Structural and neurochemical changes in the anterior cingulate cortex of nicotine-dependent users

Motivation: Advanced neuroimaging tools can be used to gain a better understanding of the neurocircuitry and physiology of substance use disorders (SUDs), aiding in the development of targeted treatments for affected patients. Goal(s): Our goal was to assess structural and neurochemical changes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of nicotine-dependent users. Approach: 51 healthy controls and 51 smokers were recruited to undergo our neuroimaging study. Results: We found altered gray matter cortical thickness in the ACC and a significant decrease of NAA in the dorsal ACC of smokers when compared to controls. Impact: Our early findings align with prior research linking cigarette use to structural/neurochemical brain changes in reward-related regions. Next, we will further advance in our multi-parametric neuroimaging study to investigate how our findings relate to behavior, brain function, and addiction severity.