Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
A Mouse Model for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Based on Needle-guided Asymmetric Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Stenosis
Published on: November 22, 2024
The Effect of Cranio-Cervical Artery Stenosis on Glymphatic System Function in Patients with Cerebral Infarction
Xin Liu1,2,3,4, Huimin Qiao1,2,3,4, Cuining Li5
1Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China.
Insights
Cranio-cervical artery stenosis (CAS) and cerebral infarction (CI) impair glymphatic system (GS) function, especially when combined. Aging also independently predicts reduced GS function, highlighting the impact of these conditions on brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Cerebrovascular Disease
Background:
- Glymphatic system (GS) dysfunction is implicated in various neurological disorders.
- Cranio-cervical artery stenosis (CAS) and cerebral infarction (CI) are significant cerebrovascular conditions.
- The combined impact of CAS and CI on GS function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CAS and CI on glymphatic system (GS) function.
- To analyze the individual and combined effects of CAS and CI on GS function using DTI-ALPS.
- To identify predictors of impaired GS function in patients with CAS and/or CI.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) was used to assess GS function.
- 111 participants, including patients with CI and/or CAS and a control group, were enrolled.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine influencing factors and interaction effects.
Main Results:
- Age, CI, and CAS were independent predictors of a lower DTI-ALPS index, indicating impaired GS function.
- GS function was significantly lower in patients with CI, CAS, and combined CI + CAS compared to controls.
- A synergistic effect was observed between CI and CAS on GS impairment.
Conclusions:
- Aging, CAS, and CI independently impair GS function, with CI having a more pronounced effect.
- CAS exacerbates GS dysfunction in patients who have also experienced CI.
- These findings underscore the significant impact of CAS and CI on brain health and the glymphatic system.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cranio-cervical artery stenosis (CAS) and cerebral infarction (CI) on the function of the glymphatic system (GS). Methods: Hospitalised patients with CI and/or CAS were enrolled, along with a control group. A total of 111 participants (62.68 ± 9.85 years; 37% female) were enrolled in this study. GS function was assessed using the diffusion tensor imaging analysis along with the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) method. The influencing factors and the individual and combined effects of CI and CAS on the DTI-ALPS index were analysed. Results: Age (p = 0.024), CI (p < 0.001), and CAS (p = 0.001) were independent predictors of a lower DTI-ALPS index. There were statistically significant differences in the DTI-ALPS index among the four groups (CI, CAS, CI + CAS, control) (F(3, 107) = 91.4, p < 0.0001). The DTI-ALPS index was lower in the CI, CAS, and CI + CAS groups compared with the control group (p < 0.0001); in the CI group compared with the CAS group (p < 0.0001); and in the CI + CAS group compared with the CI group (p < 0.05). CI and CAS were found to have a significant interaction effect on the DTI-ALPS index (F(1, 107) = 6.43, p = 0.013). Conclusions: Aging, CAS, and CI independently impair GS function, with CI having a stronger effect. All three are independent predictors of GS dysfunction. Patients with CAS experience more significant GS dysfunction after suffering CI than patients without CAS. CI and CAS have a synergistic effect on GS impairment.
