Gray matter volume in relation to cardio-vascular stiffness

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Neuroimaging
• Gerontology

Background:

• Hemodynamic disturbances and arterial stiffening are common with aging.
• These changes can impact gray matter volume (GMV), potentially leading to brain atrophy.
• This study comprehensively assessed cardiovascular function and its relationship with GMV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between left ventricular and arterial stiffness, central hemodynamics, and gray matter volume (GMV).
• To determine if hemodynamic factors independently predict GMV and contribute to age-related brain changes.

Main Methods:

• Gray matter volume (GMV) and aortic stiffness were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Left ventricular end-systolic stiffness (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea), and total arterial compliance (TAC) were determined via echocardiography.
• Central hemodynamics were assessed using pulse wave analysis.

Main Results:

• In 75 healthy subjects (mean age 58), GMV inversely correlated with age, Ees, augmentation pressure (AP), Ea, and aortic stiffness (measured by aortic pulse wave velocity, aPWV).
• GMV showed a positive correlation with total arterial compliance (TAC).
• Multiple regression analysis indicated that aPWV, Ees, and AP explained 35% of the variance in GMV.

Conclusions:

• Left ventricular end-systolic stiffness, central arterial pressure augmentation, and aortic stiffness are independently and negatively associated with GMV.
• These findings suggest that hemodynamic factors play a significant role in influencing brain atrophy.