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Protecting against vascular disease in brain
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Protecting against vascular disease in brain

Frank M Faraci
American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology, Vol.300(5), pp.H1566-1582
05/2011
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01310.2010
PMCID: PMC3094081
PMID: 21335467
url
https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.01310.2010View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Endothelial cells exert an enormous influence on blood vessels throughout the circulation, but their impact is particularly pronounced in the brain. New concepts have emerged recently regarding the role of this cell type and mechanisms that contribute to endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system plays a prominent role in producing these abnormalities. Both oxidative stress and local inflammation are key mechanisms that underlie vascular disease of diverse etiology. Endogenous mechanisms of vascular protection are also present, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory molecules, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Despite their clear importance, studies of mechanisms that underlie cerebrovascular disease continue to lag behind studies of vascular biology in general. Identification of endogenous molecules and pathways that protect the vasculature may result in targeted approaches to prevent or slow the progression of vascular disease that causes stroke and contributes to the vascular component of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
 Vascular Diseases - prevention & control Brain Diseases - prevention & control Cerebrovascular Circulation - physiology Humans Oxidative Stress - physiology Endothelium, Vascular - physiopathology Vascular Diseases - physiopathology Brain Diseases - physiopathology Inflammation - physiopathology

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