Szeged Researchers' Findings May Help Treat Age-Related Cerebrovascular Changes
The Neurovascular Unit Research Group of the Institute of Biophysics at the HUN-REN Biological Research Centre in Szeged (HUN-REN BRC) has published its latest research findings on cerebral circulation.
The researchers investigated how to prevent brain injuries caused by disease or ageing. Maintaining proper brain function requires the coordinated activity of neurons and vascular wall cells, ensuring the precise alignment of blood supply with energy demands, as well as the strict regulatory function of the blood-brain barrier, which prevents harmful substances from entering brain tissue while allowing the transport of essential compounds.
Impairment of these functions can have severe consequences, as the loss of cerebrovascular function contributes to age-related brain changes and the development of numerous neurological diseases.
The researchers have shown that removing aged brain cells reduces inflammation and improves the brain's environment, allowing endothelial progenitor cells to more effectively support the formation of new blood vessels and the regeneration of brain tissue. The findings may open new therapeutic avenues for treating vascular damage associated with ageing and age-related diseases.