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- Title
Sex-specific influence of oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms on structural and functional-anatomical connectivity.
- Authors
Kaya, Kutlu; Önal, Deniz; Kartal, Yasemin; Budak, Murat Timur; Karabulut, Erdem; Oğuz, Kader Karlı; Pehlivanoğlu, Bilge
- Abstract
Objective: Studies showed that different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene influence socio-emotional behaviors. However, sex-specific differences between SNP with structural and connectome-level features have not been comprehensively investigated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the structural and connectome-level influence of rs53576, rs1042778, and rs2254298 SNPs among male and female young adults. Methods: Structural and connectome-level analyses were performed using T1-weighted structural, diffusion tensor, and resting-state functional images obtained with a 3-Tesla MR scanner (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) from 61 participants (27 females; 34 males). Blood samples were collected from the participants and grouped into homozygotes (GG) and heterozygotes (T or A-carriers) for each SNP to investigate sex-specific differences. Statistical significance was evaluated after post-correction with corresponding imaging analysis. Results: Female and male participants were similar regarding demographic characteristics. We found that males had a larger cortical surface area (cSA) and subcortical volume in different homozygous and heterozygous allele carriers. Males indicated larger volumes of the amygdala, caudate, ventral diencephalon, putamen, and hippocampus, including the larger cSA in different SNPs, except for the heterozygous rs2254298. Particularly, homozygous rs225498 showed a greater influence on cSA differences, while the same effects were observed for heterozygous rs53576 and rs1042778. Differences in cortical volume were primarily observed in heterozygous allele carriers. Females exhibited greater functional and anatomical connectivity compared to males. There was more functional and anatomical connectivity for homozygous rs225498 and heterozygous rs1042778. These connections were mainly observed in the temporal regions of the functional connectome and the temporal and subcortical areas of the anatomical connectome. Conclusion: Our study provides comprehensive structural and connectome findings on how genetic variations and sex interact to shape the brain, contributing to the development of approaches to specific neuropathological conditions and understanding of individual socio-emotional differences. Our study was supported by Hacettepe University Scientific Research Projects (No:TSA-2018-17643).
- Subjects
HACETTEPE University; GENETIC polymorphisms; GENETIC variation; YOUNG adults; OXYTOCIN receptors; DEMOGRAPHIC characteristics; DIENCEPHALON
- Publication
Anatomy: International Journal of Experimental & Clinical Anatomy, 2023, Vol 17, p9
- ISSN
1307-8798
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2399/ana.23.001s