CVDs like arteriosclerosis and hypertension are characterized by increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in blood [38], and administration of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 to monolayers of cerebral ECs or pericyte/endothelial cell co-cultures leads to BBB disruption [39,40]. Here, TNF is linked to hypertensive disorder.