Blood-Brain Barrier Alterations and Edema Formation in Different Brain Mass Lesions
Peter Solar1,2† 
Michal Hendrych3,4† 
Martin Barak1,2† 
Hana Valekova1,2 
Marketa Hermanova3,4 
Radim Jancalek1,2*- 1Department of Neurosurgery, St. Anne’s University Hospital Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- 3First Department of Pathology, St. Anne’s University Hospital Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- 4First Department of Pathology, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
Differential diagnosis of brain lesion pathologies is complex, but it is nevertheless crucial for appropriate clinical management. Advanced imaging methods, including diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient, can help discriminate between brain mass lesions such as glioblastoma, brain metastasis, brain abscesses as well as brain lymphomas. These pathologies are characterized by blood-brain barrier alterations and have been extensively studied. However, the changes in the blood-brain barrier that are observed around brain pathologies and that contribute to the development of vasogenic brain edema are not well described. Some infiltrative brain pathologies such as glioblastoma are characterized by glioma cell infiltration in the brain tissue around the tumor mass and thus affect the nature of the vasogenic edema. Interestingly, a common feature of primary and secondary brain tumors or tumor-like brain lesions characterized by vasogenic brain edema is the formation of various molecules that lead to alterations of tight junctions and result in blood-brain barrier damage. The resulting vasogenic edema, especially blood-brain barrier disruption, can be visualized using advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques, such as diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient. This review presents a comprehensive overview of blood-brain barrier changes contributing to the development of vasogenic brain edema around glioblastoma, brain metastases, lymphomas, and abscesses.
Introduction
Brain edema, a pathologic state defined by excessive fluid accumulation within the brain parenchyma, can be divided into cytotoxic, ionic, and vasogenic types. Cytotoxic brain edema is characterized by swelling of the cells caused by the influx of osmolytes such as Na+ and Cl– and fluids intracellularly. This type of brain edema is dominant following brain ischemia and paucity of ATP. Subsequently, ionic or osmotic edema develops as a result of fluids and osmolytes redistribution between the extravascular and intravascular spaces. These differences lead to the water transfer into the brain parenchyma across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Vasogenic edema results from the breakdown of BBB and typically occurs in the brain parenchyma surrounding nearly all malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors, as well as brain abscesses (Leinonen et al., 2018; White et al., 2019).
The BBB comprises interacting cells such as endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes. These cells, along with neurons, microglia, vascular smooth muscle cells, the basement membrane, and the extracellular matrix, form part of the so-called neurovascular unit (Muoio et al., 2014; Gorelick et al., 2017). An intact BBB is essential for maintaining homeostasis of the CNS by separating the intravascular from the interstitial compartment of the brain (Abbott et al., 2006; Coureuil et al., 2017). Therefore, any alteration in the BBB results in vasogenic brain edema (Wahl et al., 1988), which can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; Dalby et al., 2021). Studies so far have focused mainly on changes in the BBB in the enhancing brain lesions (Arvanitis et al., 2020; Rosińska and Gavard, 2021). These sites are characterized by a leaky BBB that allows passage of large molecules such as contrast agents used for MRI showing up as enhancement on T1 weighted images (Cramer and Larsson, 2014). However, little is known about the differences in the BBB in the perilesional edema beyond the margins of the T1 contrast-enhancement ring. The presence of water within brain tissue manifests as long T2 relaxation times that lead to increased T2 values and thus determine the presence or absence of brain edema (Obenaus and Ashwal, 2008). However, T2 values do not specify the compartment in which water accumulates. Therefore, advanced MRI parameters such as quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) are used to visualize water movement between brain compartments. Low ADC values reflect restricted water diffusion caused by cellular swelling and reduced extracellular space (Badaut et al., 2011). On the other hand, high ADC values are a consequence of increased water mobility through a disrupted BBB (Yang et al., 2017). The movement of water in the extracellular space is also affected by increased cellularity, which is seen as a decline in ADC values (Guzman et al., 2008; Klimas et al., 2013). In some cases, however, even advanced MRI techniques, such as DWI and ADC, fail to differentiate pathologies characterized by perilesional edema that require different therapeutic approaches (Suh et al., 2018). Thus, it is more appropriate to focus on finding other possible methods of ADC map analysis to differentiate these brain pathologies. For this purpose, it is necessary to understand how perilesional edema differs at the cellular and molecular level. Our review focuses on pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for BBB changes in common brain lesions, which are characteristically accompanied by perifocal edema such as GBM, brain metastases, lymphomas, and abscesses.
Blood-Brain Barrier
The BBB is composed of non-fenestrated capillaries and strictly regulates the movement of molecules from the intravascular to the interstitial compartment of the brain (Kang et al., 2013). The main cellular components of BBB are endothelial cells (ECs), astrocytes, and pericytes (Ballabh et al., 2004). Endothelial cells line the vascular lumen and are connected at the molecular level by different junctional protein complexes such as tight junctions (TJ), adherent junctions (AJ), and gap junctions (Begley and Brightman, 2003; Solár et al., 2022). TJs are located between endothelial cells and consist of transmembrane proteins, including occludin, claudin, junctional adhesion molecule (JAM) as well as cytoplasmatic proteins that anchor transmembrane proteins to the cytoskeleton of endothelial cells (Stamatovic et al., 2016). The transmembrane protein occludin is considered important to maintaining BBB integrity. Moreover, occludin stretches the TJ and limits the transfer of small molecules through the BBB and thus participates in controlling endothelial paracellular permeability (Hashimoto and Campbell, 2020). Claudins, as other transmembrane proteins, belong to a group of more than 20 proteins that affect BBB permeability to molecules of a certain size and play a role in barrier formation (Hashimoto and Campbell, 2020). Claudins also contribute to high electrical resistance across the barrier by selectively limiting paracellular ion movement (Van Itallie and Anderson, 2004). The role of JAMs (mainly JAM-A but also JAM-B and JAM-C) is to maintain TJ permeability (Aurrand-Lions et al., 2001). Moreover, these TJ proteins regulate the level of integrin expression during pathological conditions and can thus affect leukocyte trafficking into the brain (Kummer and Ebnet, 2018). The transmembrane TJ proteins bind to the cell cytoskeleton through cytoplasmic proteins called zonulins [(ZO), ZO-1, ZO-2, and ZO-3] and cingulin, members of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family of proteins (Mitic et al., 2000; Hawkins and Davis, 2005).
Adherent junctions (AJ) are formed by transmembrane glycoproteins, cadherins, cytoplasmic proteins, p120, and catenins α, β, and γ. These proteins are located on the basolateral cell membrane. Cadherins interact with the cytoskeleton of endothelial cells through catenins and p120, members of the Armadillo protein family (Li et al., 2018). Vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), a cadherin family protein, plays an important role during the morphogenesis of blood vessels as well as in maintaining cell-cell junction stability and BBB integrity (Vestweber, 2008; Li et al., 2018).
Gap junctions (GJ) are specialized membrane protein structures between adjacent endothelial cells that contribute to maintaining TJ integrity and allow direct intercellular communication (Sweeney et al., 2019). GJ comprise intercellular channels made up of transmembrane proteins called connexins, through which ions and small molecules can pass (Meşe et al., 2007; Stamatovic et al., 2016).
The basement membrane is a layer formed by a complex of extracellular matrix proteins and provides structural support for endothelial cells. The vascular basement membrane consists of a three-dimensional network and contains four major protein complexes made of laminins, collagen IV isoforms, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (perlecan), and nidogens. Collagen IV is the most abundant component of the basement membrane and interacts with endothelial cells and other basement membrane components (Xu et al., 2018). Laminins, a group of extracellular matrix glycoproteins, comprise three α, β, and γ chains and play a role in the organization of the basement membrane (Mak and Mei, 2017). Adhesion receptors play a vital role in maintaining BBB properties. These receptors, including integrins α1β1, α3β1, α6β1, αvβ1/αvβ3, and dystroglycan anchor cells to the basement membrane (Engelhardt and Sorokin, 2009). Integrins, as well as dystroglycan, connect the cytoskeleton of endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocyte endfeet with extracellular matrix proteins (Del Zoppo et al., 2006; Engelhardt and Sorokin, 2009).
Pericytes are multifunctional cells with cytoplasmic processes attached to the basement membrane and surround the endothelial cells. Pericytes and endothelial cells are connected by different types of proteinaceous junctions such as TJ, GJ, and AJ (Allt and Lawrenson, 2001; Armulik et al., 2011). Moreover, synapse-like peg-socket contacts appear in places where endothelial cells and pericytes are in close contact. These specialized junctions are probably involved in the regulation of brain microcirculation. Other functions of pericytes include participating in the development of the BBB, influencing vascular permeability and inflammatory processes, as well as maintaining vessel stability through growth factors and angiogenic molecules (Dore-Duffy and LaManna, 2007; Nakagawa et al., 2007; Armulik et al., 2011).
Astrocytes are also an important component of the BBB. They are glial cells that interact with endothelial cells through their endfeet projections surrounding the abluminal side of capillaries. Astrocytes maintain homeostasis in the brain microenvironment, control neurotransmitter and ion concentrations, modulate synaptic transmission, and regulate immune reactions (Abbott et al., 2006; Keaney and Campbell, 2015).
Glioblastoma
GBM IDH-wild-type is the most common primary tumor of the CNS in adults and is characterized by rapid diffuse infiltrative growth of neoplastic glial cells, predominantly with astrocytic differentiation (Ostrom et al., 2021). Tumor cells extend within the CNS mainly along white matter tracts, perivascular space, and subpial surface, which are detectable as secondary structures of diffusely growing GBM in histology samples (Zagzag et al., 2008). Generally, GBM is incurable with a dismal prognosis. Median overall survival is 16 months, notwithstanding standard treatment involving surgical resection followed by adjuvant concomitant chemo-radiotherapy with the alkylating agent temozolomide (Stupp et al., 2005; Lakomy et al., 2020; Tan et al., 2020). Even though GBM is one of the most vascularized neoplasms, antiangiogenic treatment-bevacizumab has exhibited limited effect in primary GBM and its use is currently limited for recurrent GBM (Tan et al., 2020).
Vasculature of Glioblastoma
Precipitative GBM growth necessitates a robust vascular system to supply the increasing nutrient and metabolic demands of the tumor mass. In contrast to the healthy brain vasculature with a highly organized physiological BBB, tumor vessels in GBM are remarkably irregular, structurally disorganized, and highly permeable, which results in irregular blood flow, vascular leakage, and brain edema. Morphologically GBM microvasculature might be divided into microvascular sprouting, which represents classic angiogenesis forming thin-walled capillaries, vascular mimicries, and bizarre vascular formations (Figure 1; Birner et al., 2003; Preusser et al., 2006; Chen et al., 2015).
Figure 1. GBM microvasculature. Different microvasculature types detected in GBM, including vascular clusters, glomeruloid vascular proliferations, vascular garlands, and vascular mimicry. Vascular mimicry, unlike other microvascular types, shows a lumen lined by tumor cells.
Vascular mimicry, also called vasculogenic mimicry, is the uncanny ability of tumor cells to assume endothelial-like properties, including expression of junction proteins such as VE-cadherin, and form a network of channels independent of endothelial cells reminiscent of a capillary system (Angara et al., 2017). The tumor cells are also surrounded by a rich extracellular matrix forming a basal membrane, which also contains laminins, proteoglycans, such as heparan sulfate as well as collagen IV and VI (Angara et al., 2017; Fernández-Cortés et al., 2019). Vascular mimicry is commonly found in aggressive malignant neoplasms and is linked with poorer prognosis, likely functionally contributing to tumor progression (Liu et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2013; Mei et al., 2020). Bizarre vascular formations, so-called microvascular proliferations (MPVs), are a histological hallmark of GBM. Nonetheless, their presence in the brain is not limited to GBM, as they have also been described in other primary or metastatic brain tumors. MVPs include vascular clusters, vascular garlands as well as glomeruloid vascular proliferations. Vascular clusters are local aggregations of more than three vessels lacking connective tissue ensheathing them (Figure 2). Vascular garlands are multiple vessels structured into complex spacious formations with garland-like architecture, and unlike glomeruloid vascular proliferations, they consist of tight vascular clusters encompassed by connective tissue. The presence of either vascular garlands or glomeruloid vascular proliferations is associated with worse disease outcomes in terms of progression-free survival (Chen et al., 2015). MPV density tends to increase from the tumor infiltrative zone toward the central perinecrotic zone in GBM (Takeuchi et al., 2010). MPVs are multilayered vessels formed of two distinct cell types. The inner luminar site is lined with flat endothelial cells enveloped by the smooth muscle cells/pericytes creating the outer abluminal surface, which is separated from the surrounding brain tissue infiltrated with GBM tumor cells by a network of reticulin/type III collagen fibers (Wesseling et al., 1995; Takeuchi et al., 2010). The disproportional cellular composition of MVPs with hypertrophic and hyperplastic pericytes is linked to their higher proliferation activity in relation to flattened endothelial cells (Díaz-Flores et al., 2021).
Figure 2. Vascular morphology. Microvascular proliferations at the invasive edge of GBM—(A) glomeruloid vascular proliferation (white arrow) and vascular garlands (black arrows). (B) CD31 expression in a vascular garland seen by immunohistochemistry. (C) Metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma to the brain seen on the right side surrounded by microvascular proliferation (arrow). (D) Pulmonary non-mucinous adenocarcinoma metastatic to the brain (bottom left corner) surrounded by multiple glomeruloid microvascular proliferations (arrows). (E) Perivascular infiltration of the PCNSL intermingled with reactive lymphocytes forming vascular cuffs. (F) Reticulin-specific stain highlights the complex reticulin web encompassing the tumor cell caused by neoplastic lymphoid cells penetrating through the vascular wall. (G) Vessels in acute abscess in the brain with leukostasis and neutrophil transmigration across the BBB. H, vessels in chronic abscess display reactive pericytes prominently (white arrows), and no microvascular proliferations are seen. Panels (A–D) magnification 100x, panels (E–H) magnification 400x.
Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Peritumoral Edema Formation in Glioblastoma
The neurovascular unit is a central component of the BBB that is dynamically modulated through tumor-neurovascular signaling. Glioma-induced BBB injury sequentially progresses to endothelial dysfunction followed by vasogenic edema. Subsequently, paracellular channels in the endothelium allow diffusion of plasmatic water molecules and proteins into the brain parenchyma, leading to characteristic peritumoral brain edema.
The formation of vasogenic edema follows the structural disintegration of the endothelial BBB (Figure 3). Alteration in BBB has been shown to correspond to peritumoral edema in gliomas, suggesting a role for them in the formation of glioma-related edema. Downregulation of claudin-1, claudin-5, and occludin has been repeatedly reported in gliomas (Liebner et al., 2000; Karnati et al., 2014; Zhao et al., 2019). Moreover, the expression levels of claudin-1 and claudin-5 decrease with increasing severity of the glioma, according to World Health Organization (WHO) grading (Karnati et al., 2014). As for TJs expression, metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) expression, which significantly contributes to GBM invasivity, leads to claudin-5 and occludin degradation (Xue et al., 2017; Zhao et al., 2019).
Figure 3. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier in glioblastoma. GBM cells infiltrate the perivascular space with subsequent astrocytic end-feet displacement. Tumor, stromal, and immune cells occupy a specific tumor niche with a diverse proteomic profile but most importantly show upregulated VEGF and TGF-ß. VEGF binds to its receptor on endothelial cells leading to increased transendothelial permeability and downregulation of specific TJs (e.g., claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1) and subsequent increased paracellular influx. Matrix metalloproteinases, most importantly MMP-9, that are secreted by tumor cells contribute to the disruption of the basal membrane by cleaving the ECM. Inset shows a more detailed view of the transcellular and paracellular movements across the BBB. The endothelium forms the inner layer of the BBB. GBM promotes a “leaky” phenotype in endothelial cells with increased transcellular transport and endothelial fenestrations. Additionally, down-regulation of TJs leads to increased paracellular transport with subsequent edema formation.
Similarly, down-regulation of claudin-1 and ZO-1 occurred through TGF-ß secretion, which is usually overexpressed in GBM (Ishihara et al., 2008; Han et al., 2015). However, the administration of anti-TGF-ß antibodies restored the barrier properties of the BBB (Ishihara et al., 2008). Up-regulation of claudin-5 and occludin is also seen upon glucocorticoid administration, a commonly used therapy to alleviate peritumoral edema in patients with GBM (Na et al., 2017). Interestingly, downregulation of plasma occludin levels has been shown to correlate with peritumoral brain edema volume and severity, suggesting that it may be used as a potential peritumoral edema biomarker (Park et al., 2006; Shi et al., 2020).
Several other mechanisms, including dysregulation in the expression of VEGF and aquaporins as well as pro-inflammatory changes, contribute to disruption in BBB and result in the development of vasogenic brain edema around GBM (Table 1).
Table 1. Table summarizing molecular and cellular changes in edematous brain tissue around glioblastoma, brain metastasis, lymphoma, and abscess.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors and Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in Glioblastoma
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors (VEGFR) represent the main proangiogenic growth factors commonly involved in tumor neovascularization (Apte et al., 2019). Despite the proangiogenic properties of VEGF, it seems that overexpression of VEGF induces down-regulation of claudin-5 and occludin and thus potentiates the paracellular permeability of the BBB (Argaw et al., 2009).
Six VEGF isoforms have so far been identified, but it is the VEGF-A isoform that is most commonly implicated in the glioma-VEGF mediated signaling pathway (Greenberg and Jin, 2005). Needless to say, one of the intrinsic characteristics of glioma is VEGF overexpression (Shweiki et al., 1992; Tamura et al., 2018). VEGF overexpression has been shown to be driven by specific genetic mutations, by HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions, or through autocrine secretion in the tumor microenvironment (Lin et al., 2004; Steiner et al., 2004; Wang et al., 2014; Wen et al., 2017; Almiron Bonnin et al., 2018). Interestingly, VEGF mRNA expression corresponds to the WHO glioma grade, and VEGF-A distribution is specific, with the highest levels of VEGF in the hypoxic tumor core and lower values in the peritumoral zone (Tamura et al., 2018; Ahir et al., 2020). By binding to its respective receptors in the adjacent endothelium and glioma stem cells, VEGF promotes the invasive and proliferative properties of the glioma, thus leading to a hyperpermeable endothelium (Xu et al., 2013; Atzori et al., 2017). This VEGF-induced hyperpermeable endothelium with plasmatic extravasation into the brain parenchyma is the most common reason for the formation of inter-endothelial gaps, endothelial fenestrations, or fragmentations, and alterations in the basement membrane (Dobrogowska et al., 1998). Indeed, VEGF mRNA expression has been shown to correlate with the degree of capillary permeability (Machein et al., 1999). The administration of axitinib, a VEGF/VEGFR inhibitor, leads to increased integrity of the BBB (Wen et al., 2017). Further, VEGF also induces endothelium secreted matrix metalloproteinases with the subsequent disintegration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the basal membrane, as was described above (Ahir et al., 2020).
Alternatively, VEGF can induce hyperpermeability by forming vesiculo-vacuolar organelles (VVO) and thus increasing endothelial transcellular transport (Lin et al., 2008). One of the ways GBM harnesses VEGF overexpression is aberrant phosphorylation of STAT3 commonly found in GBM (Brantley et al., 2008; Lin et al., 2014; Ou et al., 2021). Phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) then upregulates transcription from the VEGF promoter and thus VEGF overexpression (Wang et al., 2014). Phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) then regulates the VEGF from the VEGF promoter leading to VEGF overexpression (Wang et al., 2014).
The Role of Aquaporins in Glioblastoma Induced Brain Edema Formation
Aquaporin is an integral membranous protein that acts as a water channel across cellular membranes (Takata et al., 2004). Numerous isoforms have been recognized, but aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) are the most prominent isoforms in the CNS (Verkman et al., 2011). In particular, numerous studies addressed the possible role of AQP4 in glioma-related edema, as well as in the regulation of glioma cell proliferation, invasivity, cell migration, and the brain glymphatic system (Yang et al., 2011; Lan et al., 2017; Hubbard et al., 2018; Simone et al., 2019; Toh and Siow, 2021). AQP4 is usually expressed at the astrocytic end-feet of the gliovascular interface of the BBB (Warth et al., 2004; Noell et al., 2012). These specific microdomains of the neurovascular unit facilitate dynamic changes in cellular volume and contribute to the regulation of the brain glymphatic system. However, gliomas are associated with aberrant spatial expression of astrocytic AQP4 and AQP4 redistribution across the glioma cell surface (Warth et al., 2007). Additionally, AQP4 k/o mice formed aberrant TJs and displayed astrocytic end-feet swelling (Zhou et al., 2008). In parallel, inactivation of the AQP4-associated Na+ channel SUR1-TRPM4 protein complex reverted astrocytic end-feet swelling (Stokum et al., 2018). Taken together, AQP4 expression is essential for the maintenance of the gliovascular interface (Zhou et al., 2008). However, upregulation of AQP4 was also linked to brain edema formation and BBB breakdown (Saadoun et al., 2002a; Yang et al., 2012). Interestingly, this upregulation was specific to certain WHO glioma grades, with the highest expression levels in grade I and IV gliomas (Warth et al., 2007). This correlates with the increased extent of peritumoral edema and increasing peritumoral AQP4 expression (Mou et al., 2010). Correspondingly, overexpression of VEGF in gliomas induces upregulation of AQP4 mRNA expression (Rite et al., 2008). Similarly, alterations in dystroglycan and argin complexes by MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 lead to edema formation through redistribution and abnormally directed AQP4 mediated water flow (Rauch et al., 2011; Noell et al., 2012).
In-depth molecular studies of AQP4 in GBM suggest that the state of AQP4 aggregation into AQP4 orthogonal arrays of particles (AQP4-OAPs) and disintegration of AQP4 into tetramers may be involved in determining the fate of glioma cells (Noell et al., 2012; Wolburg et al., 2012; Simone et al., 2019). Generally, AQP4-OAPs favor apoptotic glioma cell fate, while AQP4 tetramers increase glioma cell invasiveness. Interestingly, even though glioma tissue shows upregulated AQP4 expression, the expression levels of AQP4-OAPs remain unchanged (Lan et al., 2017).
Inflammation and Peritumoral Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in Glioblastoma
The role of the specific immune microenvironment in cancer pathogenesis has been extensively investigated in the past few years. These dynamic interactions between glioma tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment were shown to influence glioma invasion, infiltration, angiogenesis, or peritumoral edema (Hambardzumyan et al., 2016; Herting et al., 2019; Buonfiglioli and Hambardzumyan, 2021). Apart from glioma tumor cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is the dominant non-neoplastic cell type in GBM (Buonfiglioli and Hambardzumyan, 2021). They represent a supportive stromal cell type providing advantageous conditions for GBM potentiation. Historically, an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype of TAMs was considered more implicated in GBM pathogenesis. However, recent transcriptomic studies have demonstrated that TAMs in GBM are rather heterogeneous comprising M0-, M1- and M2-like phenotypes leading to the production of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules (Chen et al., 2020). Interestingly, TAMs express VEGF, IL-1, MMPs, or AQP4, which are all implicated in the pathogenesis of glioma-related edema (Saadoun et al., 2002a; Carlson et al., 2007; Gabrusiewicz et al., 2011; Herting et al., 2019). The upregulation of interleukin-1ß by TAMs has been associated with the suppression of astrocytic sonic-hedgehog signaling. This suppression leads to the downregulation of TJs and increased BBB permeability (Hambardzumyan et al., 2016). Herting et al. (2019) demonstrated that coculture of bone marrow-derived macrophages and organotypic tumor slices stimulated the secretion of both IL-1α and IL-1ß, while coculture with microglia yielded the opposite outcome. Additionally, inhibition of the IL-1 signaling pathway by ablation of the IL-1 receptor reduced BBB permeability and decreased edema formation in a mouse model. Furthermore, dexamethasone administration showed a similar IL-1α and IL-1ß down-regulation (Herting et al., 2019). Correspondingly, upon administration of sulfasalazine, an inhibitor of IL-1ß, cerebral edema decreased in size in the rat glioma model (Sehm et al., 2016). Apart from this, amplified expression of IL-6 has been associated with upregulation of VEGF secretion by GBM cells (Loeffler et al., 2005). Finally, glioma-related edema decreased upon administration of recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonists (Shevtsov et al., 2015).
Brain Metastasis
Brain metastases are tumors primarily originating outside the CNS and spreading into the brain mainly through the hematogenous route or by direct infiltration from adjacent anatomic structures. Among those with the highest propensity to metastasize into the CNS are lung, breast, and renal cell carcinomas, along with melanomas. Brain metastases form solitary or multiple well-circumscribed masses with collateral brain edema (Ostrom et al., 2021).
Disruption of BBB is considered one of the main causes of developing perilesional edema around brain metastases (Tran et al., 2019). Similar to GBM, decreased expression of the TJ protein occludin in brain metastasis contributes to the higher permeability of the BBB and the formation of peritumoral brain edema (Figure 4 and Table 1). Decreased expression of occludin was found not only in the tumor cells themselves but also in non-neoplastic endothelial cells adjacent to brain metastasis. As with GBM, VEGF plays an important role in these changes. Alterations in occludin expression may be caused by both upregulated VEGF and the secreted cytokine, Scatter Factor/Hepatocyte Growth Factor (SF/HGF). These secreted proteins are overexpressed by metastatic cells and may diffuse into peritumoral brain tissue (Papadopoulos et al., 2001). VEGF as well as SF/HGF induces the phosphorylation of occludin leading to its downregulation and subsequent opening of the BBB (Davies, 2002). Moreover, VEGF may induce fenestration in the endothelium and thus increase capillary permeability partially by inhibiting the TJ proteins claudin-1 and claudin-5 (Roberts and Palade, 1995; Song et al., 2018). Along with metastatic cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in the peritumoral edema also contribute to VEGF expression. This suggests that peritumoral edema is controlled not only by angiogenic cytokines from metastatic cells but also by infiltrating immune cells (Trembath et al., 2020).
Figure 4. Disruption of the peritumoral blood-brain barrier in brain metastasis. Expression of VEGF and SH/VEGF by metastatic cells leads to alteration in TJ proteins such as occludin, claudin-1, and claudin-5 resulting in increased paracellular water influx. In addition to metastatic cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes contribute to the production of VEGF as well as some cytokines including IL-2. Degradation of TJ proteins and the basal membrane is also potentiated by increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases such as MMP-2 and MMP-9. Activation of metalloproteinases is induced by overexpression of ET-1, which leads to up-regulation of ROS and eNOS. Increased expression of AQP4, a part of the glymphatic system on astrocytic endfeet around metastatic lesions, contributes to the development of vasogenic edema by the accumulation of CSF into the brain interstitium.
VEGF action involves the synthesis and release of nitric oxide, activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and the consequent conversion of GTP to cGMP. This pathway of VEGF action contributes to BBB alteration and the development of peritumoral brain edema (Chi et al., 1999; Mayhan, 1999). The effect of NO on the development of edema around metastatic brain tumors can also be enhanced by increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), not only in the tumor itself but also in the peritumoral brain area (Broholm et al., 2003).
VEGF has been found to cooperate with integrin αvβ5 and FAK and activate the Ras-ERK cascade. αvβ5 integrin expression was found on peritumoral vessels as well as on blood vessels in the surrounding brain parenchyma. On the other hand, increased expression of αvβ3 was found only on angiogenic, sprouting peritumoral vessels containing multilayered endothelial cells. Similarly, αvβ3, in collaboration with Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) receptor, activates downstream RAS and c-Raf, which leads to sustained Ras-ERK activation. These pathways regulate the expression of genes involved in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and migration (Hood et al., 2003; Berghoff et al., 2013). Moreover, it was shown experimentally that an increase in integrin αvβ3 leads to increased expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, internalization of occludin and ZO-1, and the disruption of VE-cadherin localization (Edwards and Bix, 2019).
Activation of VEGF receptor 2 regulates the functions of vascular endothelium, leading to the generation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). These molecules increase the intracellular concentration of Ca2+, which activates eNOS and, in turn, generates NO. The elevated level of intracellular calcium also stimulates the cytosolic phospholipase A (cPLA) and the production of prostaglandins. Vasoactive molecules, including NO and prostaglandins, lead to increased vascular cell permeability (Song et al., 2018). Other factors such as AQP4 and metalloproteinases are implicated in the development of brain peritumoral edema (Tran et al., 2019). This is supported by increased expression of AQP4 that was observed within peritumoral astrocytes adjacent to the brain metastasis (Saadoun et al., 2002b). Unlike peritumoral edema, AQP4 expression is decreased in the blood-tumor barrier (Zhao et al., 2015). In addition to AQP4, upregulation of Kir4.1 and α- syntrophin expression was found in astrocytes surrounding carcinoma metastasis (Saadoun et al., 2003). As part of the brain glymphatic system, increased expression of AQP4 channels in the peritumoral edema may be involved in elevated periarterial influx of CSF into the brain interstitium (Toh et al., 2021). Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) may play a role in the development of cerebral metastatic-related vasogenic edema. Expression of SUR1 was found in glial and endothelial cells in the pericellular areas of the metastatic cells. Inhibition of SUR1 leads to decreased ZO-1 gap formation, suggesting that it acts on TJ proteins and thus on the BBB (Thompson et al., 2013). Moreover, SUR1 regulates the activity of the non-selective cation channel NCCa-ATP. Activation of these channels leads to Na+ influx followed by water influx to maintain osmotic neutrality resulting in cytotoxic edema. Elevated intracellular Na+ leads to alteration in the actin cytoskeleton and thus in the integrity of tight junctions. These changes increase paracellular plasma transfer and result in the development of vasogenic, plasma-rich edema (Simard et al., 2006, 2009).
Reactive glial cells participate in NO-independent pathways that may be involved in the development of peritumoral brain edema around brain metastases. Cells such as microglia and astrocytes were found to contribute to an inflammatory response in these areas (Utsuki et al., 2007; Fitzgerald et al., 2008). Reactive astrocytes produce endothelins that are released into the fluid microenvironment of the peritumoral brain (Zhang and Olsson, 1995). Endothelin-1 (ET-1), for instance, is known as a potent vasoconstrictor. In addition to the vasoconstrictive effect of ET-1, its overexpression in astrocytes could contribute to the development of cytotoxic edema (Yeung et al., 2009). ET-1 activates the ETB receptor, which subsequently induces the expression of eNOS, which in turn causes the activation of MMP-9 resulting in ZO-1 degradation and vasogenic edema formation (Kim et al., 2015). Moreover, activation of ETB receptors in astrocyte endfeet may generate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the action of NADPH oxidase and cause dystrophin, the anchor protein for AQP4 to malfunction (Kim et al., 2013).
The microvascular density of brain metastases may influence the size of brain edema. High neovascularization and microvascular density were associated with large peritumoral edema (Figure 2). On the other hand, low microvascular density was found in brain metastases with small peritumoral edema. A similar pattern was found for hypoxia-induced factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) expression (Spanberger et al., 2013). The size of the peritumoral edema may reflect the extent of immune activation against brain metastases. In support of this, a correlation has been observed between the amount of peritumoral brain edema and the density of tumor-infiltrating CD8 + lymphocytes in brain metastases. The formation of edema is probably related to the release of cytokines such as IL-2 that stimulate T-lymphocytes (Berghoff et al., 2016).
Glymphatic pathways may also play a role in the development of peritumoral edema. Recently, it was suggested that brain metastases may disrupt movement in the glymphatic pathways. Altered glymphatic pathways complicate interstitial fluid clearance and contribute to its accumulation in the tumor interstitium and peritumoral edema formation (Toh et al., 2021).
Brain Lymphoma
The CNS might be affected by a wide range of hematological neoplasms, either primarily originating within the CNS or by secondary spread from lymphomas that produce systemic disease. Primary CNS lymphomas (PCNSL) are a type of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, accounting for less than 1% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Of these PCNSLs, diffuse large cell B-cell lymphoma of the CNS is the most common histologically defined tumor (Wang et al., 2021). PCNSL typically forms either single or multiple hypercellular, diffusely growing lesions (Krebs et al., 2021). Predominant perivascular aggregation, in the form of tight vascular cuffs of neoplastic cells intermingled with reactive non-neoplastic infiltrating inflammatory lymphocytes and macrophages, is typically detected at the periphery (Marcelis et al., 2020). Nevertheless, PCNSLs are still poorly understood compared to GBM due to their significantly lower incidence.
A higher vascular permeability in PCNSL was detected by MRI imaging compared to GBM, which implies a greater degree of BBB disruption within the bulk tumor (Kickingereder et al., 2014). This BBB disruption within the tumor mass is seen as increased vessel permeability and corresponds to structural changes in microscopic observations. Vascular involvement is uneven, where neoplastic cells predominantly affect large vessels and not capillaries. Initially, the basal membrane and glial end-feet maintain an impermeable barrier, holding tumor cells within the vascular wall (Aho et al., 1993). Neoplastic PCNSL cells readily widen the co-opted vascular wall by penetrating through its rich reticulin fiber network, consisting of collagen type III and IV, laminin and fibronectin, thus forming a delicate web encompassing angiocentric tumor cells (Aho et al., 1993; Kickingereder et al., 2014). Later, the outer vascular reticulin layer in the PCNSL as well as in the secondary CNS lymphoma opens, which allows neoplastic lymphoid cells to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue (Figure 5 and Table 1). This brain tissue infiltration is rarely seen in reactive lymphocytic infiltration (Figure 2; Aho et al., 1993).
Figure 5. Development of primary CNS lymphoma. Progression of PCNSL (clockwise from top). Initially, neoplastic lymphoid cells accumulate within the vascular wall of arteries and venules fragmenting the reticular fiber network. The outer vascular layer with the glial end-feet maintains an impermeable barrier preventing tumor cells from infiltrating the brain tissue. Later, tumor cells fragment the outer layer and infiltrate brain tissue, where multiple reactive astrocytes can be detected. Endothelial cells undergo regressive as well as reparative changes throughout, leading to disruption of the endothelial lining.
The endothelial cell lining, originating from vascular progenitor cells or presumably even from tumor cells, is frequently flattened with fenestrations, or is discontinuous, exposing a duplicated or frayed basal membrane (Ruggieri et al., 2017). Interestingly, a similar frequency of apoptotic endothelial cells was observed regardless of corticosteroid drug use. Intact endothelial cells display various degrees of regressive as well as regenerative changes. Endothelial cells frequently lack direct contact with normal astrocytic processes. Intercellular junctions between endothelial cells vary considerably in length, width, and density but appear to be functional. Pericytes are preserved in many cases and are intertwined in irregular and discontinued basal membranes (Molnár et al., 1999). These vascular changes are accompanied by reactive gliosis in the surrounding brain tissue (Soussain et al., 2007). Furthermore, significant variation has been detected in the preservation of BBB function in tumor-affected brain vessels in PCNSL showing varied VEGF expression. Tumors expressing VEGF presented with high microvascular density contain newly formed vessels and lack a well-formed BBB. Endothelial cells in immature PCNSL capillaries were fenestrated, similar to VEGF-induced hyperpermeable endothelium. Furthermore, the expression of occludin and ZO-1 was also significantly reduced. VEGF expressing PCNSL patients survived significantly longer when compared with the VEGF negative group, which exhibited preserved BBB function (Takeuchi et al., 2007). On the other hand, VEGF overexpression in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma outside of the CNS is associated with a worse prognosis (Yang et al., 2015). Preserving BBB function in some PCNSL limits therapeutic agents from acting and thus might be directly linked with worse clinical outcomes. Furthermore, alterations in BBB function might occur to different degrees in various tumor lesions, of which some might remain completely unaltered and thus be virtually undetectable by current imaging while also being less available for therapeutic agents. This suggestion is supported clinically by frequent tumor relapse at a site distant from that of the initial tumor (Calimeri et al., 2021). Moreover, leaky BBB reconstitutes after therapy-induced tumor shrinkage and subsequent treatment is thus rendered less effective (Maza et al., 2009; Iorio-Morin et al., 2020). Autopsy studies have demonstrated that where imaging failed to detect the full extent of the tumor burden, PCNSL recurrence infiltrates the CNS diffusely (Lai et al., 2002).
Brain Abscess
The most common causes of developing brain abscess are hematogenous spread, infected emboli, the extension of extracranial infections, penetrating head trauma, or complications of neurosurgical procedures. Nonetheless, in some cases, there is no obvious source. The most common organisms causing bacterial abscesses are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species (Mathisen and Johnson, 1997).
Disruption of the BBB following brain abscess leads to the development of vasogenic brain edema (Figure 6 and Table 1; Papadopoulos and Verkman, 2007). Changes in edematous brain tissue include shrunken cells with nuclear condensation resulting in pyknotic nuclei caused by neurotoxins such as α-hemolysin in Staphylococcus infection (Dahlberg et al., 2015b).
Figure 6. Molecular and cellular changes in the blood-brain barrier around brain abscess. Bacteria and other microorganisms in brain abscess release PAMPs that are recognized by TLR2 on astrocytes and microglia. Activation of TLR2 receptors leads to increased expression of various cytokines and chemokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12, and MIP-2. These pro-inflammatory molecules increase the expression of adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 that interact with integrins (LFA-1 and VLA-4) on immune cells and thus potentiate the transfer of leukocytes across the BBB. The pro-inflammatory molecules, as well as ROS, lead to increased expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases resulting in disruption of TJ proteins. The formation of ROS is potentiated by metal ions, mainly potassium, zinc, and copper, that are released from the abscess. Moreover, decreased expression of TJ proteins such as claudin-5 and occludin is also potentiated by increased expression of VEGF from reactive astrocytes.
Cellular changes in the BBB include gaps in the endothelial cell layer (Wallenfang et al., 1980). Activated astrocytes form a diffusible barrier from fibrous tissue which surrounds the abscess. Some metal ions, mainly potassium and zinc, and others, including iron and copper, may penetrate from the abscess cavity into the brain tissue around the abscess. The elevated level of these ions in brain tissue leads to neuronal depolarization, inhibition of glutamate and GABA receptors, and formation of ROS that can contribute to BBB disruption (Pun et al., 2009; Hassel et al., 2014; Dahlberg et al., 2015a; Vazana et al., 2016). Moreover, higher concentrations of ammonia were found in brain edema. Elevated ammonia level in brain tissue around the abscess leads to swelling of astrocytes (Dahlberg et al., 2016). On the other hand, increased expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in activated astrocytes surrounding the brain abscess probably contributes to reducing the spread of these molecules and pathogens within the brain (Stenzel et al., 2004).
Reactive astrocytes and inflammatory cells are responsible for the production of VEGF, which affects BBB integrity in brain tissue surrounding the abscess (Vaquero et al., 2001). Upregulation of VEGF in reactive astrocytes leads to downregulation of claudin-5 and occludin, resulting in BBB disruption and the development of brain edema (Archie et al., 2021).
Accumulation of extracellular fluid following BBB disruption is reduced by upregulation of AQP4 expression in reactive astrocytes. Increased AQP4 expression was found in the capsule surrounding the abscess. AQP4 protection probably takes the form of fluid reabsorption from the brain tissue around the abscess and the consequent attenuation of vasogenic edema (Bloch et al., 2005). However, this effect may be attenuated by AQP4 downregulation in edematous brain vessels in the neighboring area of the brain (Ampawong and Luplertlop, 2019).
TNF-α plays an important role in the development of brain edema and the regulation of the immune response to brain abscesses (Stenzel et al., 2005a,b). Astrocytes and microglia are involved in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that lead to BBB disruption and cause albumin and IgG accumulation in brain parenchyma resulting in the development of vasogenic edema. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) released from bacteria are recognized by toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on astrocytes and microglia. Increased expression of TLR2 mediates glial activation in response to gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (Esen et al., 2004; Kielian et al., 2005a). MyD88, the adapter protein for the majority of TLRs, is involved in downstream pathways and plays a role in the protective host CNS response during brain abscess development, thus also affecting the magnitude of brain edema (Kielian et al., 2007). Activation of TLR2 leads to increased expression of various cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12, and chemokines including MIP-2, MIP-1α, β, MCP-1, and RANTES. It appears that TLR2 induces overexpression of pro-inflammatory molecules mainly during the acute stage of brain abscess (Kielian et al., 2005b). The released pro-inflammatory cytokines increase the expression of adhesion molecules, ICAM and VCAM that facilitate the movement of macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells across the BBB into the abscess (Figure 2; Kielian, 2004). Based on the observation that the fibrous capsule does not form a diffusion barrier (Dahlberg et al., 2015a), it is likely that these pro-inflammatory molecules can diffuse into the surrounding brain tissue and alter the BBB. CD3+, CD4+, Th1 and Th17 cells also seem to play an important role in the regulation of immune cell infiltration in the later stages of brain abscess. Th1 and Th17 regulate the release of inflammatory mediators from infiltrating macrophages and neutrophils (Holley and Kielian, 2012). Immune cells (mainly macrophages and neutrophils) release degradative enzymes such as metalloproteinases which lead to proteolysis of the basement membrane and TJ proteins and thus potentiate extravasation of peripheral immune cells through the BBB into the brain parenchyma (Baldwin and Kielian, 2004; Rempe et al., 2016). Rapid and sustained expression of CXC chemokines such as keratinocytes-derived chemokine (KC) and MIP-2 by resident glial cells play an important role in the recruitment of neutrophils (Kielian et al., 2001). BBB disruption and increased permeability in the early phase of brain abscess are important events in the inflammatory response and the development of abscess-associated brain edema (Lo et al., 1994).
Summary
As described in this review, primary and secondary brain tumors or tumor-like brain lesions showed characteristic features of BBB damage resulting in the development of vasogenic brain edema. In general, BBB damage is mainly due to varying degrees of perilesional tumor cell infiltration, formation of new vessels, destruction of ECM, alteration of TJ proteins between endothelial cells, impaired cellular expression of growth factors, cellular channels, or inflammatory reactions. These changes are part of the complex pathophysiology of brain edema and present themselves to different extents in diagnoses like GBM, brain metastases, lymphomas, or abscesses. Future research should therefore focus on finding specific pattern(s) in vasogenic edema in different brain lesions that can be detected and quantified by advanced MRI techniques such as ADC maps. These patterns can then contribute to improved diagnosis so that appropriate treatment may be applied for these brain pathologies.
Author Contributions
PS, MiH, and MB designed the study and wrote the manuscript. HV prepared the figures and participated in the preparation of the manuscript. MaH and RJ participated in the supervision and editing of the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.
Funding
This work was supported by an internal grant from the St. Anne’s University Hospital Brno (grant no. FNDN_IP21IPV15AXA_PN), the Internal Grant Agency of Masaryk University (MUNI/A/1408/2021), and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Czechia—INTER-EXCELLENCE, project n. LTC20027 (program INTER-COST).
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s Note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Abbreviations
ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient; CNS, central nervous system; GBM, glioblastoma; DWI, diffusion-weighted imaging; ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient; ECs, endothelial cells; TJ, tight junctions; AJ, adherent junctions; GJ, gap junctions; JAM, junctional adhesion molecule; ZO, zonula occludens; VE-cadherin, vascular endothelial cadherin; MPVs, microvascular proliferations; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factors; ECM, extracellular matrix; VVO, vesiculo-vacuolar organelles; pSTAT3, phosphorylated STAT3; AQP, aquaporin; AQP4-OAPs, orthogonal arrays of AQP4 particles; TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages; SF/HGF, scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor; eNOS, endothelial nitric oxide synthase; bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor; VEGFR2, vascular endothelial growth factor 2; IP3, inositol trisphosphate; DAG, diacylglycerol; cPLA, cytosolic phospholipase A; SUR1, sulfonylurea receptor 1; NCCa-ATP, ATP/Ca2 + non-selective cation channel; ET-1, endothelin-1; ROS, reactive oxygen species; HIF1 α, hypoxia-induced factor 1 alpha; PCNSL, primary CNS lymphomas; GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein; PAMPs, pathogen-associated molecular patterns; TLR2, toll-like receptor 2; KC, keratinocytes-derived chemokine.
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Keywords: blood-brain barrier, glioblastoma multiforme, brain edema, brain metastasis, brain lymphoma, brain abscess
Citation: Solar P, Hendrych M, Barak M, Valekova H, Hermanova M and Jancalek R (2022) Blood-Brain Barrier Alterations and Edema Formation in Different Brain Mass Lesions. Front. Cell. Neurosci. 16:922181. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2022.922181
Received: 17 April 2022; Accepted: 20 June 2022;
Published: 15 July 2022.
Edited by:
Lucy Vulchanova, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, United StatesReviewed by:
Paolo Rosa, Sapienza University of Rome, ItalyMutsuo Nuriya, Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
Copyright © 2022 Solar, Hendrych, Barak, Valekova, Hermanova and Jancalek. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Radim Jancalek, radim.jancalek@fnusa.cz
†These authors have contributed equally to this work