Second-order morphometric similarity networks predict response to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in major depressive disorder: a two-center study - Report - MDSpire

Second-order morphometric similarity networks predict response to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in major depressive disorder: a two-center study

  • By

  • Chunchen Liu

  • Yu Xiong

  • Tianjiao Xu

  • Jifei Sun

  • Yue Ma

  • Jun Liu

  • Weihui Li

  • Yaxuan Xu

  • Meng Zhao

  • Jiudong Cao

  • Yukang Zhang

  • Lei Zhang

  • Jiazheng Li

  • Xiaoling Wang

  • Xin Wang

  • Kai Sun

  • Changbin Yu

  • Jiliang Fang

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Predictive Value of Second-Order Morphometric Similarity Networks for Treatment Response to Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Major Depressive Disorder

Overview

This study investigates the predictive capability of second-order morphometric similarity networks (MSN-II) for treatment response to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Findings indicate that MSN-II features can predict treatment outcomes, particularly highlighting the left orbitofrontal cortex as a key biomarker.

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant public health issue, with many patients not responding adequately to standard treatments. Non-invasive neuromodulation therapies like transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) are being explored as potential alternatives. Identifying reliable predictors of treatment response is crucial.

Data Highlights

MeasurePerformance
MSN-II AUC (Training)0.792 ± 0.158
MSN-II AUC (External Validation)0.856 (95% CI: 0.693–0.978)
MSN-I AUC (External Validation)0.804
Baseline MSN-II in L_OFC_A13 (Non-responders)P = 0.021
Post-treatment MSN-II Decrease (Non-responders)P < 0.001
Time × Group InteractionP = 0.005

Key Findings

  • MSN-II demonstrated significant training performance with an AUC of 0.792.
  • External validation of MSN-II showed an AUC of 0.856, indicating strong predictive capability.
  • The left orbitofrontal cortex area 13 (L_OFC_A13) was identified as the strongest predictor of treatment response.
  • Non-responders exhibited higher baseline MSN-II in L_OFC_A13 compared to responders.
  • Post-treatment decreases in MSN-II were significant in non-responders, while responders showed stability.

Clinical Implications

MSN-II features, particularly from limbic regions, may serve as biomarkers for predicting treatment response to taVNS in MDD.

Conclusion

MSN-II offers an approach for predicting treatment outcomes in MDD patients undergoing taVNS, with specific emphasis on the left orbitofrontal cortex as a key biomarker.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Combinatorial effects of multi-site stimulation on depression-related brain regions: clinical data analysis and predictive modeling
  2. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Forecasting therapeutic outcomes of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in individuals with insomnia: analysis of resting-state functional connectivity through multivoxel pattern techniques
  3. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Neural Network Associations with Response Inhibition Linked to Antidepressant Efficacy in Major Depressive Disorder
  4. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Identifying clinical features associated with electroconvulsive therapy response in adolescents with major depressive disorder using machine learning
  5. NICE, 2026 -- Recommendations | Depression in adults: treatment and management | Guidance
  6. NICE, 2026 -- Implanted vagus nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
  7. PubMed, 2023 -- Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Treatments of Adults in the Acute Phase of Major Depressive Disorder: A Living Clinical Guideline From the American College of Physicians
  8. ScienceDirect, 2024 -- Vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: A one-year, randomized, sham-controlled trial
  9. Recommendations | Depression in adults: treatment and management | Guidance | NICE
  10. Implanted vagus nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
  11. Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Treatments of Adults in the Acute Phase of Major Depressive Disorder: A Living Clinical Guideline From the American College of Physicians - PubMed
  12. Vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: A one-year, randomized, sham-controlled trial - ScienceDirect
  13. https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/article/27/3/pyad058/7327087
  14. Altered topology in cortical morphometric similarity network in recurrent major depressive disorder - ScienceDirect

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