Progressive gender differences of structural brain networks in healthy adults: a longitudinal, diffusion tensor imaging study.

ABSTRACT: Sexual dimorphism in the brain maturation during childhood and adolescence has been repeatedly documented, which may underlie the differences in behaviors and cognitive performance. However, our understanding of how gender modulates the development of structural connectome in healthy adults is still not entirely clear. Here we utilized graph theoretical analysis of longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging data over a five-year period to investigate the progressive gender differences of brain network topology. The brain networks of both genders showed prominent economical "small-world" architecture (high local clustering and short paths between nodes). Additional analysis revealed a more economical "small-world" architecture in females as well as a greater global efficiency in males regardless

SUBMITTER: Sun Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4350987 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature