The emerging role of the circadian rhythm in the blood-brain barrier dysfunction associated with cerebral small vessel disease

The relationship between circadian rhythm and cerebrovascular disease has recently emerged as a fascinating area of research. It has been found that the circadian rhythm could affect the development and exacerbation of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the key players in the mechanisms of CSVD. This is thought to be regulated by circadian oscillations of clock genes, which control transporter function, regulating the permeability of the BBB endothelial cells, tight junction proteins, and pericytes. Understanding the interaction between circadian genes and BBB components may contribute to the development of promising treatments for CSVD.