Age-Related Decline in Blood-Brain Barrier Function is More Pronounced in Males than Females

Core Concepts

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) function declines with aging, and this decline is more pronounced in males compared to females, especially in specific brain regions like the lateral prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, and temporal lobes.

Abstract

This study investigated the spatiotemporal trajectories of cerebral blood flow (CBF), arterial transit time (ATT), and BBB water exchange rate (kw) across the lifespan in 186 cognitively normal participants aged 8 to 92 years, using a non-invasive diffusion-prepared pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (DP-pCASL) MRI technique. Key findings: BBB kw remained relatively stable until the early 60s, after which a marked decline was observed, especially in males. Sex differences in kw decline were most pronounced in the lateral prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex, and temporal lobes. While CBF decreased and ATT increased with aging in both sexes, the rates of change were largely consistent between males and females, except for a more rapid CBF decrease in males within the hippocampus. The observed sex differences in BBB function decline may contribute to the differential susceptibility to neurological disorders between males and females. The DP-pCASL technique provides a non-invasive approach to probe the mechanisms underlying age and sex-related changes in BBB function, potentially enabling early detection and intervention for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.

Stats

Whole-brain average kw values for males were 120.7±17.4, 117.5±26.5, and 97.9±31.4 min-1 across the 3 age groups (8-35 years, 36-61 years, 62-92 years), while females' kw values were 121.7±18.2, 118.9±14.0, and 114.8±23.7 min-1, respectively. Whole-brain average ATT values were 1325.8±157.7, 1383.9±199.6, and 1526.7±117.4 ms for males, and 1220.2±134.2, 1334.4±155.4, and 1468.1±166.9 ms for females across the three age groups. Whole-brain average CBF values were 51.5±11.9, 43.9±10.7, and 31.9±8.5 ml/100g/min for males, and 60.5±10.7, 51.2±11.7, and 39.6±10.3 ml/100g/min for females from young to middle age to elderly groups.

Quotes

"The blood-brain barrier (BBB) serves as a critical protection mechanism for the CNS. A natural decline of BBB function with aging has been reported in both animal and human studies, with possible differences in BBB function by sex." "We observed a distinct trajectory of kw changes with aging as compared to CBF and ATT. The kw remained relatively stable throughout early to mid-adulthood, with a marked decline in the early 60s, especially in males (∽18%)." "The most intriguing finding of our study is that BBB kw declines faster in males compared to females in specific brain regions including lateral prefrontal and parietal cortex, as well as lateral and medial temporal lobes."

Key Insights Distilled From

Age-Related Decline in BBB Function is More Pronounced in Males than Females

by Shao,X., Sho... at www.biorxiv.org 01-15-2024

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.01.12.575463v1

Deeper Inquiries

What are the potential underlying mechanisms (e.g., hormonal, genetic, lifestyle factors) that contribute to the observed sex differences in age-related BBB function decline?

The observed sex differences in age-related BBB function decline can be attributed to a combination of hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Hormonal Factors: Estrogen, a key female sex hormone, has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and can influence BBB integrity. Estrogen receptors on endothelial cells in the brain can modulate the permeability of the BBB. Changes in estrogen levels with age, such as during menopause, can impact BBB function. Estrogen replacement therapy has been linked to improved BBB integrity in animal studies, highlighting the role of hormones in maintaining BBB function. Genetic Factors: Genetic differences between males and females, including genes located on the X chromosome, may contribute to sex-specific patterns of BBB dysfunction. Genes related to the regulation of tight junction proteins, endothelial cell leakage, and inflammatory responses can influence BBB permeability. Variations in gene expression and genetic predispositions may underlie the observed sex differences in BBB function decline. Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors, such as sleep quality, stress levels, and overall health, can impact BBB function. For example, conditions like sleep apnea, which are more prevalent in males, can affect glymphatic clearance and BBB integrity. Differences in lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, and exposure to environmental toxins, may also play a role in the sex-specific patterns of BBB dysfunction. By considering the interplay of hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors, we can better understand why males and females exhibit differential susceptibility to age-related BBB function decline.

How might the sex-specific patterns of BBB dysfunction relate to the differential susceptibility to neurological disorders between males and females?

The sex-specific patterns of BBB dysfunction observed in the study may contribute to the differential susceptibility of males and females to neurological disorders. Neuroprotective Effects: Females generally exhibit higher BBB integrity and lower permeability compared to males, which may confer neuroprotective effects. A more robust BBB in females could help prevent the entry of neurotoxic substances and pathogens into the brain, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. Hormonal Influence: Hormonal factors, such as estrogen, play a significant role in maintaining BBB function. Estrogen has been linked to improved BBB integrity and can modulate inflammatory responses in the brain. Changes in estrogen levels with age or hormonal fluctuations may impact the susceptibility of females to neurological disorders. Genetic Predispositions: Genetic factors, including differences in gene expression and X-linked genes, may contribute to the sex-specific patterns of BBB dysfunction. Genetic variations that affect BBB permeability and neuroinflammation could influence the risk of developing neurological disorders in males and females. Lifestyle Factors: Variations in lifestyle habits and environmental exposures can also influence BBB function and neurological health. Differences in sleep patterns, stress levels, and overall health between males and females may contribute to their differential susceptibility to neurological disorders. Understanding how sex-specific patterns of BBB dysfunction intersect with hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors can provide insights into why males and females may have varying risks for developing neurological disorders.

Could the DP-pCASL technique be leveraged to develop early biomarkers for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, and how might this inform personalized prevention and treatment strategies?

The DP-pCASL technique holds great potential for developing early biomarkers for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, which can inform personalized prevention and treatment strategies. Early Detection: DP-pCASL allows for the non-invasive measurement of BBB water exchange rate, providing insights into BBB function across different brain regions. By detecting changes in BBB integrity early on, the technique can serve as an early biomarker for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases before clinical symptoms manifest. Personalized Medicine: The ability to identify sex-specific patterns of BBB dysfunction using DP-pCASL can enable personalized prevention and treatment strategies. Tailoring interventions based on an individual's BBB health and susceptibility to neurological disorders can lead to more targeted and effective therapies. Monitoring Disease Progression: DP-pCASL can track changes in BBB function over time, allowing for the monitoring of disease progression and treatment efficacy. By assessing the impact of interventions on BBB integrity, clinicians can adjust treatment plans and optimize outcomes for patients with cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Research and Drug Development: The use of DP-pCASL in research studies and clinical trials can enhance our understanding of the role of BBB dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders. This knowledge can inform the development of novel therapeutics targeting BBB integrity and personalized treatment approaches. In conclusion, leveraging the DP-pCASL technique for early biomarker development and personalized medicine has the potential to revolutionize the field of cognitive health and neurodegenerative disease management.