Regional homogeneity and functional connectivity analysis of resting-state magnetic resonance in patients with bipolar II disorder

To explore the characteristics of local brain activity in patients with bipolar depression and its correlation with clinical features. In accord with the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-IV of bipolar disorder, 21 patients were enrolled while 21 healthy controls were matched with similar gender, age, level of educations. A 3.0T GE magnetic resonance scanner was used to collect the imaging data, and a 2-sample t test was performed. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) method was used to estimate regional activation patterns through indices of localized concordance. ReHo values were compared between groups. Seed-based correlation analysis was used to analyze functional connections. In the patients’ group, ReHo (regional homogeneity) values of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data on the right cerebellum 4 and 5 area, cerebellar vermis 6 area, left insula were positively correlated with Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) scores. ReHo values on the left of the triangle of inferior frontal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus of orbital region showed negative correlation with HAMD scores. The value of ReHo in the patients’ group was positively correlated with the patients’ Hamilton anxiety scale score in the right fusiform gyrus, and negative correlation was found in the left insula. The ReHo value of the patients’ group was negatively correlated with the patients’ Montgomery Asberg depression rating scale score in regions of the midbrain. The value of ReHo in patients’ group was significantly reduced in the right central front. The depression and anxiety severity of bipolar depression patients may be associated with the consistency activity of left insula, right cerebellum, and cerebellar vermis related area, fusiform gyrus. In addition, the ReHo of the midbrain neurons activity may be associated with depression level of patients with bipolar II disorder.