title: Loss of Integrity: Impairment of the Blood-brain Barrier in Heavy Metal-associated Ischemic Stroke.
abstract: Although stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, preventive or therapeutic options are still limited. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathophysiological characteristics of this life-threatening disease is urgently needed. The incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke are increased by exposure to certain types of xenobiotics, including heavy metals, suggesting the possible toxicological contribution of these compounds to the onset or aggravation of stroke. Among the potential targets, we have focused on alterations to cerebral endothelial cells (CECs), which play important roles in maintaining the functional integrity of brain tissue.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Jeong-Hyeon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyeong-Min
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Byun
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Eui-Cheol
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong City, Korea.
authors.forename: Han-Young
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea ; Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Ok-Nam
authors.initials: ON
authors.lastname: Bae
keywords: Blood-brain barrier; Heavy metals; Ischemic stroke; Neurovascular unit; Tight junction