Costantino Iadecola, United States of America
Weill Cornell Medicine Feil Family Brain and Mind Research InstituteAuthor Of 2 Presentations
LIVE DISCUSSION
NEUROVASCULAR BASES OF NEURODEGENERATION
Abstract
Abstract Body
“Neurovascular bases of neurodegeneration”
Costantino Iadecola, MD
The brain lacks energy reserves and is vitally dependent on a continuous and well-regulated delivery oxygen and glucose through the cerebral blood supply. Structural and functional alterations of cerebral blood vessels have emerged as key correlates of cognitive impairment. The concept of “neurovascular unit” (NVU) highlights the close developmental, structural, and functional interactions between brain cells and cerebral blood vessels, and their coordinated reaction to injury. Comprised of neurons, glia, perivascular cells, e.g., perivascular macrophages, and vascular cells, the NVU is responsible for matching the delivery of blood to the brain with local energy needs dictated by brain activity. The NVU is also involved in regulating the blood-brain barrier, the clearance of metabolic byproducts, the trafficking of immune cells, and in providing trophic support to brain cells. NVU dysfunction alters the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment in regions involved in cognition leading to cognitive impairment. Thus, neurovascular dysfunction is observed not only in vascular cognitive impairment, but also in Alzheimer’s disease, attesting to the significant overlap between these conditions. In addition, major risk factors for cognitive impairment, such as hypertension, ApoE4 genotype, and high salt intake, are also associated with neurovascular dysfunction. Activation of innate immunity, vascular oxidative stress, and inflammation are major pathogenic factors. These data reveal a previously appreciated link between vascular risk factors and neurodegenerative mediators, which may have major diagnostic and therapeutic implications for both vascular and neurodegenerative dementias.
Presenter of 2 Presentations
LIVE DISCUSSION
NEUROVASCULAR BASES OF NEURODEGENERATION
Abstract
Abstract Body
“Neurovascular bases of neurodegeneration”
Costantino Iadecola, MD
The brain lacks energy reserves and is vitally dependent on a continuous and well-regulated delivery oxygen and glucose through the cerebral blood supply. Structural and functional alterations of cerebral blood vessels have emerged as key correlates of cognitive impairment. The concept of “neurovascular unit” (NVU) highlights the close developmental, structural, and functional interactions between brain cells and cerebral blood vessels, and their coordinated reaction to injury. Comprised of neurons, glia, perivascular cells, e.g., perivascular macrophages, and vascular cells, the NVU is responsible for matching the delivery of blood to the brain with local energy needs dictated by brain activity. The NVU is also involved in regulating the blood-brain barrier, the clearance of metabolic byproducts, the trafficking of immune cells, and in providing trophic support to brain cells. NVU dysfunction alters the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment in regions involved in cognition leading to cognitive impairment. Thus, neurovascular dysfunction is observed not only in vascular cognitive impairment, but also in Alzheimer’s disease, attesting to the significant overlap between these conditions. In addition, major risk factors for cognitive impairment, such as hypertension, ApoE4 genotype, and high salt intake, are also associated with neurovascular dysfunction. Activation of innate immunity, vascular oxidative stress, and inflammation are major pathogenic factors. These data reveal a previously appreciated link between vascular risk factors and neurodegenerative mediators, which may have major diagnostic and therapeutic implications for both vascular and neurodegenerative dementias.
Moderator of 1 Session