Microvascular Dysfunction and Whole-Brain White Matter Connectivity: The Maastricht Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Microvascular dysfunction is implicated in cerebral disorders.
• Its role in disrupting white matter tracts and brain connectivity requires further investigation.
• This study explores the link between microvascular function biomarkers and brain connectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between multiple microvascular function biomarkers and whole-brain white matter connectivity.
• To determine if markers of endothelial dysfunction correlate with white matter network organization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cross-sectional data from The Maastricht Study (n=4326).
• Assessed microvascular function via urinary albumin excretion, retinal vessel calibers, dilation responses, and plasma endothelial dysfunction biomarkers.
• Quantified white matter connectivity using 3T diffusion MRI, analyzing measures like characteristic path length and global efficiency.

Main Results:

• A composite score of endothelial dysfunction biomarkers showed a nonsignificant association with longer characteristic path length after multiple comparison correction.
• No significant associations were found between other microvascular function measures and any white matter connectivity metrics.
• The study adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and cardiovascular factors.

Conclusions:

• Indirect markers of microvascular dysfunction are not associated with whole-brain white matter connectivity.
• These findings suggest a lack of a direct link between the measured microvascular health and the structural organization of white matter networks.