Abstract
AbstractBackgroundAlthough gray matter (GM) structural networks based on intracortical similarities have been proposed, no studies have yet examined the correlations between GM network measures and tau. Here, we investigated the voxel‐wise correlations of GM network measures and 18F‐THK5351 accumulation in cognitively normal (CN) older adults.MethodWe recruited 47 amyloid‐negative CN older adults (65.0 ± 7.9 y age, 26 female, 14.3 ± 2.4 y education, Mini‐Mental State Examination score 29.3 ± 1.1, Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised Logical Memory II score 13.4 ± 2.9). All participants underwent 3D T1‐weighted MRI, 11C‐PiB and 18F‐THK5351 PET scans. Single‐subject GM networks extracted from T1‐weighted MRI data based on intracortical similarities were analyzed using the graph theoretical approach. Correlations between four local network measures (betweenness centrality, clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, and degree) and 18F‐THK5351 standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) images were evaluated at a voxel level using biological parametric mapping (BPM) toolbox in SPM. The results with the following criteria were deemed significant: a height threshold of p < .05 (family‐wise error corrected) with an extent threshold of 100 voxels.ResultSignificant positive correlations between four local network measures and 18F‐THK5351 SUVR images were detected in the bilateral caudate.ConclusionUsing voxel‐based analysis, we detected significant positive correlations between local network measures and 18F‐THK5351 accumulation in the bilateral caudate in CN older adults. Our findings suggest that tau and neuroinflammation in CN elderly may influence local GM network in the caudate.
Highlights
Neuropathological studies have revealed that neurofibrillary tangles mainly accumulate in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) with age
No previous studies have examined the correlations between tau and gray matter network alterations in cognitively normal (CN) older adults
Our findings suggest that tau and neuroinflammation in CN older adults may influence local gray matter network in the caudate
Summary
Neuropathological studies have revealed that neurofibrillary tangles mainly accumulate in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) with age. We previously detected significant negative voxel-wise correlations between 18F-THK5351 and gray matter (GM) volume in the MTL in cognitively normal (CN) older adults without amyloid β deposits [1]. Graph theoretical analysis allows brain networks to be studied as nodes and edges In this method, graphs are defined via nodes representing small brain regions and via edges representing connecting regions that have statistically high cortical similarities within single subjects. GM networks based on intracortical similarities derived from three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted imaging have been proposed [2], but no studies have as yet examined the correlations between tau accumulation and GM network alterations. No previous studies have examined the correlations between tau and gray matter network alterations in cognitively normal (CN) older adults. We investigated the correlations between 18F-THK5351 and local network measures at the voxel level
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
