Resting-state brain functional changes in cognitively normal HIV-infected individuals: evidence from amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation and regional homogeneity

doi:10.19871/j.cnki.xfcrbzz.2025.06.007

Abstract

Abstract: Objective Traditional neuropsychological assessments have insufficient sensitivity in identifying early brain function abnormalities in HIV-infected individuals. This study aims to explore the application potential of amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) indices derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) in detecting brain function abnormalities in HIV-infected individuals with normal cognitive function, reveal preclinical neurofunctional changes before the onset of clinical symptoms, and provide neuroimaging evidence for the early screening and "preclinical" evaluation of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Method Twenty-three cognitively normal PLWH confirmed by neuropsychological assessment and 25 healthy controls underwent rs-fMRI scanning from January 2023 to June 2025 at Beijing You'an Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University. ALFF and ReHo maps were calculated separately. Between-group differences were examined with two-sample t-tests (AlphaSim correction, P<0.05). Result ALFF analyses revealed significantly increased ALFF in the right post-central gyrus, left angular gyrus, and bilateral supramarginal gyri, along with decreased ALFF in the bilateral middle frontal gyri and right superior frontal gyrus in PLWH compared with controls. ReHo analyses showed elevated ReHo in the right post-central gyrus, right supramarginal gyrus, and right angular gyrus, and decreased ReHo in the left occipital pole in PLWH relative to controls. All differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Even in the cognitively normal stage, PLWH exhibit prominent resting-state brain functional abnormalities, characterized by hypoactivity in prefrontal regions and hyperactivity in posterior parietal regions. ALFF and ReHo can serve as sensitive indices for detecting preclinical functional alterations in HAND, offering a potential neuroimaging basis for early screening and intervention.

Key words: People living with HIV, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, Resting-state fMRI, Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation

CLC Number:

R512.91

Wang Yuanyuan, Yang Bo, Pang Meiyi, Jia Yonghong, Zhao Lingling, Wang Wei. Resting-state brain functional changes in cognitively normal HIV-infected individuals: evidence from amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation and regional homogeneity[J]. Electronic Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2025, 10(6): 46-51.

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