Structural brain network development in children following prenatal methamphetamine exposure

Abstract

Brain imaging studies in children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure (PME) suggest structural and functional alterations of striatal, frontal, parietal, and limbic regions. However, no longitudinal studies have investigated changes in structural connectivity during the first 2 years of formal schooling. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of PME on structural connectivity of brain networks in children over the critical first 2 years of formal schooling when foundational learning takes place. Networks are expected to gradually increase in global connectedness while segregating into defined systems. Graph theoretical analysis was used to investigate changes in structural connectivity at age 6 and 8 years in children with and without PME. While healthy control children showed increased connectivity in frontal and limbic hubs over time, children with PME showed increased connectivity in the superior parietal cortex and striatum in their global network. Furthermore, compared to control children, those with PME were characterized by less change in segregation of structural networks over time. These findings are consistent with previous work on regions implicated in children with PME, but they additionally demonstrate alterations in structural connectivity between regions that underlie primary cognitive, behavioral, and emotional development. Understanding patterns of network development during critical periods in at-risk children may inform strategies for supporting this group of children in these developmental tasks important for lifelong brain health and development.

Effects of Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure on Birth Outcomes, Brain Structure, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

“…Prenatal exposure to MA affects the brain development of neonate and children. Previous neuroimaging studies [55,56,[58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66] have identified the changes of subcortical and cortical brain volumes and thickness which were determined and calculated automatically by using magnetic resonance imaging. For this preliminary study, we global intracerebral brain volumes, subcortical brain structure, and cerebellum.…”

“…Cloak et al [55] found that lower diffusion in white matter which may reflect more compact axons or greater dendritic or spine density of children prenatally exposed to MA. The changes of white matter microstructure and structural connectivity between MA-exposed and unexposed children aged 6 to 8 years were identified by Roos et al [61,62], they found that prenatal MA exposure disrupted integrity of tracts traversing frontal, striatal and limbic regions [61] and decreased connectivity in frontal and limbic hubs, increased connectivity in the superior parietal cortex and striatum [62]. Importantly, Warton et al [63,64] found that prenatal MA exposure leads to changes of corticostriatal white matter and fiber networks in neonates.…”

Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure could Cause Chronic Abnormalities in Transcriptomic Pattern; an Extended Follow-up Cohort Study

“…However, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have reported that prenatal exposure to methamphetamine is more associated with white matter microstructure alterations (12). Alteration such as diffusion measures in white matter connections and reduction of fractional anisotropy (FA) in several connections between the striatum and midbrain (12,13).…”

Three Years Follow-Up Study Showed Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure May Cause Chronic Abnormalities In Transcriptomic Pattern

“…Based on some studies, mood di culties, cognitive de ciencies, and chronic behavioral abnormalities are increased in PME children in childhood and maybe adolescence (13). Early detection of vulnerable children and psychological caring may prevent severe social and psychiatric problems in the next generation.…”

“…However, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have reported that prenatal exposure to methamphetamine is more associated with white matter microstructure alterations (12). Alteration such as diffusion measures in white matter connections and reduction of fractional anisotropy in several connections between the striatum and midbrain (12,13).…”