1
|
Razban RM, Antal BB, Dill KA, Mujica-Parodi LR. Brain signaling becomes less integrated and more segregated with age. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.17.567376. [PMID: 38014139 PMCID: PMC10680817 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.17.567376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The integration-segregation framework is a popular first step to understand brain dynamics because it simplifies brain dynamics into two states based on global vs. local signaling patterns. However, there is no consensus for how to best define what the two states look like. Here, we map integration and segregation to order and disorder states from the Ising model in physics to calculate state probabilities, P int and P seg , from functional MRI data. We find that integration/segregation decreases/increases with age across three databases, and changes are consistent with weakened connection strength among regions rather than topological connectivity based on structural and diffusion MRI data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rostam M Razban
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Botond B Antal
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ken A Dill
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Dept. of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Lilianne R Mujica-Parodi
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Taguchi T, Kitazono J, Sasai S, Oizumi M. Association of bidirectional network cores in the brain with conscious perception and cognition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.30.591001. [PMID: 38746271 PMCID: PMC11092575 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.591001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The brain comprises a complex network of interacting regions. To understand the roles and mechanisms of this complex network, its structural features related to specific cognitive functions need to be elucidated. Among such relationships, recent developments in neuroscience highlight the link between network bidirectionality and conscious perception. Given the essential roles of both feedforward and feedback signals in conscious perception, it is surmised that subnetworks with bidirectional interactions are critical. However, the link between such subnetworks and conscious perception remains unclear due to the network's complexity. In this study, we propose a framework for extracting subnetworks with strong bidirectional interactions-termed the "cores" of a network-from brain activity. We applied this framework to resting-state and task-based fMRI data to identify regions forming strongly bidirectional cores. We then explored the association of these cores with conscious perception and cognitive functions. The central cores predominantly included cerebral cortical regions, which are crucial for conscious perception, rather than subcortical regions. Furthermore, the cores were composed of previously reported regions in which electrical stimulation altered conscious perception. These results suggest a link between the bidirectional cores and conscious perception. A meta-analysis and comparison of the core structure with a cortical functional connectivity gradient suggested that the central cores were related to lower-order sensorimotor functions. An ablation study emphasized the importance of incorporating bidirectionality, not merely interaction strength for these outcomes. The proposed framework provides novel insight into the roles of network cores with strong bidirectional interactions in conscious perception and lower-order sensorimotor functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Taguchi
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Kitazono
- Graduate School of Data Science, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Masafumi Oizumi
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Y, Wang X, Li W, Yang Y, Wu Z, Lyu Y, Yue C. Intestinal microbiota: a new perspective on delaying aging? Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1268142. [PMID: 38098677 PMCID: PMC10720643 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1268142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The global aging situation is severe, and the medical pressures associated with aging issues should not be underestimated. The need and feasibility of studying aging and intervening in aging have been confirmed. Aging is a complex natural physiological progression, which involves the irreversible deterioration of body cells, tissues, and organs with age, leading to enhanced risk of disease and ultimately death. The intestinal microbiota has a significant role in sustaining host dynamic balance, and the study of bidirectional communication networks such as the brain-gut axis provides important directions for human disease research. Moreover, the intestinal microbiota is intimately linked to aging. This review describes the intestinal microbiota changes in human aging and analyzes the causal controversy between gut microbiota changes and aging, which are believed to be mutually causal, mutually reinforcing, and inextricably linked. Finally, from an anti-aging perspective, this study summarizes how to achieve delayed aging by targeting the intestinal microbiota. Accordingly, the study aims to provide guidance for further research on the intestinal microbiota and aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuemeng Zhang
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Yan’an University of Physical Education, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wujuan Li
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Wu
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuhong Lyu
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Changwu Yue
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pentari A, Simos N, Tzagarakis G, Kagialis A, Bertsias G, Kavroulakis E, Gratsia E, Sidiropoulos P, Boumpas DT, Papadaki E. Altered hippocampal connectivity dynamics predicts memory performance in neuropsychiatric lupus: a resting-state fMRI study using cross-recurrence quantification analysis. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:e000920. [PMID: 37400223 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-000920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Τo determine whole-brain and regional functional connectivity (FC) characteristics of patients with neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) or without neuropsychiatric manifestations (non-NPSLE) and examine their association with cognitive performance. METHODS Cross-recurrence quantification analysis (CRQA) of resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data was performed in 44 patients with NPSLE, 20 patients without NPSLE and 35 healthy controls (HCs). Volumetric analysis of total brain and specific cortical and subcortical regions, where significant connectivity changes were identified, was performed. Cognitive status of patients with NPSLE was assessed by neuropsychological tests. Group comparisons on nodal FC, global network metrics and regional volumetrics were conducted, and associations with cognitive performance were estimated (at p<0.05 false discovery rate corrected). RESULTS FC in patients with NPSLE was characterised by increased modularity (mean (SD)=0.31 (0.06)) as compared with HCs (mean (SD)=0.27 (0.06); p=0.05), hypoconnectivity of the left (mean (SD)=0.06 (0.018)) and right hippocampi (mean (SD)=0.051 (0.0.16)), and of the right amygdala (mean (SD)=0.091 (0.039)), as compared with HCs (mean (SD)=0.075 (0.022), p=0.02; 0.065 (0.019), p=0.01; 0.14 (0.096), p=0.05, respectively). Hyperconnectivity of the left angular gyrus (NPSLE/HCs: mean (SD)=0.29 (0.26) and 0.10 (0.09); p=0.01), left (NPSLE/HCs: mean (SD)=0.16 (0.09) and 0.09 (0.05); p=0.01) and right superior parietal lobule (SPL) (NPSLE/HCs: mean (SD)=0.25 (0.19) and 0.13 (0.13), p=0.01) was noted in NPSLE versus HC groups. Among patients with NPSLE, verbal episodic memory scores were positively associated with connectivity (local efficiency) of the left hippocampus (r2=0.22, p=0.005) and negatively with local efficiency of the left angular gyrus (r2=0.24, p=0.003). Patients without NPSLE displayed hypoconnectivity of the right hippocampus (mean (SD)=0.056 (0.014)) and hyperconnectivity of the left angular gyrus (mean (SD)=0.25 (0.13)) and SPL (mean (SD)=0.17 (0.12)). CONCLUSION By using dynamic CRQA of the rs-fMRI data, distorted FC was found globally, as well as in medial temporal and parietal brain regions in patients with SLE, that correlated significantly and adversely with memory capacity in NPSLE. These results highlight the value of dynamic approaches to assessing impaired brain network function in patients with lupus with and without neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Pentari
- Computational Bio-Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nicholas Simos
- Computational Bio-Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Tzagarakis
- Computational Bio-Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonios Kagialis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Radiology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Eirini Gratsia
- Department of Radiology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
- Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efrosini Papadaki
- Computational Bio-Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Radiology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A robust core architecture of functional brain networks supports topological resilience and cognitive performance in middle- and old-aged adults. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203682119. [PMID: 36282912 PMCID: PMC9636938 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203682119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with gradual changes in cognition, yet some individuals exhibit protection against age-related cognitive decline. The topological characteristics of brain networks that promote protection against cognitive decline in aging are unknown. Here, we investigated whether the robustness and resilience of brain networks, queried via the delineation of the brain’s core network structure, relate to age and cognitive performance in a cross-sectional dataset of healthy middle- and old-aged adults (
n
= 478, ages 40 to 90 y). First, we decomposed each subject’s functional brain network using
k
-shell decomposition and found that age was negatively associated with robust core network structures. Next, we perturbed these networks, via attack simulations, and found that resilience of core brain network nodes also declined in relationship to age. We then partitioned our dataset into middle- (ages 40 to 65 y,
n
= 300) and old- (ages 65 to 90 y,
n
= 178) aged subjects and observed that older individuals had less robust core connectivity and resilience. Following these analyses, we found that episodic memory was positively related to robust connectivity and core resilience, particularly within the default node, limbic, and frontoparietal control networks. Importantly, we found that age-related differences in episodic memory were positively related to core resilience, which indicates a potential role for core resilience in protection against cognitive decline. Together, these findings suggest that robust core connectivity and resilience of brain networks could facilitate high cognitive performance in aging.
Collapse
|
6
|
The overlapping modular organization of human brain functional networks across the adult lifespan. Neuroimage 2022; 253:119125. [PMID: 35331872 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that the brain functional modular organization, which is a fundamental feature of the human brain, would change along the adult lifespan. However, these studies assumed that each brain region belonged to a single functional module, although there has been convergent evidence supporting the existence of overlap among functional modules in the human brain. To reveal how age affects the overlapping functional modular organization, this study applied an overlapping module detection algorithm that requires no prior knowledge to the resting-state fMRI data of a healthy cohort (N = 570) aged from 18 to 88 years old. A series of measures were derived to delineate the characteristics of the overlapping modular structure and the set of overlapping nodes (brain regions participating in two or more modules) identified from each participant. Age-related regression analyses on these measures found linearly decreasing trends in the overlapping modularity and the modular similarity. The number of overlapping nodes was found increasing with age, but the increment was not even over the brain. In addition, across the adult lifespan and within each age group, the nodal overlapping probability consistently had positive correlations with both functional gradient and flexibility. Further, by correlation and mediation analyses, we showed that the influence of age on memory-related cognitive performance might be explained by the change in the overlapping functional modular organization. Together, our results revealed age-related decreased segregation from the brain functional overlapping modular organization perspective, which could provide new insight into the adult lifespan changes in brain function and the influence of such changes on cognitive performance.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lejko N, Tumati S, Opmeer EM, Marsman JBC, Reesink FE, De Deyn PP, Aleman A, Ćurčić-Blake B. Planning in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: an fMRI study. Exp Gerontol 2021; 159:111673. [PMID: 34958871 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The memory impairment that is characteristic of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is often accompanied by difficulties in executive functioning, including planning. Though planning deficits in aMCI are well documented, their neural correlates are largely unknown, and have not yet been investigated with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to: (1) identify differences in brain activity and connectivity during planning in people with aMCI and cognitively healthy older adults, and (2) find whether planning-related activity and connectivity are associated with cognitive performance and symptoms of apathy. METHODS Twenty-five people with aMCI and 15 cognitively healthy older adults performed a visuospatial planning task (Tower of London; ToL) during fMRI. Task-related brain activation, spatial maps of task-related independent components, and seed-to-voxel functional connectivity were compared between the two groups and regressed against measures of executive functions (Trail Making Test difference score, TMT B-A; Digit Symbol Substitution Test, DSST), delayed recall (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), and apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale). RESULTS People with aMCI scored lower on task-switching (TMT B-A), working memory (DSST), and planning (ToL). During planning, people with aMCI had less activation in the bilateral anterior calcarine sulcus/cuneus, the bilateral temporal cortices, the left precentral gyrus, the thalamus, and the right cerebellum. Across all participants, higher planning-related activity in the supplementary motor area, the retrosplenial cortex and surrounding areas, and the right temporal cortex was related to better delayed recall. There were no between-group differences in functional connectivity, nor were there any associations between connectivity and cognition. We also did not find any associations between brain activity or connectivity and apathy. CONCLUSION Impaired planning in people with aMCI appears to be accompanied by lower activation in a diffuse cortico-thalamic network. Across all participants, higher planning-related activity in parieto-occipital, temporal, and frontal areas was related to better memory performance. The results point to the relevance of planning deficits for understanding aMCI and extend its clinical and neurobiological signature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nena Lejko
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Shankar Tumati
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Groningen, the Netherlands; Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Esther M Opmeer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Groningen, the Netherlands; Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health and Welfare, Zwolle, the Netherlands
| | - Jan-Bernard C Marsman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Fransje E Reesink
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter P De Deyn
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - André Aleman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Groningen, the Netherlands; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Neuroscience, Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Branislava Ćurčić-Blake
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|