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Published on: December 2, 2014
Gray matter volume in relation to cardio-vascular stiffness
K Katulska1, M Wykrętowicz1, A Minczykowski2
1Department of Radiology, Poznan University School of Medicine, 49 Przybyszewskiego, 60-355 Poznan, Poland.
Insights
Aging and stiffening arteries are linked to reduced gray matter volume (GMV). Hemodynamic factors like arterial stiffness independently predict brain atrophy, suggesting a connection between cardiovascular health and brain structure.
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.
Background:
Hemodynamic disturbances are associated with aging as well as the chronic process of left ventricular and arterial stiffening. This process can influence gray matter volume and thereby contribute to brain atrophy. We performed a comprehensive assessment of left ventricular and arterial function as well as central hemodynamics. These data were correlated with gray matter volume (GMV) as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods:
GMV and aortic stiffness were estimated using MRI. Left ventricular end-systolic elastance or stiffness (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea) and total arterial compliance (TAC) were determined by echocardiography. Central hemodynamics were assessed using pulse wave analysis.
Results:
Seventy-five healthy subjects (42 women, 33 men, mean age of 58 years) were recruited. The clinical analyses showed that GMV correlates significantly and inversely with age (r=-0.37, P=0.001), end-systolic LV stiffness (r=-0.39, P=0.0009), augmentation pressure (r=-0.48, P<0.0001), arterial elastance (r=-0.27, P=0.02) and aortic stiffness (r=-0.23, P=0.04), as determined by aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV). GMV correlated significantly with total arterial compliance (r=0.23, P=0.04). Stepwise forward multiple regression analysis revealed that 35% of variance (P<0.0001) in GMV is attributed to aPWV, Ees and AP.
Conclusions:
Left ventricular end-systolic stiffness, augmentation of central arterial pressure and aortic stiffness are associated independently and negatively with GMV. These associations suggested that brain atrophy is influenced by hemodynamic factors.
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