Blood-brain barrier biomarkers.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomarker Discovery
• Neurology

Background:

• The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates brain homeostasis, protecting it from harmful substances.
• BBB integrity is vital for central nervous system health, but it can be compromised in neurological disorders.
• Disruption of the BBB allows passage of molecules and cells, which can be indicative of disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its changes with aging.
• To summarize current knowledge on biomarkers for BBB disruption and neurodegeneration.
• To discuss challenges and opportunities in developing a comprehensive BBB biomarker toolkit.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of BBB structure, function, and aging.
• Synthesis of current research on various biomarker types (permeability, cellular, molecular, imaging).
• Analysis of challenges and future directions for BBB biomarker development.

Main Results:

• The BBB's composition and function are detailed, including age-related alterations.
• Various biomarkers indicative of BBB disruption and neurodegeneration are identified.
• The potential of these biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Biomarkers of BBB disruption offer valuable insights into neurological conditions.
• Developing a robust biomarker toolkit is essential for assessing BBB status in health and disease.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and optimize BBB biomarker utility.