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Friday, November 16, 2018

Arterial stiffness and white matter integrity in the elderly: A diffusion tensor and magnetization transfer imaging study

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2018

Source: NeuroImage

Author(s): Atef Badji, Adrián Noriega de la Colina, Agah Karakuzu, Tanguy Duval, Laurence Desjardins-Crépeau, Sven Joubert, Louis Bherer, Maxime Lamarre-cliche, Nikola Stikov, Hélène Girouard, Julien Cohen-Adad

Abstract
Background

and purpose: The stiffness of large arteries and increased pulsatility can have an impact on the brain white matter (WM) microstructure, however those mechanisms are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between central artery stiffness, axonal and myelin integrity in 54 cognitively unimpaired elderly aged 65–75 years old.

Methods

The neuronal fiber integrity of brain WM was assessed using diffusion tensor metrics and magnetization transfer imaging as measures of axonal organization (Fractional anisotropy, Radial diffusivity) and state of myelination (Myelin volume fraction). Central artery stiffness was measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Statistical analyses included 4 regions (the corpus callosum, the corona radiata, the internal capsule and the superior longitudinal fasciculus) which have been previously denoted as vulnerable to increased central artery stiffness.

Results

cfPWV was significantly associated with fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity (p < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons) but not with myelin volume fraction. Findings from this study also show that improved executive function performance correlates with Fractional anisotropy positively (p < 0.05 corrected) as well as with myelin volume fraction and radial diffusivity negatively (p < 0.05 corrected).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that arterial stiffness is associated with axon degeneration rather than demyelination. Controlling arterial stiffness may play a role in maintaining the health of WM axons in the aging brain.



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