Potential utility of resting-state magnetoencephalography as a biomarker of CNS abnormality in HIV disease

There is a lack of a neuroimaging biomarker for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder. We report magnetoencephalography (MEG) data from patients with HIV disease and risk-group appropriate controls that were collected to determine the MEG frequency profile during the resting state, and the stability of the profile over 24 weeks. 17 individuals (10 HIV+, 7 HIV−) completed detailed neurobehavioral evaluations and 10 min of resting-state MEG acquisition with a 306-channel whole-head system. The entire evaluation and MEG measurement were repeated 24 weeks later. Relative MEG power in the delta (0–4 Hz), theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (12–30 Hz) and low gamma (30–50 Hz) bands was computed for 8 predefined sensor groups. The median stability of resting-state relative power over 24 weeks of follow-up was .80 with eyes closed, and .72 with eyes open. The relative gamma power in the right occipital (t(15) = 1.99, p < .06, r = −.46) and right frontal (t(15) = 2.15, p < .05, r = −.48) regions was associated with serostatus. The effect of age on delta power was greater in the seropositive subjects (r2 = .51) than in the seronegative subjects (r2 = .11). Individuals with high theta-to-gamma ratios tended to have lower cognitive test performance, regardless of serostatus. The stability of the wide-band MEG frequency profiles over 24 weeks supports the utility of MEG as a biomarker. The links between the MEG profile, serostatus, and cognition suggest further research on its potential in HAND is needed.

► Wide-band magnetoencephalography (MEG) frequency profiles measured during resting state, are stable over 24 weeks of follow-up.
► Region-specific measures of MEG relative power distinguish individuals as a function of serostatus and cognitive function.
► Age has a different effect in HIV-infected individuals compared to seronegative control subjects.
► Theta:gamma ratios distinguish between cognitively normal and cognitively impaired study participants.