Potential utility of resting-state magnetoencephalography as a biomarker of CNS abnormality in HIV disease

J Neurosci Methods. 2012;206(2):176-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2012.02.022. Epub 2012 Mar 5.

Abstract

There is a lack of a neuroimaging biomarker for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder. We report magnetoencephalography (MEG) data from patients with HIV disease and risk-group appropriate controls that were collected to determine the MEG frequency profile during the resting state, and the stability of the profile over 24 weeks. 17 individuals (10 HIV+, 7 HIV-) completed detailed neurobehavioral evaluations and 10min of resting-state MEG acquisition with a 306-channel whole-head system. The entire evaluation and MEG measurement were repeated 24 weeks later. Relative MEG power in the delta (0-4Hz), theta (4-7Hz), alpha (8-12Hz), beta (12-30Hz) and low gamma (30-50Hz) bands was computed for 8 predefined sensor groups. The median stability of resting-state relative power over 24 weeks of follow-up was .80 with eyes closed, and .72 with eyes open. The relative gamma power in the right occipital (t(15)=1.99, p<.06, r=-.46) and right frontal (t(15)=2.15, p<.05, r=-.48) regions was associated with serostatus. The effect of age on delta power was greater in the seropositive subjects (r(2)=.51) than in the seronegative subjects (r(2)=.11). Individuals with high theta-to-gamma ratios tended to have lower cognitive test performance, regardless of serostatus. The stability of the wide-band MEG frequency profiles over 24 weeks supports the utility of MEG as a biomarker. The links between the MEG profile, serostatus, and cognition suggest further research on its potential in HAND is needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / pathology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / pathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetoencephalography*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroimaging / methods*
  • Neuropsychological Tests