Metabolic Covariance Connectivity of Posterior Cingulate Cortex Associated with Depression Symptomatology Level in Healthy Young Adults

Early detection in the development of a Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) could guide earlier clinical interventions. Although MDD can begin at younger age, most people have their first episode young adulthood. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms relating to such an increased risk are not clear. posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), exhibiting high levels brain connectivity and metabolic activity, plays pivotal role pathological mechanism MDD. In current study, we used (F-18) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) measure covariance PCC investigated its association with depression symptomatology evaluated by Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Inventory—Revised (CESD-R) among 27 healthy individuals aged between 18 23 years. A significant negative correlation has been observed CESD-R scale scores anterior cingulate, medial prefrontal cortex, inferior middle frontal gyrus, as well insula. Overall, our findings suggest that neural correlates depressive adults without formal diagnosis involve PCC. Our may potential implications early identification intervention developing depression.