Callosal abnormalities, altered cortisol levels, and neurocognitive deficits associated with early maltreatment among adolescents: A voxel-based diffusion-tensor imaging study

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Cunha, Paulo Jannuzzi ; Duran, Fabio L. S. ; de Oliveira, Paula Approbato ; Chaim-Avancini, Tiffany M. ; Milioni, Ana Luiza V. ; Ometto, Mariella ; Squarzoni, Paula ; Santos, Pedro P. ; Caetano, Sheila C. ; Busatto, Geraldo F. ; Scivoletto, Sandra

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR; v. 11, n. 3, p. 9-pg., 2021-01-15.

Abstract

Introduction Neuroimaging studies have shown callosal abnormalities among maltreated subjects, but little is known about the functional and neurobiological correlates of these supposed developmental alterations. The aim of this study was to investigate childhood maltreatment (CM), neurocognitive functioning, cortisol levels, and corpus callosum (CC) integrity among adolescents. Methods One hundred and seven subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with voxel-based diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) and the Crossed Finger Localization Test (CFLT). Psychopathology was investigated with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS-PL); CM was detailed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and salivary cortisol levels were measured by immunoassay. Results Higher levels of CM were associated with current lower CFLT scores, mainly in the CROSSED condition, involving interhemispheric communication of sensorimotor information (p < .05) and with reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in the splenium of the CC (p < .01). Deficits in the CFLT were also associated with higher cortisol levels (p < .05). Conclusion The association among CM, neuropsychological abnormalities, callosal microstructure alterations, and cortisol levels suggests an altered pattern of brain interhemispheric connectivity among maltreated adolescents. Further studies are needed to investigate the extent to which these sensorimotor deficits and abnormal cortisol levels may be possible mediators of negative neurodevelopmental trajectories and adult psychopathology. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/15604-0 - White matter integrity of the corpus callosum and neuropsychological performance in maltreated children and adolescents: a brain morphometric and diffusion tensor imaging study
• Grantee: Paulo Jannuzzi Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 11/19185-5 - Comparison of verbal and Non-verbal neuropsychological performance in maltreated adolescents
• Grantee: Sandra Scivoletto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 10/18374-6 - Neuropsychological profile of adolescents exposed to situations of early emotional stress
• Grantee: Sandra Scivoletto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 10/15786-1 - White matter integrity of the corpus callosum and neuropsychological performance in maltreated children and adolescents: a brain morphometric and diffusion tensor imaging study
• Grantee: Geraldo Busatto Filho
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants