Health · Medical Research · 5 hrs ago
Pulmonary arterial hypertension linked to changes in brain circuits
People with pulmonary arterial hypertension had changes in brain structure and connectivity, according to research discussed in a new commentary.
The condition affects the small blood vessels in the lungs, which can become narrowed and stiff.
Researchers found the brain differences in UK Biobank imaging data and confirmed them in a smaller group of patients.
The changes involved the cerebellum and a brain region linked to it, and may relate to problems with memory, reasoning and processing speed.
The commentary proposes that faulty lysosomes—cell structures that recycle materials—could contribute to inflammation in both lung blood vessels and the brain.
The findings suggest that reduced oxygen or blood flow alone may not explain the link, but the proposed mechanisms remain under investigation.
Researchers are investigating a possible link between pulmonary arterial hypertension and damage to brain circuits involved in memory and thinking.
A commentary in The Journal of Clinical Investigation discusses proposed mechanisms connecting the condition with cerebellar neurodegeneration.
Imaging research found that people with pulmonary arterial hypertension had reduced cerebellar white matter volume, thinner frontal gyri and weaker connectivity between the cerebellum and frontal brain regions than controls.
The proposed mechanisms include impaired lysosomal function, oxysterol accumulation and activation of microglia, immune cells in the central nervous system.
- Who
- Researchers including Okawa, Shi and colleagues studied the association; the commentary authors discussed possible mechanisms.
- What
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension was associated with changes in a brain circuit connecting the left cerebellum and left superior frontal gyrus.
- When
- The commentary was published on November 4, 2026.
- Where
- The research used MRI data from the UK Biobank and findings were confirmed in a smaller cohort of patients.
- Why
- The proposed explanation involves shared lysosomal dysfunction, oxysterol accumulation and inflammation. The mechanisms remain under investigation.
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- Condition
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
- Brain circuit
- Left cerebellum and left superior frontal gyrus
- Imaging source
- UK Biobank
- Proposed mechanism
- Lysosomal dysfunction, oxysterol accumulation and microglial activation
- Publication
- The Journal of Clinical Investigation