Sex, hormones and cerebrovascular function: from development to disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Cerebrovascular development and neurogliovascular unit assembly are crucial for brain function, relying on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Wnt signaling.
• Sex hormones may influence cerebrovascular development, as gonadal axis activity coincides with early brain vascular formation.
• Dysregulation of sex hormones is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders with sex-specific features, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of sex hormones on cerebrovascular formation and maturation.
• To explore the interaction of gonadal hormones with brain vascular development and blood-brain barrier (BBB) function.
• To outline the role of VEGF and Wnt signaling in ASD and ADHD pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on sex hormones, cerebrovascular development, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Analysis of the modulation of VEGF and Wnt signaling pathways by gonadal hormones.
• Examination of sex-specific variations in cerebral blood flow in ASD and ADHD.

Main Results:

• Sex hormones play a role in cerebrovascular development and BBB maturation.
• Aberrant sex hormonal profiles are associated with ASD and ADHD, potentially explaining sex differences in prevalence and symptoms.
• Gonadal hormones impact cerebral blood flow, affecting the brain's response to neuronal demands.

Conclusions:

• Sex hormones are critical regulators of brain vascular development and function.
• Understanding sex-specific mechanisms in brain vascular development may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for ASD and ADHD.
• Further research into gonadal hormone interactions with neurovascular pathways is warranted.