Striatal iron content is linked to reduced fronto-striatal brain function under working memory load.

摘要: Abstract Non-heme iron accumulation contributes to age-related decline in brain structure and cognition via a cascade of oxidative stress inflammation, although its effect on function is largely unexplored. Thus, we examine the impact striatal dynamic range BOLD modulation working memory load. N ​= ​166 healthy adults (age 20–94) underwent cognitive testing an imaging session including n-back (0-, 2-, 3-, 4-back fMRI), R2*-weighted imaging, pcASL measure cerebral blood flow. A statistical model was constructed predict voxelwise by age, content age ​× ​iron interaction, controlling for flow, sex, task response time. significant interaction between age found selectively putamen, caudate, inferior frontal gyrus. Greater associated with reduced difficulty, particularly middle-aged younger greater content. Further, iron-related decreases were poorer executive age-dependent manner. These results suggest that may contribute differences functional activation prior older adulthood, highlighting potential role as early factor contributing trajectories aging.