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• Review •
Sex differences in MRI-derived brain networks: linking connectivity to cognitive function and neural mechanisms
CAO Deqin  YU Yinuo  LIU Rongrong  HAO Wenqi  LI Mengqi  CHEN Jiwei  ZHANG Shujun  ZHANG Huiru 

Cite this article as: CAO D Q, YU Y N, LIU R R, et al. Sex differences in MRI-derived brain networks: linking connectivity to cognitive function and neural mechanisms[J]. Chin J Magn Reson Imaging, 2025, 16(9): 188-192, 202. DOI:10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.09.028.


[Abstract] There are significant sex differences in the structure and function of brain networks, a phenomenon that has garnered increasing attention in neuroimaging research. Brain network analysis based on multimodal neuroimaging techniques provides a crucial approach to understanding the sexual dimorphism in cognitive functions and differences in susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders, offering potential clinical value for advancing precision interventions in brain health. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the study of sex differences in brain networks, focusing on structural disparities such as stronger intra-hemispheric connectivity in males and greater inter-hemispheric integration in females, as well as functional connectivity patterns including differentiation in the default mode and salience networks. It also explores the association of these differences with sex-biased mechanisms in disorders such as Alzheimer´s disease and autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, the review analyzes current research limitations and suggests directions for future studies. Finally, it outlines the potential applications of brain network analysis in cognitive neuroscience and sex-specific clinical diagnosis and treatment, providing a theoretical foundation for developing gender-based brain function assessment and intervention strategies.
[Keywords] functional connectivity；structural networks；sex differences；magnetic resonance imaging；multimodal imaging

CAO Deqin1   YU Yinuo1   LIU Rongrong1   HAO Wenqi1   LI Mengqi1   CHEN Jiwei1   ZHANG Shujun2   ZHANG Huiru1*  

1 School of Medical Imaging and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China

2 Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining 272029, China

Corresponding author: ZHANG H R, E-mail: zhanghr1125@163.com

Conflicts of interest   None.

Received  2025-06-11
Accepted  2025-09-05
DOI: 10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.09.028
Cite this article as: CAO D Q, YU Y N, LIU R R, et al. Sex differences in MRI-derived brain networks: linking connectivity to cognitive function and neural mechanisms[J]. Chin J Magn Reson Imaging, 2025, 16(9): 188-192, 202. DOI:10.12015/issn.1674-8034.2025.09.028.

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