Value of Voxel-Based Morphometry in Assessing Brain Structural Abnormalities in Schizophrenia and Nicotine Use Disorder.
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 尚未招募
- 入组人数
- 96
- 主要终点
- structural abnormalities by MRI
研究概览
简要总结
This cross-sectional observational study investigates structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia and nicotine use disorder (NUD), with a focus on understanding how these abnormalities correlate with behavioral traits such as decision-making and impulsivity. Schizophrenia is often associated with reduced gray matter (GM) in the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, while nicotine dependence is linked to changes in brain regions involved in reward processing. Nicotine use is particularly prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia, potentially compounding cognitive impairments.
Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM), an advanced neuroimaging analysis technique, allows for the detection of subtle structural changes in the brain using MRI data. This study aims to utilize VBM to explore GM alterations in three participant groups:
Schizophrenic patients without nicotine dependence
Schizophrenic patients with nicotine dependence
Individuals with nicotine dependence but without schizophrenia
Each group will include 32 participants, making a total sample of 96, calculated using G*Power software assuming a medium effect size, alpha 0.05, and power 0.8. Inclusion criteria include confirmed diagnoses based on DSM-5 and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, age 18-60, and MRI compatibility. Exclusion criteria involve other psychiatric or neurological disorders, substance use other than nicotine, and MRI contraindications.
Participants will undergo:
Structural MRI scans
Behavioral assessment using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale
Clinical interviews using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5
The primary outcome is to identify distinct patterns of GM reduction or alteration across groups, especially in regions involved in decision-making (e.g., prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex) and reward processing (e.g., ventral striatum). Secondary outcomes include correlating these structural findings with impulsivity and decision-making patterns.
Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS v26. ANOVA will be used for quantitative comparisons across the three groups, while Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests will compare categorical variables. Pearson's correlation will be used to explore associations between brain changes and behavioral traits. A p-value <0.05 will be considered significant.
详细描述
Schizophrenia and nicotine use disorder are two conditions linked in part to distinct brain structural abnormalities that can significantly impact cognitive and behavioral functions, particularly in areas like decision-making and impulsivity. Schizophrenia (although it's exact cause is unknown) is often associated with reduced gray matter (GM) in regions such as the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, which are crucial for cognitive control and decision-making processes . Nicotine use disorder, on the other hand, has been linked to structural changes in brain areas involved in reward processing and impulsivity regulation. The overlap of these conditions is notable, as nicotine addiction is highly prevalent among schizophrenic patients, potentially exacerbating cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions .
Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) is a widely used neuroimaging technique that enables researchers to detect and quantify brain structural differences, particularly in GM, by analyzing MRI scans. VBM allows for the identification of subtle brain abnormalities that may contribute to the development of schizophrenia and nicotine dependence. These structural changes may provide insight into associated behavioral traits such as impaired decision-making and increased impulsivity, both of which are commonly observed in individuals with either or both conditions
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Observational
- 观察模型
- Other
- 时间视角
- Cross Sectional
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 60 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Diagnosed schizophrenia (for groups 1 and 2).
- •Nicotine dependence as defined by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (for groups 2 and 3).
- •Age range: 18-60 years.
- •Schizophrenic patients must be stable on medications for at least 2 months.
- •Written informed consent (from the patient or his carer).
排除标准
- •History of other neurological or other psychiatric disorders (besides schizophrenia or nicotine dependence).
- •Current substance use disorders other than nicotine.
- •Severe head trauma or other conditions likely to affect brain structure.
- •MRI contraindications such as metallic implants (e.g. pace maker), claustrophobia or anxiety disorders severe enough to prevent comfortable MRI scanning will also be exclusion criteria.
结局指标
主要结局
structural abnormalities by MRI
时间窗: at the enrollment
we will catch any structural abnormalities like GM reductions in the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex
次要结局
- Behavioral testing(at the enrollment)
研究者
Hesham Mohammed Abdel-Moty
Prinicipal investigator
Assiut University