Cortical morphometry and structural connectivity relate to executive function and estradiol level in healthy adolescents

Abstract

IntroductionEmotional and behavioral control is necessary self‐regulatory processes to maintain stable goal‐driven behavior. Studies indicate that variance in these executive function (EF) processes is related to morphological features of the brain and white matter (WM) differences. Furthermore, sex hormone level may modulate circuits in the brain important for cognitive function.MethodsWe aimed to investigate the structural neural correlates of EF behavior in gray matter (GM) and WM while taking into account estradiol level, in an adolescent population. The present study obtained neuroimaging behavioral and physiological data from the National Institute of Health's Pediatric Database (NIHPD). We analyzed the relationship between cortical morphometry and structural connectivity (N = 55), using a parent‐administered behavioral monitoring instrument (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—BRIEF), estradiol level, as well as their interaction.ResultsExecutive function behavior and estradiol level related to bidirectional associations with cortical morphometry in the right posterior dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (pDLPFC) and primary motor cortex (PMC), as well as fractional anisotropy (FA) in the forceps major and minor. Lastly, the interaction of EF behavior and estradiol level related to decreased volume in the right PMC and was linked to altered FA in the right inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus (iFOF).ConclusionsThe study provides evidence that the relationship between EF behavior and estradiol level related to bidirectional GM and WM differences, implying estradiol level has an influence on the putative structural regions underlying EF behavior. The findings represent a crucial link between EF behavior and hormonal influence on brain structure in adolescence.

In Vivo Characterization of Cortical and White Matter Microstructural Pathology in Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma

“…The forceps minor is part of the fiber radiation of the corpus callosum that bends forward towards the frontal pole of the cerebrum and is considered a substantial circuit connecting the bilateral regions of the anterior default mode network (48). Previous studies have already reported that microstructural pathology in the forceps minor was responsible for cognitive impairments (49,50). Our findings suggest that microstructural pathology in cortex and white matter may be responsible for the neuropsychological dysfunction in patients with acromegaly.…”

Empathic Accuracy in Adolescent Girls with Turner Syndrome

“…Girls with TS could be increasingly recruiting cortical (prefrontal) regions associated with executive functioning during emotional activation. Also, because executive functional skills develop in association with puberty (Stoica et al, 2019), it may also indicate why social deficits in girls with TS appear to be magnified during adolescence (Wolstencroft et al, 2020). To further assess the potential influences of emotion processing and executive functioning on empathic accuracy in TS, future studies should directly and separately examine these topics and their interactions.…”