Endothelial Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The cerebral vascular system stringently regulates cerebral blood flow (CBF). The components of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protect the brain from pathogenic infections and harmful substances, efflux waste, and exchange substances; however, diseases develop in cases of blood vessel injuries and BBB dysregulation. Vascular pathology is concurrent with the mechanisms underlying aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD), which suggests its involvement in these mechanisms. Therefore, in the present study, we reviewed the role of vascular dysfunction in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly AD and VaD. During the development of the aforementioned diseases, changes occur in the cerebral blood vessel morphology and local cells, which, in turn, alter CBF, fluid dynamics, and vascular integrity. Chronic vascular inflammation and blood vessel dysregulation further exacerbate vascular dysfunction. Multitudinous pathogenic processes affect the cerebrovascular system, whose dysfunction causes cognitive impairment. Knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of vascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and the underlying molecular mechanisms may lead to the discovery of clinically relevant vascular biomarkers, which may facilitate vascular imaging for disease prevention and treatment.

Automated summary

The cerebral vascular system plays a crucial role in regulating cerebral blood flow, while the blood-brain barrier protects the brain from harmful substances. However, dysfunction in blood vessels and the blood-brain barrier can lead to the development of diseases such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Changes in cerebral blood vessel morphology and local cells during disease progression can disrupt blood flow, fluid dynamics, and vascular integrity. Understanding the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases may help in the discovery of vascular biomarkers for disease prevention and treatment.