Brain Diseases: An Introduction and the Need for Novel Drug-Delivery Approaches

Abstract

There have been many challenges encountered over time in the attempt to cure illnesses that affect the brain. One major hindrance is related to the existence of the blood–brain barrier, which possesses distinct characteristics including ABC transporters, tight intercellular junctions, and plentiful metabolizing enzymes. The blood–brain barrier is crucial in preserving the brain’s equilibrium. On the one hand, it enables the entry of various substances like electrolytes and nutrients into the brain. On the other hand, the blood–brain barrier functions to prevent numerous harmful substances from accessing the brain. However, since many drugs are also classified as harmful, there is a pressing need to create drug delivery systems that can assist in the transport of these drugs into the brain. Such systems must permit an appropriate amount of drug penetration to achieve effective therapy without disrupting the blood–brain barrier’s physiological functions. This chapter examines the pathophysiological changes that occur in the blood–brain barrier during certain brain-related diseases, making it challenging for drugs to reach the brain’s target site. Additionally, it provides a list of drug delivery techniques that have been utilized to aid in drug penetration, along with their associated drawbacks. Despite current efforts, no method has proven fully satisfactory, thus emphasizing the importance of continued research to develop new techniques that can facilitate drug entry into the brain.

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