Background and objective: Reduction in cerebral blood flow with aging leads to cognitive decline and brain atrophy. Cerebrovascular hemodynamics are associated with vascular function. However, little is known about endothelial function in relation to cerebral blood flow at rest. The present study aimed to examine the association between microvascular endothelial function and middle cerebral blood flow.

Material and methods: This study involved 60 healthy middle-aged and elderly men. The microvascular endothelial function was measured via digital reactive hyperemia index using pulse amplitude tonometry, and the mean middle cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebrovascular conductance were measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography.

Results and conclusions: Reactive hyperemia index was significantly correlated with the mean middle cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebrovascular conductance. Multiple regression analysis further indicated that the correlation was significant after adjustment of covariates, such as age, body mass index, smoking status, medication history, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness. Further, Reactive hyperemia index was found to be a significant independent determinant of the mean middle cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebrovascular conductance. The present study demonstrated that vascular endothelial function is associated with cerebral blood flow and is an independent potential confounding factor in healthy middle-aged and older men.