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Moyamoya disease: a review of histopathology, biochemistry, and genetics
David G Weinberg1, Omar M Arnaout, Rudy J Rahme
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, and McGaw Medical Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Object:
Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder involving stenosis of the major vessels of the circle of Willis and proximal portions of its principal branches. Despite concerted investigation, the pathophysiology of the disorder has not been fully elucidated. Currently, the major proteins believed to play an active role in the pathogenesis include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGFβ₁), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). In terms of the genetics, recent literature suggests a low penetrance autosomal dominant or polygenic mode of transmission involving chromosomes 3, 6, 8, 12, and 17 for familial MMD. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the histopathology, pathophysiology and genetics of MMD.
Methods:
A PubMed/Medline systematic study of the literature was performed, from which 45 articles regarding MMD pathophysiology were identified and analyzed.
Conclusions:
Moyamoya disease is characterized by the intimal thickening and media attenuation of the proximal vessels of the circle of Willis as well as the development of an aberrant distal vascular network. The primary proteins that are currently implicated in the pathophysiology of MMD include VEGF, bFGF, HGF, TGFβ₁, and G-CSF. Furthermore, the current literature on familial MMD has pointed to a low penetrance autosomal dominant or polygenic mode of transmittance at loci on chromosomes 3, 6, 8, 12, and 17.
Insights
Moyamoya disease involves vessel stenosis and aberrant networks. Key proteins like VEGF and genetic factors on specific chromosomes are implicated in its complex pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Cerebrovascular disorders
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular condition.
- It involves stenosis of the circle of Willis and its branches.
- The exact pathophysiology remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on MMD.
- Focus on histopathology, pathophysiology, and genetics.
- Identify key proteins and genetic factors involved.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review using PubMed/Medline.
- Analysis of 45 articles on MMD pathophysiology.
- Synthesis of findings on disease mechanisms and genetics.
Main Results:
- MMD features intimal thickening and media attenuation in proximal vessels.
- An aberrant distal vascular network develops.
- Key implicated proteins include VEGF, bFGF, HGF, TGFβ₁, and G-CSF.
Conclusions:
- MMD pathophysiology involves specific protein pathways.
- Familial MMD suggests low penetrance autosomal dominant or polygenic inheritance.
- Genetic loci on chromosomes 3, 6, 8, 12, and 17 are implicated.
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