Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shuaishuai Gong, Huifen Ma, Fan Zheng, Juan Huang, Yuanyuan Zhang, Boyang Yu, Fang Li, Junping Kou
Summary: The study demonstrated that YAP plays a crucial role in maintaining BBB integrity in ischemic stroke, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for modulating BBB integrity in cerebrovascular diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Rais Reskiawan A. Kadir, Mansour Alwjwaj, Ulvi Bayraktutan
Summary: This experimental study shows that OEC-based cell therapy restores BBB integrity in an effective manner by integrating into the resident cerebral microvascular network, suppressing oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.
Article
Neurosciences
Liheng Wu, Yanghui Liu, Liangfu Zhu, Tianxiao Li, Li'na Wang, Yang Zhang, Zhilong Zhou, Ying Xing, Meiyun Wang, Bulang Gao
Summary: This study investigates the value of MRI arterial spin labeling (ASL) in evaluating the blood-brain barrier permeability and the risk of hemorrhage transformation (HT) in patients with anterior circulation subacute ischemic stroke (SIS) treated with endovascular recanalization. The results showed that patients with HT had significantly higher rCBF value, Ktrans, and rKtrans. The ASL imaging sequence demonstrated high consistency with the DCE sequence and Xper CT imaging. Overall, the MRI ASL sequence plays an important role in evaluating the blood-brain barrier permeability and the risk of hemorrhagic transformation in patients with anterior circulation SIS following endovascular recanalization.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Rodrigo Azevedo Loiola, Miguel Garcia-Gabilondo, Alba Grayston, Paulina Bugno, Agnieszka Kowalska, Sophie Duban-Deweer, Eleonora Rizzi, Johan Hachani, Yasuteru Sano, Fumitaka Shimizu, Takashi Kanda, Caroline Mysiorek, Maciej Piotr Mazurek, Anna Rosell, Fabien Gosselet
Summary: The secretome of endothelial progenitor cells from stroke patients (scCM) promotes angiogenesis, migration, and tubulogenesis of endothelial cells while protecting the vascular barrier function, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic alternative for ischemic conditions.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peina Wang, Qianqian Ren, Mengtong Shi, Yuanyuan Liu, Huiyuan Bai, Yan-Zhong Chang
Summary: Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is a common feature of ischemic stroke. This study reveals that overexpression of mitochondrial ferritin (FtMt) can attenuate BBB disruption in an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury model by inhibiting iron dysregulation and reactive oxygen species accumulation. These findings provide novel insights into the protective role of FtMt in maintaining BBB integrity during ischemic stroke.
Article
Neurosciences
Fangfang Zhao, Liyuan Zhong, Yumin Luo
Summary: The blood-brain barrier is a complex neurovascular unit that protects neurons and maintains stability of the central nervous system, with endothelial glycocalyx playing a critical role in its structure and functions. Damage to glycocalyx can lead to dysfunction and neurological diseases, highlighting the importance of research in providing theoretical basis for diagnosis and treatment.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Rui-Cheng Yang, Kun Huang, Hui-Peng Zhang, Liang Li, Yu-Fei Zhang, Chen Tan, Huan-Chun Chen, Mei-Lin Jin, Xiang-Ru Wang
Summary: The study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier, increasing its permeability, which provides new insights into the neuropathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anna Stasilowicz-Krzemien, Natalia Rosiak, Anita Plazinska, Wojciech Plazinski, Andrzej Miklaszewski, Ewa Tykarska, Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
Summary: Rosmarinic acid (RA) physicochemical properties were improved through system formation with cyclodextrins (CDs), particularly hydroxypropyl-gamma-CD (HP-gamma-CD), which showed the greatest enhancement. The system formation increased RA solubility and dissolution rate, improved gastrointestinal permeability, and enhanced antioxidant activity. This study suggests that CDs can be effective excipients for improving the properties of RA, with potential applications in food or dietary supplements.
Article
Oncology
Jinghuan Wang, Wen Zhong, Qianwen Cheng, Chenxi Xiao, Jie Xu, Zhenghua Su, Haibi Su, Xinhua Liu
Summary: Smyd2 plays a vital role in disrupting blood-brain barrier integrity in ischaemic stroke through methylation-mediated Sphk/S1PR, and knocking down Smyd2 reduces blood-brain barrier permeability and improves functional recovery.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maarja A. Mae, Liqun He, Sofia Nordling, Elisa Vazquez-Liebanas, Khayrun Nahar, Bongnam Jung, Xidan Li, Bryan C. Tan, Juat Chin Foo, Amaury Cazenave-Gassiot, Markus R. Wenk, Yvette Zarb, Barbara Lavina, Susan E. Quaggin, Marie Jeansson, Chengua Gu, David L. Silver, Michael Vanlandewijck, Eugene C. Butcher, Annika Keller, Christer Betsholtz
Summary: Through single-cell RNA sequencing and other methods, the study revealed the transcriptional, morphological, and functional changes in brain endothelial cells in response to pericyte deficiency. Endothelial cells without pericyte contact maintain a BBB-specific gene expression profile and acquire a venous-shifted molecular pattern.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Kshitij Mohan, Gilles Gasparoni, Abdulrahman Salhab, Michael M. Orlich, Robert Geffers, Steve Hoffmann, Ralf H. Adams, Joern Walter, Alfred Nordheim
Summary: The study examined the increased incidence of intracerebral bleeding and age-related changes in gene expression in cerebral endothelial cells of aged mice, revealing alterations in genes involved in blood-brain barrier and vascular integrity maintenance. Age-dependent downregulation of the Aplnr gene and reduced chromatin accessibility of its promoter region in cerebral endothelial cells suggest a critical role of the apelinergic axis in maintaining blood-brain barrier and vascular integrity.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rais Reskiawan A. Kadir, Mansour Alwjwaj, Ulvi Bayraktutan
Summary: This study comparatively assessed the effect of PKC-beta inhibitor LY333531 on the cerebral barrier integrity formed by OECs or HBMECs. The results showed that LY333531 protected the barrier formed by HBMECs and exacerbated the damage in OECs. Furthermore, a lower concentration of LY333531 (0.01μM) had a smaller impact on the damage.
METABOLIC BRAIN DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sarah Mueller, Anna Kufner, Andrea Dell'Orco, Torsten Rackoll, Ralf Mekle, Sophie K. Piper, Jochen B. Fiebach, Kersten Villringer, Agnes Floeel, Matthias Endres, Martin Ebinger, Alexander H. Nave
Summary: This study investigates the evolution of BBB permeability in subacute ischemic stroke patients and its associations with inflammatory biomarkers. Results show that 80% of patients demonstrated increased BBB permeability on the first MRI, which decreased over time. No clear association between selected serum biomarkers and BBB permeability was observed in this cohort.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chao Li, Chunyang Wang, Yi Zhang, Owais K. Alsrouji, Alex B. Chebl, Guangliang Ding, Quan Jiang, Stephan A. Mayer, Mei Lu, Max K. Kole, Horia L. Marin, Li Zhang, Michael Chopp, Zheng Gang Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrates that small extracellular vesicles derived from rat cerebral endothelial cells (CEC-sEVs) in combination with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) have a positive effect on treating cerebral large vessel occlusion, reducing infarct volume, increasing recanalization, improving cerebral blood flow, and reducing blood-brain barrier leakage. This treatment also effectively suppresses a network of microRNAs and proteins that mediate thrombosis, coagulation, and inflammation.
JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Si-yi Xu, Hui-jie Bian, Shu Shu, Sheng-nan Xia, Yue Gu, Mei-juan Zhang, Yun Xu, Xiang Cao
Summary: Inhibiting AIM2 appears to preserve BBB integrity after ischemic stroke by modulating STAT3 activation, suggesting that AIM2 may be a promising therapeutic target for cerebral ischemic stroke.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Joao Andre Sousa, Ines Alexandra Alves, Helena Donato, Joao Sargento-Freitas
Summary: This study qualitatively assessed the usage of Twitter by stroke journals and found that tweeted stroke articles tend to have higher citation rates, which can be predicted by the number of tweets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tao Sun, Vinu Krishnan, Daniel C. Pan, Sergey K. Filippov, Sagi Ravid, Apoorva Sarode, Jayoung Kim, Yongzhi Zhang, Chanikarn Power, Sezin Aday, Junling Guo, Jeffrey M. Karp, Nathan J. McDannold, Samir S. Mitragotri
Summary: This study utilized polymer-drug conjugates delivered into the brain using focused ultrasound to enhance chemotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The results demonstrate that the conjugates can deliver drug combinations with synergistic action against GBM, and the drug ratio affects the flexibility and efficacy of the conjugates.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Sara Bernardo-Castro, Joao Andre Sousa, Emanuel Martins, Helena Donato, Cesar Nunes, Otilia C. d'Almeida, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Antero Abrunhosa, Lino Ferreira, Joao Sargento-Freitas
Summary: This study aims to assess the evolution of blood-brain barrier permeability (BBBp) throughout different phases of ischemic stroke and its impact on patient outcomes. The results showed that BBBp consistently increases after stroke, peaking in the acute phase. The degree of BBBp influences patient outcomes depending on the stroke phase, highlighting the clinical relevance of BBBp dynamics in stroke care.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE
(2023)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Andre Sobral-Pinho, Andre Jorge, Pedro Fonseca, Joao Sargento-Freitas, Joao Duraes, Ana Ines Martins, Maria Carmo Macario, Joao Lemos
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joao Andre Sousa, Anton Sondermann, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Ricardo Varela, Helena Donato, Joao Sargento-Freitas
Summary: This systematic review aims to compare the diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and perfusion (CTP) studies in detecting distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs). The researchers will conduct a comprehensive search and assess the data and risk of bias in the selected studies. The cumulative evidence will be evaluated through a quantitative meta-analysis and the results will be assessed using the GRADE approach.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Joao Andre Sousa, Catarina Bernardes, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Miguel Lino, Ines Albino, Lino Ferreira, Jose Bras, Rita Guerreiro, Miguel Tabuas-Pereira, Ines Baldeiras, Isabel Santana, Joao Sargento-Freitas
Summary: The existence of a selective blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular coupling result in a close relationship between neurons, glia, and blood vessels, leading to overlapping pathophysiology between neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, with vascular dysfunction being an early component of its pathological conundrum. Genetic and molecular changes, such as the Apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 isoform, contribute to BBB dysfunction in AD. The BBB represents a potential therapeutic opportunity in the treatment of AD. This review explores the role of BBB in AD pathogenesis and discusses its potential as a target for future therapeutic research.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Valery L. Feigin, Mayowa Owolabi
Article
Business
Ricardo Cayolla, Rui Biscaia, Roy F. Baumeister, Marc Fetscherin, Sonia Brito-Costa, Isabel C. Duarte, Miguel Castelo-Branco
Summary: This neuroimaging study examines the brain activation patterns of sport fans in response to team stimuli. The study aims to identify the brain structures involved in positive, neutral, and negative events, as well as to determine which events elicit stronger limbic network activation. The results reveal activation of the cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, parahippocampus, and ventral tegmental area, indicating the involvement of the limbic and reward systems. Positive videos have a greater impact on emotional regulation and memory areas compared to neutral and negative videos. The study highlights the neural basis of fan reactions to team-related stimuli and emphasizes the importance of understanding the influence of different types of content on emotional and memory processes.
JOURNAL OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marta Lapo Pais, Lilia Jorge, Ricardo Martins, Nadia Canario, Ana Carolina Xavier, Rui Bernardes, Antero Abrunhosa, Isabel Santana, Miguel Castelo-Branco
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This study explores the use of textural parameters as an alternative to kinetic models for assessing the state and progression of Alzheimer's disease in (R)-[C-11]PK11195 PET images. The results show that textural parameters can achieve similar classification accuracy to kinetic analysis in the evaluation of Alzheimer's disease.
BRAIN COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariana Lapo Pais, Joao Martins, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Joana Goncalves
Summary: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a role in neuropsychiatric diseases. Women have a higher susceptibility to serotonin alterations due to changes in tryptophan levels, leading to a female sex bias in neuropsychiatric diseases. Further research is needed on the impact of diet and sex steroids on tryptophan metabolism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Artur Filipe Rodrigues, Catarina Rebelo, Tiago Reis, Susana Simoes, Liliana Bernardino, Joao Peca, Lino Ferreira
Summary: Neurological disorders pose a major challenge in the medical field due to the inefficacy of current treatments. Despite efforts to regulate neuronal activity and promote tissue regeneration, relapse and progression remain common. Recent advancements in drug delivery systems and neuromodulation strategies show promise in addressing these limitations, but lack precision. External stimuli like electromagnetic fields and ultrasound have been used for non-invasive neuromodulation, but lack the spatial resolution of light stimulation. This review explores the potential of light-responsive nanomaterials for on-demand drug delivery and neuromodulation in brain stimulation and regeneration.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neuroimaging
Helena Jorge, Isabel C. Duarte, Miguel Melo, Ana Paula Relvas, Miguel Castelo-Branco
Summary: Neuroimaging studies in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus reveal that health-consequent decision-making is associated with reward-related neural regions, and the trajectory of blood sugar control is correlated with neural risk processing in the saliency network.
BRAIN IMAGING AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Maria Caranova, Julia F. Soares, Sonia Batista, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Joao Valente Duarte
Summary: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common white matter disease characterized by demyelination and inflammation. Conventional structural MRI lacks sensitivity and specificity in detecting damage to normal appearing tissues. Diffusion-weighted MRI models such as DTI and NODDI allow for the detection of microstructural abnormalities in MS, particularly in normal appearing white matter (NAWM). Comparing the two methods, NODDI shows higher sensitivity and specificity. The use of advanced diffusion models can provide valuable biomarkers for understanding treatment efficacy and disease progression in clinical practice.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Luis Leite, Gustavo Campos, Rodolfo Silva, Elisabete Jorge, Manuel Oliveira-Santos, Andreia Gomes, Lino Goncalves, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Antero Abrunhosa, Maria Joao Ferreira
Summary: This study analyzed the association between ischemia and hibernating myocardium evaluated by cardiac PET-CT and the angiographic characterization of collateral circulation in chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients. The results showed a poor association between collateral assessment by angiography and the ischemic burden and hibernation state of CTO territories. Myocardial viability was still present in most CTO with angiographic poorly developed collaterals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING
(2023)