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

Abstract

Background: Findings from brain structural imaging studies on betel quid dependence have supported relations between betel quid chewing and alterations in gray matter volume and white matter integrity. However, the effect of betel quid chewing on cortical thickness and the link between cortical thickness and symptom severity remains unascertained. Methods: In this observational study, we compared cortical thickness measures from 24 male betel quid-dependent chewers with 27 male healthy controls. Using FreeSufer, we obtained three-dimensional T1-weighted images that were used to compute the thickness of the cerebral cortex throughout the cortical layer. Results: Compared to healthy controls, betel quid dependent chewers displayed significant decreased cortical thickness in the precuneus, entorhinal, right paracentral, middle temporal, and caudal middle frontal gyri. Betel quid dependence scale scores negatively correlated (r =-0.604; p = 0.002) with reduced cortical thickness in the right caudal middle frontal of betel quid-dependent chewers. Conclusion: The findings provide evidence for cortical thickness abnormality in betel dependent chewers and further propose that the severity of betel quid symptoms may be a critical aspect associated with the cortical alterations. The observed alterations may serve as potential mechanisms to explain why BQ chewing behavior is persistent among individuals with betel quid dependence.

Altered Spontaneous Brain Activity in Betel Quid Dependence Chewers: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study With Percent Amplitude of Fluctuation

“…As a result, we contend that the decreased PerAF of the precuneus in BQD chewers may be related to appetite cues and visuospatial processing. Similar to our findings, a recent structural imaging study found a significant decrease in cortical thickness in the precuneus of BQD individuals, which could be related to neurodegeneration caused by chronic BQ chewing ( 44 ).…”

Perceive Stress and Betel Quid Dependence Associated with Reasons for Betel Quid Chewing: A Mixed Methods Study

“…The study by Murphy et al [12] revealed that socio-cultural reasons were important for BQ chewers. Reported factors related to reasons for BQ chewing include lower education level [13], longer duration of BQ chewing [13], more chews per day [14]., shorter choice reaction time [15], negative mood [13], working group [16], rural residence [16], BQ users as close friends [16], and a positive attitude toward BQ chewing [16].…”

Factors in oral-related quality of life of betel quid users receiving oral mucosal screening: a cross‑sectional study in Taiwan

“…People with BQ use often neglect oral hygiene due to unhealthy dental care habits and negative attitudes toward oral health [10]. Studies show that, compared to non-users, BQ users have increased periodontal inflammatory conditions such as bleeding, high plaque index, and gingivitis [11,12], BQ users often experience emotional distress, such as anxiety [13], depression [13], and distress related to betel quid dependence (BQD), such as tolerance, cravings, substance-seeking behavior, and withdrawal symptoms [14][15][16]. These problems may threaten health behaviors related to personal hygiene, health promotion, and overall well-being.…”