Difference in topological organization of white matter structural connectome between methamphetamine and heroin use disorder

The psychological symptoms caused by heroin and methamphetamine are significantly different in people with substance use disorders. The topological organization of structural connections that may underlie these differ-ences remains unknown. The study sample consisted of 23 males with methamphetamine use disorder (MAUD), 20 males with heroin use disorder (HUD), and 21 male healthy controls (HCs) who were demographically matched. Diffusion tensor imaging and probabilistic tractography were used for white matter network con-struction. Psychological symptoms were evaluated by the Symptom Checklist-90. Using graph theoretical analysis, we examined the difference in graph-level and nodal-level properties among the groups. The network Hubs distribution and the relationship between the network alterations and psychological symptoms were identified. The MAUD group demonstrated significantly higher scores on anxiety, hostility, and symptoms of schizophrenia than the HUD and HCs groups. The HUD group showed significantly higher global efficiency and network strength than the HCs group, and higher network strength than the MAUD group. Compared with the HUD group, the MAUD group showed significantly lower Nodal Strength and efficiency, distributed mainly in the temporal, parietal, and occipital regions. We also found the network Hubs were decreased in the MAUD group, but increased in the HUD group. The Nodal Strength in the right superior temporal gyrus was significantly correlated with psychological symptoms in the MAUD group. These findings reflect the significant differences in topological structural connection between HUD and MAUD. This evidence helps shed some light on the neurobiological mechanisms of the psychological differences between HUD and MAUD, and extend our under -standing of the structural disruption underlying MAUD-related psychological symptoms.

Automated summary

This study explores the differences in psychological symptoms and brain structural connections between individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MAUD) and heroin use disorder (HUD). By using diffusion tensor imaging and probabilistic tractography, the researchers found that individuals in the MAUD group exhibited higher scores in anxiety, hostility, and symptoms of schizophrenia. The HUD group showed higher global efficiency and network strength compared to the MAUD and healthy control groups. The findings suggest that the topological structural connections differ between HUD and MAUD, providing insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the psychological differences between these two substance use disorders.