Welcome
The following references support the scientific concepts discussed in my educational presentations. They have been selected from the peer-reviewed scientific literature and are provided for readers who wish to explore these topics in greater depth.
Blood-Brain Barrier: Research & References
The following peer-reviewed publications were selected to support the scientific concepts presented in this program. They are intended for educational purposes and represent a starting point for readers wishing to explore the topic further.
Blood-Brain Barrier Structure & Function
Abbott NJ, Rönnbäck L, Hansson E.
Astrocyte-endothelial interactions at the blood-brain barrier.
Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2006.
A classic review describing the role of endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes in maintaining BBB function.
Ballabh P, Braun A, Nedergaard M.
The blood-brain barrier: an overview: structure, regulation, and clinical implications.
Neurobiology of Disease. 2004.
A foundational review explaining tight junctions, selective transport, astrocytes, pericytes, and BBB regulation.
Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability
Sweeney MD, Kisler K, Montagne A, et al.
Blood-brain barrier: From physiology to disease and back.
Physiological Reviews.
Excellent overview of how BBB dysfunction contributes to neurological disease and aging.
Profaci CP, Munji RN, Pulido RS, Daneman R.
The blood-brain barrier in health and disease.
Comprehensive review of BBB biology and mechanisms regulating permeability.
Oxidative Stress & Inflammation
Pun PBL, Lu J, Moochhala S.
Oxidative stress-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption in neurological diseases.
Discusses how oxidative stress damages endothelial cells, tight junctions, astrocytes, and pericytes.
Sandoval KE, Witt KA.
Blood-brain barrier tight junction permeability and ischemic stroke.
Explains inflammatory signaling and BBB permeability.
Environmental Toxicants
Reviews examining environmental exposures—including heavy metals, air pollution, pesticides, and industrial chemicals—and their effects on neurovascular health and BBB integrity.
Nutritional Support
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Recent review describing how omega-3 fatty acids may support BBB integrity through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms involving astrocytes and endothelial cells.
Curcumin
Review discussing curcumin's neuroprotective properties and its interaction with the blood-brain barrier.
Polyphenols
Current reviews examining plant polyphenols as modulators of oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurovascular function.
General Reviews
He Y, et al.
Blood-Brain Barrier: Structure, Function, Diseases, and Drug Delivery Systems.
MedComm. 2026.
An excellent modern review covering BBB structure, physiology, disease associations, and therapeutic implications.
References are periodically updated as new research becomes available.
