Fig. 2
From: Obesity-induced blood-brain barrier dysfunction: phenotypes and mechanisms
Mechanisms of Obesity-Induced BBB Leakage. Illustration of the complex alterations in the BBB induced by obesity, highlighting the loosening of endothelial cell junctions, increased permeability, and the unusual occurrence of fenestrations. These structural changes are further exacerbated by the activity of MMPs, which degrade extracellular matrix components, facilitating the infiltration of peripheral immune cells, such as neutrophils. This cascade of events underscores the multifaceted and interconnected impact of obesity on BBB integrity and the resulting immune response within the cerebral vasculature