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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

A Versatile Murine Model of Subcortical White Matter Stroke for the Study of Axonal Degeneration and White Matter Neurobiology
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A Versatile Murine Model of Subcortical White Matter Stroke for the Study of Axonal Degeneration and White Matter Neurobiology

Published on: March 17, 2016

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Multiple Factors Involved in the Pathogenesis of White Matter Lesions

Jing Lin1, Dilong Wang1, Linfang Lan2

  • 1Department of Neurology, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department, National Key Discipline, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.

Biomed Research International
|March 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

White matter lesions (WMLs) are increasingly diagnosed in aging populations and linked to cognitive decline. Research suggests chronic ischemia from venous collagenosis and impaired cerebral blood flow autoregulation are key causes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Pathogenesis of neurological disorders

Background:

  • White matter lesions (WMLs), also termed leukoaraiosis (LA) or white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), present as hyperintensities on T2-weighted/FLAIR MRI.
  • Increasing diagnostic rates and prevalence of WMLs correlate with population aging and advanced imaging technology.
  • WMLs are clinically significant, manifesting as cognitive decline and potentially leading to dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current understanding of WML pathogenesis.
  • To highlight key factors including anatomy, cerebral blood flow, venous collagenosis, blood-brain barrier integrity, and genetics.
  • To emphasize emerging theories on chronic ischemia and genetic contributions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on WML pathogenesis.
  • Focus on anatomical, physiological, and genetic factors implicated in WML development.
  • Analysis of evidence supporting various etiological hypotheses.

Main Results:

  • Pathogenesis of WMLs remains incompletely understood.
  • Chronic ischemia secondary to venous collagenosis and disrupted cerebral blood flow autoregulation are plausible contributing factors.
  • Genetic factors are increasingly recognized for their role in WML development.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding WML pathogenesis is crucial due to their association with cognitive decline.
  • Venous collagenosis and impaired cerebral blood flow autoregulation offer a compelling framework for WML etiology.
  • Further research into genetic influences is warranted to fully elucidate WML pathogenesis.

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