Abnormal degree centrality in chronic users of codeine-containing cough syrups: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Abstract

Codeine-containing cough syrups (CCS) have become one of the most popular drugs of abuse in young population worldwide. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying CCS-dependence are yet ill-defined. Therefore, understanding the brain abnormalities in chronic users of CCS is crucial for developing effective interventions. The present study depicted the intrinsic dysconnectivity pattern of whole-brain functional networks at the voxel level in chronic users of CCS. In addition, the degree centrality (DC) changes were correlated to the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) total score, dose, duration of CCS use, and the age at first use of cough syrups. The current study included 38 chronic CCS users and 34 matched control subjects. All patients were evaluated using the BIS-11. Next, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) datasets were acquired from these CCS users and controls. Whole-brain connectivity was analyzed using a graph theory approach: degree centrality (DC). CCS-dependent individuals exhibited low DC values in the left inferior parietal lobule and the left middle temporal gyrus, while high DC values were noted in the right pallidum and the right hippocampus (P < 0.01, AlphaSim corrected). Also, significant correlations were established between average DC value in the left inferior parietal lobule and attentional impulsivity scores and the age at first CCS use. The rs-fMRI study suggested that the abnormal intrinsic dysconnectivity pattern of whole-brain functional networks may provide an insight into the neural substrates of abnormalities in the cognitive control circuit, the reward circuit, and the learning and memory circuit in CCS-dependent individuals.

Abnormal degree centrality in delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning: a resting-state fMRI study

“…However, our findings show that functional connectivity changes simultaneously appeared in these regions. Based on the functional network integrity perspective, it could be postulated that the function of cognitive control-related regions was weakening [17]. Therefore, we hypothesized that deficits in cognitive control regulatory processes might occur in DEACMP patients during the resting state.…”

“…DC represents the role and status of voxels in the brain network, and changes in DC indicate an anomaly between the functional synchronization of a particular node and other nodes. For example, increased DC values suggest an increased number of direct connections and reflect the increased centrality or importance of a specific voxel in the network [17]. DC was initially proposed to map the degree of intrinsic functional connectivity across the brain to reveal a stable property of cerebral network architecture at the voxel level [15].…”

Reduced Cortical Thickness in the Right Caudal Middle Frontal Is Associated With Symptom Severity in Betel Quid-Dependent Chewers

“…Consistent with previous studies that examined adult smokers ( 37 ), and abstinent alcoholics ( 36 ), our study found significant cortical thinning in the middle temporal gyrus. The decreased degree of centrality in the middle temporal gyrus has been associated with language expression ( 76 ), attention, and cognitive deficits in addicts ( 77 , 78 ), suggesting a weakening of cognitive control in individuals with BQD.…”

Differences in network centrality between high and low myopia: a voxel-level degree centrality study

“…Hua et al. (37) assessed the internal connectivity disorder pattern of the whole-brain function network in patients with chronic use of codeine-containing cough syrups (CCS) at the voxel level; notably, they found that the degrees of reduction in the left inferior parietal lobe and left middle temporal gyrus were associated with cognitive function in individuals dependent on CCS. Wang et al.…”