Decreased connectivity and increased BOLD complexity in the default mode network in individuals with CFS, 2018, Shan et al

Andy · Nov 21, 2017

Authors: Shan ZY1, Finegan K2, Bhuta S3, Ireland T4, Staines DR5, Marshall-Gradisnik SM6, Barnden LR

Abstract
The chronic fatigue syndrome / myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS) is a debilitating disease with unknown pathophysiology and no diagnostic test. This study investigated the default mode network (DMN) in order to understand the pathophysiology of CFS and to identify potential biomarkers.

Using functional MRI (fMRI) collected from 72 subjects (45 CFS and 27 controls) with a temporal resolution of 0.798s, we evaluated the default mode network using static functional connectivity (FC), dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) and DFC complexity, blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) activation maps and complexity of activity. General linear model (GLM) univariate analysis was used for inter group comparison to account for age and gender differences. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test whether fMRI measures could be used to explain variances of health scores.

BOLD signals in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), the driving hub in the DMN, were more complex in CFS in both resting state and task (P < 0.05). The FCs between medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and both inferior parietal lobules (IPLs) were weaker (P < 0.05) during resting state, while during task mPFC - left IPL and mPFC - PCC were weaker (P < 0.05). The DFCs between the DMN hubs were more complex in CFS (P < 0.05) during task. Each of these differences accounted for 7 - 11% variability of health scores.

This study showed that DMN activity is more complex and less coordinated in CFS, suggesting brain network analysis could be potential used as a diagnostic biomarker for CFS.
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Paywalled at http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/brain.2017.0549
Abstract only at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29152994

allyann · Nov 21, 2017

Interesting conclusion:

In conclusion, the DMN in CFS/ME is abnormal with more irregular activity, weaker connectivity, and more complex connectivity dynamics. In particular, the PCC activity in CFS/ME is more irregular and complex. Further, weaker connectivity among DMN hubs was observed and connection dynamics were more complex especially during the cognitive task. We argue that deficits in DMN could be energy expensive and may contribute to or cause the fatigue, cognitive symptoms and post exertional malaise of CFS.

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Decreased connectivity and increased BOLD complexity in the default mode network in individuals with CFS, 2018, Shan et al

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Decreased connectivity and increased BOLD complexity in the default mode network in individuals with CFS, 2018, Shan et al

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