Abnormal white matter functional connectivity density in antipsychotic-naive adolescents with schizophrenia

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to assess the white matter (WM) functional hubs and abnormal functional connectivity pattern in adolescents with schizophrenia (AOS) and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods Based on resting-state fMRI data, we measured the WM functional connectivity density (FCD) at local- and long- ranges in 39 AOS and 31 healthy controls (HCs). Group comparison was conducted between the two groups. Spearman rank correlation analysis between the altered WM FCD and clinical PANSS scores was performed. Results In the local scale, the functional hubs of the WM were mainly located in the corona radiata and cerebellum. Compared with HCs, AOS patients exhibited decreased FCD in the superior corona radiata. In the long-range, the functional hubs of the WM were mainly located in the external capsule and pons. AOS patients exhibited increased FCD in the cingulum but decreased FCD in the right dorsal raphe nuclei (DR). Furthermore, the aberrant long-range FCD in the right DR was inversely proportional to the clinical symptoms. Conclusion These findings indicated that the pathophysiology of schizophrenia may also lie in WM functional dysconnectivity. Significance The current results provided initial evidence for the hypothesis of abnormal WM functional connectivity in schizophrenia.