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Review
. 2020 Nov 18;17(1):69.
doi: 10.1186/s12987-020-00230-3.

A blood-brain barrier overview on structure, function, impairment, and biomarkers of integrity

Hossam Kadry  1 , Behnam Noorani  1 , Luca Cucullo  2
Affiliations
Review

A blood-brain barrier overview on structure, function, impairment, and biomarkers of integrity

Hossam Kadry et al. Fluids Barriers CNS. .

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier is playing a critical role in controlling the influx and efflux of biological substances essential for the brain's metabolic activity as well as neuronal function. Thus, the functional and structural integrity of the BBB is pivotal to maintain the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment. The different cells and structures contributing to developing this barrier are summarized along with the different functions that BBB plays at the brain-blood interface. We also explained the role of shear stress in maintaining BBB integrity. Furthermore, we elaborated on the clinical aspects that correlate between BBB disruption and different neurological and pathological conditions. Finally, we discussed several biomarkers that can help to assess the BBB permeability and integrity in-vitro or in-vivo and briefly explain their advantages and disadvantages.

Keywords: Blood–brain barrier; CNS; Degenerative; Disruption; Integrity; Markers; Neuroinflammation; Permeability; TEER; Tight junctions; Transcytosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Biological barriers are protecting the brain. a Blood–brain barrier; b blood–CSF barrier; c the arachnoid barrier
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cells association at- and molecular organization of the neurovascular unit (NVU)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Different methods of transport across the BBB. CMT carrier mediated transport, RMT receptor-mediated transport, AMT adsorptive mediated transport
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Protein biomarkers protein and their side selectivity. GFAP glial fibrillary acidic protein, NSE neuron specific enolase
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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