Large-scale brain network analysis reveals functional-structural dissynchrony in HIV-associated asymptomatic neurocognitive disorders: Functional disturbances precede structural changes

作者：Zhongkai Zhou, Wenru Gong, Hong Hu, Fuchun Wang, Hui Li, Fan Xu, Hongjun Li, Wei Wang · 发表于：medRxiv · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1101/2024.11.17.24317453 · 被引用次数：1 · 研究领域：HIV Research and Treatment、Functional Brain Connectivity Studies、Tryptophan and brain disorders

Abstract Background In the era following combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) has become the primary stage of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). As a potentially reversible phase, precise identification of ANI is crucial. Multimodal MRI, with its non-invasiveness and high sensitivity, can reveal potential changes in brain network function and structure, providing significant support for exploring biomarkers of HAND and optimizing intervention strategies.This study aims to explore the dynamic changes in the functional network, structural network, and functional-structural coupling in ANI patients using multimodal MRI combined with large-scale brain network analysis. Methods A total of 95 participants were included, consisting of a healthy control group (HC, n=48) and an ANI patient group (n=47). Functional and structural connectivity matrices were constructed using resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and graph theory analysis was used to evaluate global metrics, node characteristics, and functional-structural coupling changes. Results Structural Network: No significant changes were observed in the global or local topological properties of the structural network in ANI patients. Functional Network: Significant reorganization was observed in several key regions, including the visual network, executive control network, and default mode network. Functional-Structural Coupling: The functional-s...