Endothelium role in nervous system pathology: genetic and epigenetic factors

Abstract

Summary. The number of publications on the study of endothelial cells in neurological pathology has been rapidly increasing in recent years. This review presents the available information on changes in endothelial function and its disorders in various neurological diseases. Epigenetic damaging factors, such as hypoxia, intoxication, hemodynamic overload, inflammation, and malnutrition, gradually deplete the endothelial compensatory vasodilatory capabilities, leading to cerebral small vessel disease of the brain, acute vascular disasters, and preeclampsia during pregnancy. Genetic mutations that alter endothelial function in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and inflammatory autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) have been described. Changes in endotheliocytes in frequent outpatient neurological pathology such as primary headaches and low back pain are characterized. The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (АСЕ2) receptor expression in capillary endothelium in post-COVID syndrome is shown as one of the triggers of increased frequency of migraine attacks. The mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in polyneuropathies are described — a significant role is given to the primary lesion of the intraneural vessels that nourish peripheral nerves. Polyneuropathies during pregnancy are described. The article presents genetic and epigenetic factors that cause endothelial monolayer disorders and causal relationships between them.

For citation: Chukhontseva E.S., Maslova N.N., Morozova T.G., Khalepo O.V., Terekhov A.D. Endothelium role in nervous system pathology: genetic and epigenetic factors. Tromboz, gemostaz i reologiya. 2026;(2):4–13. (In Russ.).

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