Altered functional neuronal activity in neuropsychiatric lupus: A systematic review of the fMRI investigations

• Published in: Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism Vol. 45; no. 4; pp. 455 - 462
• Main Author: Mikdashi, Jamal A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.02.2016
• Subjects: Brain - diagnostic imaging; Brain - physiopathology; Brain activation; Brain connectivity; Cognitive dysfunction; Executive Function - physiology; FMRI brain; Humans; Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System - diagnostic imaging; Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System - physiopathology; Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System - psychology; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Memory, Short-Term - physiology; Nerve Net - diagnostic imaging; Nerve Net - physiopathology; Rheumatology; Systematic review; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Systematic review; FMRI brain; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Brain connectivity; Brain activation; Cognitive dysfunction
• DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.08.002
• ISSN: 0049-0172; 1532-866X

Recent years have seen a rapid increase in the investigation of neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Measuring specific neuronal activity in regional brain structures during a cognitive task may identify possible biomarker for NPSLE. A systematic review of fMRI studies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is carried out to address common findings that characterize NPSLE. A disturbance to the working memory and executive function brain regions is among the most well-replicated finding. Differences in brain activation may relate to an early primary dysfunction of these regions. Increased functional connectivity strength in the fronto–parietal cortex in the resting state is correlated with SLE disease activity in one study. Decrease functional connectivity is observed in lupus patients with long-term disease. However, there is strong evidence that points toward a lack of effective integration of distributed functional brain regions and disruptions in the subtle modulation of brain function in relation to task demands in SLE. Limitations of the literature to date include the use of small sample size and the lack of addressing the effect of confounding variables, including immunosuppressive treatment. Careful definitions of the fMRI technique used both in the design, analyses, and interpretation of high dimensional data is needed, when dealing with a limited number of SLE subjects with heterogeneous manifestations and unknown pathophysiology.