How is cerebral blood flow measured?
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is quantified in research using Doppler ultrasound, functional MRI, and related techniques. This page outlines the measurement approaches and the studies that employ them.
How is cerebral blood flow measured?
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is the volumetric rate of blood delivery to brain tissue, typically expressed in milliliters per 100 grams of brain per minute. In research settings, CBF is measured using a variety of techniques, including transcranial Doppler ultrasound, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI. Each method offers distinct advantages in spatial and temporal resolution, invasiveness, and cost.
The studies described below center on interventions or conditions that affect cerebrovascular function, and they employ CBF or related hemodynamic parameters as outcome measures. The pathways under investigation include neurovascular coupling, oxidative stress regulation, and NAD+-dependent metabolism.
Research Studies
Avocado consumption and cerebral blood flow in pre-diabetic adults
A randomized crossover trial is assessing the effect of 12 weeks of daily avocado consumption on cerebral blood flow and markers of cardio- and vascular health in pre-diabetic individuals with overweight or obesity. The study also includes a secondary objective to evaluate brain insulin sensitivity after intranasal insulin delivery, along with vascular function, metabolic markers, cognition, and psychological well-being. Thirty-four men and women aged 40–75 years will participate [1].
Citicoline and cerebral Doppler resistive index in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
A clinical trial is investigating the efficacy of citicoline in improving cerebral blood flow parameters and neurological status among neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The study uses Doppler resistive index and the Sarnat-Sarnat score after 72 hours of therapy to assess outcomes [2].
Nicotinamide riboside and cerebral blood flow in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
A 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of nicotinamide riboside (NR) for enhancing cognitive function and cerebral blood flow in adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Forty-two participants completed the study (NR = 22, placebo = 20). Blood NAD+ increased twofold in the NR group, with no serious adverse effects and similar adherence between groups. No improvements in cognitive or CBF outcomes were reported [4].
Pterostilbene derivatives and anti-cerebral ischemic activity in vitro and in vivo
Pterostilbene, a small molecule stilbenoid and dimethyl analogue of resveratrol, has demonstrated blood-brain barrier protection in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. A study performed structural optimizations on pterostilbene to obtain derivatives and investigated their anti-ischemic activities both in vitro and in vivo. ADMET prediction was used to assess drug-likeness, and in vitro MTT cell viability analysis was conducted on neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) and brain microvascular endothelial cells [5].
ACTH-like peptides and brain gene expression after experimental stroke in rats
Ischemic stroke results from a disruption of cerebral blood flow. Using a rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), researchers analyzed the penumbra-associated frontal cortex at 24 hours after tMCAO to examine the actions of ACTH(4-7)PGP (Semax) and ACTH(6-9)PGP peptides on gene expression profiles. The study built on prior RNA-Seq findings at 4.5 hours after tMCAO in the ipsilateral frontal cortex [6].
Reactive oxygen species and cerebral blood flow regulation in healthy adults
A clinical trial is testing the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in regulating cerebral blood flow. Thirty healthy participants (15 males and 15 females) aged 18–40 years will be enrolled, with two study visits over a 6-month period [7].
Dasatinib and quercetin in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease
A pilot study is evaluating the safety and feasibility of administering intermittent doses of dasatinib and quercetin (D+Q) in older adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study will assess whether D+Q may improve cerebral blood flow regulation, mobility, and cognition, and thus may prevent progression to Alzheimer's disease [8].
Nutritional intervention and health outcomes in older adults with complete dentures
A clinical trial is testing a nutritional intervention for older adults who wear complete removable dentures. The study aims to answer questions about participants' life experiences, diet quality, nutritional status, chewing performance, muscle strength, masticatory muscle thickness, and stress and muscle health markers in saliva [3].
Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and cognitive function in older adults
A scoping review examined the effect of the Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity on cognitive function in older adults. The review reports that cognitive impairment and dementia are increasing among older adults, with limited pharmacological treatments available, and that modifiable lifestyle factors are promising preventive targets [9].
Brain synergy dysfunction in heart failure patients
A study applied an integrated information decomposition framework to resting-state fMRI from 48 heart failure patients to map brain synergy dysfunction. The research addresses neural mechanisms of altered brain information processing in heart failure, which is frequently accompanied by cognitive and affective impairments [10].
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Sources
- [1] Long-term Effects of Avocado Consumption on Health in Pre-diabetic Individuals
- [2] Effect of Citicoline on Neurological Severity Score and Cerebral Doppler Resistive Index in Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
- [3] Nutritional Intervention for Older Adults With Complete Dentures
- [4] A phase-II randomized controlled pilot study of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.
- [5] Structural Optimization of Pterostilbene, a Promising Lead Molecule, and Evaluation of Its Derivatives via ADMET Prediction and In Vitro/In Vivo Anti-Cerebral Ischemic Activity.
- [6] ACTH-like Peptides Compensate Rat Brain Gene Expression Profile Disrupted by Ischemia a Day After Experimental Stroke.
- [7] HYPEROXIA Responses and ROS
- [8] Safety and Feasibility of Dasatinib and Quercetin in Adults at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
- [9] The effect of the Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity on cognitive function in older adults: a scoping review.
- [10] Mapping brain synergy dysfunction in heart failure patients with reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction using multimodal neuroimaging: Functional and molecular insights.