Abnormal white matter integrity in the corpus callosum among smokers: tract-based spatial statistics

PLoS One. 2014 Feb 7;9(2):e87890. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087890. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the difference in white matter between smokers and nonsmokers. In addition, we examined relationships between white matter integrity and nicotine dependence parameters in smoking subjects. Nineteen male smokers were enrolled in this study. Eighteen age-matched non-smokers with no current or past psychiatric history were included as controls. Diffusion tensor imaging scans were performed, and the analysis was conducted using a tract-based special statistics approach. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers exhibited a significant decrease in fractional anisotropy (FA) throughout the whole corpus callosum. There were no significant differences in radial diffusivity or axial diffusivity between the two groups. There was a significant negative correlation between FA in the whole corpus callosum and the amount of tobacco use (cigarettes/day; R = - 0.580, p = 0.023). These results suggest that the corpus callosum may be one of the key areas influenced by chronic smoking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anisotropy
  • Corpus Callosum / physiopathology*
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / physiology*
  • Smoking / physiopathology*
  • White Matter / physiopathology*

Grants and funding

Professor Jun Nakamura has received grant support from Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd. and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd in 2012. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.