Potential correlations between abnormal homogeneity of default mode network and personality or lipid level in major depressive disorder

Abstract

Abstract Background Default mode network (DMN) is one of the most recognized resting‐state networks in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the homogeneity of this network in MDD remains incompletely explored. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether there is abnormal network homogeneity (NH) of the DMN in MDD patients. At the same time, correlations between clinical variables and brain functional connectivity are examined. Methods We enrolled 42 patients diagnosed with MDD and 42 HCs. A variety of clinical variables were collected, and data analysis was conducted using the NH and independent component analysis methods. Results The study shows that MDD patients have higher NH values in the left superior medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) compared to HCs. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between NH values of the left superior MPFC and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire values. NH values of the left PCC are positively linked to CHOL levels, LDL levels, and utilization scores. However, these correlations lose significance after the Bonferroni correction. Conclusion Our findings indicate the presence of abnormal DMN homogeneity in MDD, underscoring the significance of DMN in the pathophysiology of MDD. Simultaneously, the study provides preliminary evidence for the correlation between clinical variables and brain functional connectivity.

Keywords

• default mode network
• magnetic resonance imaging
• major depressive disorder
• network homogeneity
• personality