Figure 3

Correlation analysis of cortical and subcortical iron levels. Covariance analysis between cortical and subcortcial SWI phase values in patients with mTLE (A) and healthy controls (B). Seeds were based on the peak coordinates of group difference in the SN and RN (see Figure 1). In mTLE, seed SWI phase was positively correlated to multiple subcortical regions, and negatively correlated with neocortical regions. In healthy controls, subcortical positive correlations were more restricted and there was no negative correlation between the seed regions and cortical areas. Findings have been thresholded at P < 0.05, FDR correction. The results are shown by overlying on MNI 305 template image.The right panels illustrate the differences of interregional correlation of phase values in patients and controls. (C): Interregional correlations between the seed region (SN + RN) and the cortex. The phase values in the SN + RN was negatively correlated those in the cortex (r = -0.59, p = 4.92 ± 10^-9) in the patient group; but no significantly correlation was found in the control group (r = 0.12, p = 0.34). The correlations were different between the patients and controls (t = -4.44, p < 0.0001). (D): Interregional correlations between the seed region (SN + RN) and the basal ganglia. The phase values in the SN + RN was positively correlated those in the basal gangila in both patient (r = 0.66, p = 4.92 ± 10^-9) and control groups (r = 0.85, p = 2.47 ± 10^-18). In the plots, phase values and regression lines are shown in red for the patients and in blue for controls. The correlations were different between the patients and controls (t = 2.61, p < 0.05). The comparisons of correlations were performed using a classic interaction linear model. Abbreviations: L: left; R: right; mTLE: mesial temporal lobe epilepsy; HC: healthy controls; PUT: putamen; GPi: internal globus pallidus; SN: substantia nigra; RN: red nucleus.