GABA in the anterior cingulate cortex mediates the association of white matter hyperintensities with executive function

Motivation: The alteration of cortical GABA levels in WMH patients and whether it mediates the association of WMH volume with executive function remain unclearGoal(s): We investigated the cortical GABA levels, and whether cortical GABA mediates the association between WMH and executive function in the WMH people. Approach: We used the independent samples test,general linear model,partial correlation analyses and mediation analysis. Results: Patients with moderate to severe WMH showed lower GABA+/Cr in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and worse executive function than mild WMH patients. And the GABA level in ACC mediates the association between white matter hyperintensities and executive function in WMH patients. Impact: The GABA+/Cr level in the the anterior cingulate cortex had a critical role. And it mediates the association between white matter hyperintensities and executive function in the WMH patients.