Altered working memory process in the manganese-exposed brain.
Chronic manganese (Mn) exposure often leads to impairments in fine motor and cognitive functions, particularly memory. However, the neural correlates of Mn-induced alterations in memory remain unclear. In the present study, we performed functional MRI (fMRI) with 2-back memory tests to assess the neural correlates of Mn-induced memory impairment in response to subclinical dysfunction in the working memory networks in welders exposed to Mn for extended periods of time. Within-group and between-group analyses revealed that brain activity in working memory networks was increased in welders with chronic Mn exposure during the 2-back verbal working memory task compared to healthy control individuals. Therefore, our fMRI findings indicate that welders might require more neural resources in working memory networks to compensate for subtle deficits in working memory and altered working memory processes, even if they performed the tasks at the same level as healthy control individuals.
Chang
Yongmin
Y
Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, 50, Samduk-Dong 2Ga, Chung-Gu, Daegu 700-721, South Korea.
Lee
Jae-Jun
JJ
Seo
Jee-Hye
JH
Song
Hui-Jin
HJ
Kim
Joo-Hyun
JH
Bae
Sung-Jin
SJ
Ahn
Joon-Ho
JH
Park
Sin-Jae
SJ
Jeong
Kyoung Sook
KS
Kwon
Young Joo
YJ
Kim
Suk Hwan
SH
Kim
Yangho
Y
D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D017895:Manganese Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014896:Welding
D017895:Manganese Compounds