COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 597
Demyelination
Autoimmune responses against myelin components can be
triggered or exacerbated by BBB disruption [91, 92]
Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Disrupted transport systems and altered signaling affect mood,
cognition, and motor function [93, 94]
Gradual Loss of Neuronal Function
The cumulative effects of these processes ultimately lead to
synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration [95, 96]
Brain barrier dysfunction often precedes the visible symptoms of
cognitive decline or neurological autoimmunity by several years,
highlighting the importance of early detection through tests like
Array 20 [97, 98].
The Evolving Science of BBB Assessment: Beyond Blood Tests
While Array 20 provides valuable insight into BBB integrity through
blood-based biomarkers, complementary assessment methods
offer additional perspectives:
Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI)
Quantifies BBB permeability through analysis of contrast agent
leakage into brain tissue over time [99, 100]
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
Assesses white matter integrity which may reflect BBB-related
pathology [101, 102]
Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL)
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