Role of endothelial dysfunction and circadian blood pressure profile disturbances in the development of cerebrovascular insufficiency among patients with metabolic syndrome

Aim. To assess the role of endothelial dysfunction and circadian blood pressure profile disturbances in the development of cerebrovascular insufficiency among patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). Material and methods. The study included 53 MS patients (8 men and 44 women; mean age 51,6+5,5 years), who underwent brain single-photon emission computed tomography, neuro-psychological assessment, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (BPM), and brachial artery Doppler ultrasound, in order to assess endothelial function. The control group (12 healthy volunteers) was comparable by age and sex with the main group. Results. MS patients had significantly lower parameters of cognitive function and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), compared to controls. At the same, in all patients, a standard neurological examination did not identify any local symptoms. There was a strong association between endothelial function, 24-hour BPM, rCBF, and cognitive status parameters. Conclusion. In MS patients, one of the pathogenetic mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction is a reduction in rCBF, which is linked to endothelial dysfunction and circadian BP profile disturbances.