychosis susceptibility, and in impaired functional connectivity, may be conferred through it inducing abnormalities in white matter microstructure.

scholarly journals Age and sex effects on advanced white matter microstructure measures in 15,628 older adults: A UK biobank study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine E. Lawrence ◽  
Leila Nabulsi ◽  
Vigneshwaran Santhalingam ◽  
Zvart Abaryan ◽  
Julio E. Villalon-Reina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Shell Model ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex Effects ◽  
White Matter Microstructure ◽  
Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Age And Sex ◽  
Single Shell

AbstractA comprehensive characterization of the brain’s white matter is critical for improving our understanding of healthy and diseased aging. Here we used diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) to estimate age and sex effects on white matter microstructure in a cross-sectional sample of 15,628 adults aged 45–80 years old (47.6% male, 52.4% female). Microstructure was assessed using the following four models: a conventional single-shell model, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI); a more advanced single-shell model, the tensor distribution function (TDF); an advanced multi-shell model, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI); and another advanced multi-shell model, mean apparent propagator MRI (MAPMRI). Age was modeled using a data-driven statistical approach, and normative centile curves were created to provide sex-stratified white matter reference charts. Participant age and sex substantially impacted many aspects of white matter microstructure across the brain, with the advanced dMRI models TDF and NODDI detecting such effects the most sensitively. These findings and the normative reference curves provide an important foundation for the study of healthy and diseased brain aging.

scholarly journals Retrospective analysis of hemispheric structural network change as a function of location and size of glioma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn D’Souza ◽  
Lisa Hirt ◽  
David R Ormond ◽  
John A Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Temporal Lobe ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Structural Network ◽  
Tumour Location ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Tractography Data ◽  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography

Abstract Gliomas are neoplasms that arise from glial cell origin and represent the largest fraction of primary malignant brain tumours (77%). These highly infiltrative malignant cell clusters modify brain structure and function through expansion, invasion and intratumoral modification. Depending on the growth rate of the tumour, location and degree of expansion, functional reorganization may not lead to overt changes in behaviour despite significant cerebral adaptation. Studies in simulated lesion models and in patients with stroke reveal both local and distal functional disturbances, using measures of anatomical brain networks. Investigations over the last two decades have sought to use diffusion tensor imaging tractography data in the context of intracranial tumours to improve surgical planning, intraoperative functional localization, and post-operative interpretation of functional change. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging tractography to assess the impact of tumour location on the white matter structural network. To better understand how various lobe localized gliomas impact the topology underlying efficiency of information transfer between brain regions, we identified the major alterations in brain network connectivity patterns between the ipsilesional versus contralesional hemispheres in patients with gliomas localized to the frontal, parietal or temporal lobe. Results were indicative of altered network efficiency and the role of specific brain regions unique to different lobe localized gliomas. This work draws attention to connections and brain regions which have shared structural susceptibility in frontal, parietal and temporal lobe glioma cases. This study also provides a preliminary anatomical basis for understanding which affected white matter pathways may contribute to preoperative patient symptomology.

White Matter Alteration Following SWAT Explosive Breaching Training and the Moderating Effect of a Neck Collar Device: A DTI and NODDI Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weihong Yuan ◽  
Jonathan Dudley ◽  
Alexis B Slutsky-Ganesh ◽  
James Leach ◽  
Pete Scheifele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Blast Exposure ◽  
Diffusion Weighted ◽  
Weighted Data ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Introduction Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel who practice breaching with blast exposure are at risk for blast-related head trauma. We aimed to investigate the impact of low-level blast exposure on underlying white matter (WM) microstructure based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation and density imaging (NODDI) in SWAT personnel before and after breacher training. Diffusion tensor imaging is an advanced MRI technique sensitive to underlying WM alterations. NODDI is a novel MRI technique emerged recently that acquires diffusion weighted data from multiple shells modeling for different compartments in the microstructural environment in the brain. We also aimed to evaluate the effect of a jugular vein compression collar device in mitigating the alteration of the diffusion properties in the WM as well as its role as a moderator on the association between the diffusion property changes and the blast exposure. Materials and Methods Twenty-one SWAT personnel (10 non-collar and 11 collar) completed the breacher training and underwent MRI at both baseline and after blast exposure. Diffusion weighted data were acquired with two shells (b = 1,000, 2,000 s/mm2) on 3T Phillips scanners. Diffusion tensor imaging metrices, including fractional anisotropy, mean, axial, and radial diffusivity, and NODDI metrics, including neurite density index (NDI), isotropic volume fraction (fiso), and orientation dispersion index, were calculated. Tract-based spatial statistics was used in the voxel-wise statistical analysis. Post hoc analyses were performed for the quantification of the pre- to post-blast exposure diffusion percentage change in the WM regions with significant group difference and for the assessment of the interaction of the relationship between blast exposure and diffusion alteration. Results The non-collar group exhibited significant pre- to post-blast increase in NDI (corrected P &lt; .05) in the WM involving the right internal capsule, the right posterior corona radiation, the right posterior thalamic radiation, and the right sagittal stratum. A subset of these regions showed significantly greater alteration in NDI and fiso in the non-collar group when compared with those in the collar group (corrected P &lt; .05). In addition, collar wearing exhibited a significant moderating effect for the alteration of fiso for its association with average peak pulse pressure. Conclusions Our data provided initial evidence of the impact of blast exposure on WM diffusion alteration based on both DTI and NODDI. The mitigating effect of WM diffusivity changes and the moderating effect of collar wearing suggest that the device may serve as a promising solution to protect WM against blast exposure.

scholarly journals White Matter Changes on Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the FINGER Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-86
Author(s):  
Ruth Stephen ◽  
Alina Solomon ◽  
Tiia Ngandu ◽  
Esko Levälahti ◽  
Juha O. Rinne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
White Matter Microstructure ◽  
Multidomain Intervention

Background: Early pathological changes in white matter microstructure can be studied using the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). It is not only important to study these subtle pathological changes leading to cognitive decline, but also to ascertain how an intervention would impact the white matter microstructure and cognition in persons at-risk of dementia. Objectives: To study the impact of a multidomain lifestyle intervention on white matter and cognitive changes during the 2-year Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER), a randomized controlled trial in at-risk older individuals (age 60–77 years) from the general population. Methods: This exploratory study consisted of a subsample of 60 FINGER participants. Participants were randomized to either a multidomain intervention (diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk management, n = 34) or control group (general health advice, n = 26). All underwent baseline and 2-year brain DTI. Changes in fractional anisotropy (FA), diffusivity along domain (F1) and non-domain (F2) diffusion orientations, mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AxD), radial diffusivity (RD), and their correlations with cognitive changes during the 2-year multidomain intervention were analyzed. Results: FA decreased, and cognition improved more in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with no significant intergroup differences for changes in F1, F2, MD, AxD, or RD. The cognitive changes were significantly positively related to FA change, and negatively related to RD change in the control group, but not in the intervention group. Conclusion: The 2-year multidomain FINGER intervention may modulate white matter microstructural alterations.

Regional brain volumes, microstructure and neurodevelopment in moderate–late preterm children

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (6) ◽  
pp. 593-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire E Kelly ◽  
Deanne K Thompson ◽  
Alicia J Spittle ◽  
Jian Chen ◽  
Marc L Seal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Developmental Outcomes ◽  
Late Preterm ◽  
Brain Volumes ◽  
Regional Brain ◽  
White Matter Microstructure ◽  
Cortical Grey Matter

ObjectiveTo explore whether regional brain volume and white matter microstructure at term-equivalent age (TEA) are associated with development at 2 years of age in children born moderate–late preterm (MLPT).Study designA cohort of MLPT infants had brain MRI at approximately TEA (38–44 weeks’ postmenstrual age) and had a developmental assessment (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment) at 2 years’ corrected age. Relationships between cortical grey matter and white matter volumes and 2-year developmental outcomes were explored using voxel-based morphometry. Relationships between diffusion tensor measures of white matter microstructure (fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial (AD), radial (RD) and mean (MD) diffusivities) and 2-year developmental outcomes were explored using tract-based spatial statistics.Results189 MLPT children had data from at least one MRI modality (volumetric or diffusion) and data for at least one developmental domain. Larger cortical grey and white matter volumes in many brain regions, and higher FA and lower AD, RD and MD in several major white matter regions, were associated with better cognitive and language scores. There was little evidence that cortical grey matter and white matter volumes and white matter microstructure were associated with motor and behavioural outcomes.ConclusionsRegional cortical grey matter and white matter volumes and white matter microstructure are associated with cognitive and language development at 2 years of age in MLPT children. Thus, early alterations to brain volumes and microstructure may contribute to some of the developmental deficits described in MLPT children.

scholarly journals Dysmature superficial white matter microstructure in developmental focal epilepsy

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren M Ostrowski ◽  
Daniel Y Song ◽  
Emily L Thorn ◽  
Erin E Ross ◽  
Sally M Stoyell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Fractional Anisotropy ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Mean Diffusivity ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Epilepsy Syndrome ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Deep White Matter ◽  
White Matter Microstructure ◽  
Benign Epilepsy

Abstract Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes is a common childhood epilepsy syndrome that predominantly affects boys, characterized by self-limited focal seizures arising from the perirolandic cortex and fine motor abnormalities. Concurrent with the age-specific presentation of this syndrome, the brain undergoes a developmentally choreographed sequence of white matter microstructural changes, including maturation of association u-fibres abutting the cortex. These short fibres mediate local cortico-cortical communication and provide an age-sensitive structural substrate that could support a focal disease process. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the microstructural properties of superficial white matter in regions corresponding to u-fibres underlying the perirolandic seizure onset zone in children with this epilepsy syndrome compared with healthy controls. To verify the spatial specificity of these features, we characterized global superficial and deep white matter properties. We further evaluated the characteristics of the perirolandic white matter in relation to performance on a fine motor task, gender and abnormalities observed on EEG. Children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 14) underwent multimodal testing with high-resolution MRI including diffusion tensor imaging sequences, sleep EEG recordings and fine motor assessment. We compared white matter microstructural characteristics (axial, radial and mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy) between groups in each region. We found distinct abnormalities corresponding to the perirolandic u-fibre region, with increased axial, radial and mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy values in children with epilepsy (P = 0.039, P = 0.035, P = 0.042 and P = 0.017, respectively). Increased fractional anisotropy in this region, consistent with decreased integrity of crossing sensorimotor u-fibres, correlated with inferior fine motor performance (P = 0.029). There were gender-specific differences in white matter microstructure in the perirolandic region; males and females with epilepsy and healthy males had higher diffusion and fractional anisotropy values than healthy females (P ≤ 0.035 for all measures), suggesting that typical patterns of white matter development disproportionately predispose boys to this developmental epilepsy syndrome. Perirolandic white matter microstructure showed no relationship to epilepsy duration, duration seizure free, or epileptiform burden. There were no group differences in diffusivity or fractional anisotropy in superficial white matter outside of the perirolandic region. Children with epilepsy had increased radial diffusivity (P = 0.022) and decreased fractional anisotropy (P = 0.027) in deep white matter, consistent with a global delay in white matter maturation. These data provide evidence that atypical maturation of white matter microstructure is a basic feature in benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and may contribute to the epilepsy, male predisposition and clinical comorbidities observed in this disorder.

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