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Topic Review
The Relationship between Caffeine and Cognition
Caffeine is a natural trimethyl xanthine alkaloid in which the three methyl groups are located at positions 1, 3, and 7 (1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine). Caffeine has high oral bioavailability, with 99% of caffeine being absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract into the bloodstream 45 min after ingestion. A peak plasma concentration of 1–10 μM (0.25–2 mg/L) reached 15–120 min post oral ingestion from a cup of coffee in humans. Caffeine, a key psychoactive ingredient in coffee, is a short-acting neurostimulator with known neuromodulator effects on the brain by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, mobilizing intracellular calcium, antagonism of adenosine receptors, and modulation of GABA receptor function. Rodent studies have also reported caffeine can inhibit amylogenic-Aβ protein production and improve cognition in rodent AD models. However, results from previous clinical studies were controversial, with some reporting caffeine to be neuroprotective, while others report no effect or even detrimental effects on cognition.
  • 1.2K
  • 20 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Stroke Care
Stroke is an emergency for which delays in treatment can lead to significant loss of neurological function and be fatal. Technologies that increase the speed and accuracy of stroke diagnosis or assist in post-stroke rehabilitation can improve patient outcomes. No resource exists that comprehensively assesses artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)-enabled technologies indicated for the management of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
  • 1.2K
  • 16 Jun 2023
Topic Review
CHD8
Chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) has been identified as one of the genes with the strongest association with autism. The CHD8 protein is a transcriptional regulator that is expressed in nearly all cell types and has been implicated in multiple cellular processes, including cell cycle, cell adhesion, neuronal development, myelination, and synaptogenesis. Considering the central role of CHD8 in the genetics of autism, a deeper understanding of the physiological functions of CHD8 is important to understand the development of the autism phenotype and potential therapeutic targets. Different CHD8 mutant mouse models were developed to determine autism-like phenotypes and to fully understand their mechanisms. 
  • 1.1K
  • 20 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Oxidative Pathways in the Pathogenesis of PD
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that arises due to a complex and variable interplay between elements including age, genetic, and environmental risk factors that manifest as the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Contemporary treatments for PD do not prevent or reverse the extent of neurodegeneration that is characteristic of this disorder and accordingly, there is a strong need to develop new approaches which address the underlying disease process and provide benefit to patients with this debilitating disorder. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage, and inflammation have been implicated as pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons seen in PD.
  • 1.1K
  • 05 Jul 2022
Topic Review
P2Y1 Receptor as a Catalyst of Brain Neurodegeneration
Different brain disorders display distinctive etiologies and pathogenic mechanisms. However, they also share pathogenic events. One event systematically occurring in different brain disorders, both acute and chronic, is the increase of the extracellular ATP levels. Accordingly, several P2 (ATP/ADP) and P1 (adenosine) receptors, as well as the ectoenzymes involved in the extracellular catabolism of ATP, have been associated to different brain pathologies, either with a neuroprotective or neurodegenerative action. The P2Y1 receptor (P2Y1R) is one of the purinergic receptors associated to different brain diseases. It has a widespread regional, cellular, and subcellular distribution in the brain, it is capable of modulating synaptic function and neuronal activity, and it is particularly important in the control of astrocytic activity and in astrocyte–neuron communication. In diverse brain pathologies, there is growing evidence of a noxious gain-of-function of P2Y1R favoring neurodegeneration by promoting astrocyte hyperactivity, entraining Ca2+-waves, and inducing the release of glutamate by directly or indirectly recruiting microglia and/or by increasing the susceptibility of neurons to damage.
  • 1.1K
  • 21 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Clinical Data on Canabinoids
Translational research made with Cannabis sativa L. and its biocompounds provides data for some targeted diseases, as also symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The main compounds ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are capable of modulating the endocannabinoid system since its dysregulation interferes with the pathophysiology of ASDs there are clinical evidence for its potential use in the treatment of the disease. Conventional therapy still has limitations, as it does not always treat the central symptoms, and there are many patients who do not respond to treatment, which demands more research on new therapies. Through the analysis of published literature on this topic, it is verified that cannabinoids, in particular CBD, improves symptoms associated with common comorbidities in ASDs. Some studies also demonstrate the therapeutic potential of these compounds in the treatment of central symptoms of autism. In addition, cannabinoid therapy to ASDs is associated with low adverse effects and a reduction in concomitant medication. 
  • 1.1K
  • 13 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Dietary Supplements in Parkinson’s Disease
The use of food supplements or functional food has significantly increased in the past decades, especially to compensate both the modern lifestyle and the food shortages of the industrialized countries. Despite food supplements are habitually intended to correct nutritional deficiencies or to support specific physiological functions, they are often combined with common drug therapies to improve the patient’s health and/or mitigate the symptoms of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cystic fibrosis, cancer, liver and gastrointestinal diseases. In recent years, increased attentions are given to the patient’s diet, and the use of food supplements and functional food rich in vitamins and antioxidants plays a very important role in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Natural compounds, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals can prevent, delay, or alleviate the clinical symptoms of PD in contrast to some of the main physiopathological mechanisms involved in the development of the disease, like oxidative stress, free radical formation, and neuroinflammation.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Parkinson’s Disease and NRF2
NRF2 (Nuclear Factor-Erythroid 2 Like 2) is a transcription factor that orchestrates the cellular response to oxidative stress. The regulation of NRF2 signalling has been shown to be a promising strategy to modulate the progression of the neurodegeneration associated to Parkinson’s disease. The NRF2 pathway has been shown to be affected in patients with this disease, and activation of NRF2 has neuroprotective effects in preclinical models, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of this pathway.
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Wolfram Syndrome 1
Wolfram syndrome 1 (WS1) is a rare neurodegenerative disease transmitted in an autosomal recessive mode. It is characterized by diabetes insipidus (DI), diabetes mellitus (DM), optic atrophy (OA), and sensorineural hearing loss (D) (DIDMOAD). The clinical picture may be complicated by other symptoms, such as urinary tract, endocrinological, psychiatric, and neurological abnormalities. WS1 is caused by mutations in the WFS1 gene located on chromosome 4p16 that encodes a transmembrane protein named wolframin. Many studies have shown that wolframin regulates some mechanisms of ER calcium homeostasis and therefore plays a role in cellular apoptosis.
  • 1.1K
  • 28 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Regulation of Amylin and Secretases on Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease remains a prevailing neurodegenerative condition which has an array physical, emotional, and financial consequences to patients and society. Among these biomolecules, there are four modulatory mechanisms of interest: alpha-, beta-, gamma-secretases, and amylin. Thus, regulation of these might have a potential therapeutic function for treatment of AD.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Physiological and Molecular Differences in SMA NSCs
Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult nervous tissue were among the last to be identified and isolated in a living organism. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Evaluation Agency have recently approved new drugs to treat spinal muscular atrophy 1 (SMA1) in young patients, they are mostly ineffective in older patients since many motor neurons have already been lost. Therefore, understanding nervous system (NS) physiology in SMA patients is essential.
  • 1.1K
  • 12 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Neurodevelopmental Consequences of Pediatric Cancer
Cognitive impairment is frequent in pediatric cancer, and behavioral and psychological disturbances often also affect children who have survived cancer problems. Furthermore, pediatric tumors are also often associated with sleep disorders. 
  • 1.1K
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Aspirin Therapy, Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia
Dementia is associated with a greater burden of cardiovascular risk factors. There is a significant vascular contribution to dementia, and aspirin may play a role in targeting this vascular dysregulation via its anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effects. Aspirin has effects on the primary prevention of cognitive impairment and various subtypes of dementia, as well as its role in cognitive decline in certain subsets of patients, including those with cerebral small vessel disease (CVSD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and gender differences. Overall, the benefits of aspirin in preventing dementia and cognitive decline remain inconclusive. The majority of cohort studies investigating aspirin’s role in preventing cognitive decline or dementia looked promising, but this was not supported in most randomised controlled trials.
  • 1.1K
  • 01 Mar 2023
Topic Review Video
Inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative condition that affects over 20 million people around the world. It presents clinically as impairment of cognitive function and decision-making, memory loss, language difficulties and changes in behavior and personality. Neuronal loss and synaptic dysfunction are hallmarks of the disease. Detected microscopically within the brain are amyloid plaques formed by aggregation of amyloid β and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Increasing global concern has led to the allocation of extensive resources to study AD pathophysiology, but the understanding of its causes remains rudimentary, and the treatments are inadequate. Although AD causality is not clear, a key process observed in neurodegeneration in AD is the triggering of inflammatory cascades. 
  • 1.1K
  • 08 Jun 2023
Topic Review
CAMs in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Despite the progressive advances, current standards of treatments for peripheral nerve injury do not guarantee complete recovery. Thus, alternative therapeutic interventions should be considered. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are widely explored for their therapeutic value, but their potential use in peripheral nerve regeneration is underappreciated. Various CAMs enhanced proliferation and migration of Schwann cells in vitro, primarily through activation of MAPK pathway and FGF-2 signaling, respectively. Animal studies demonstrated the ability of CAMs to promote peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery, which are partially associated with modulations of neurotrophic factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and anti-apoptotic signaling. 
  • 1.1K
  • 15 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) target pathological thrombin, which is, like toxic tau and amyloid-ß proteins (Aß), an early hallmark of  Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Especially in hippocampal and neocortical areas, the release of parenchymal Aß into the blood induces thrombin and proinflammatory bradykinin synthesis by activating factor XII of the contact system. Thrombin promotes platelet aggregation and catalyzes conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, leading to degradation-resistant, Aß-containing fibrin clots. Together with oligomeric Aß, these clots trigger vessel constriction and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) with vessel occlusion and hemorrhages, leading to vascular and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. As consequences, brain blood flow, perfusion, and supply with oxygen (hypoxia) and nutrients decrease. In parenchymal tissue, hypoxia stimulates Aß synthesis, leading to Aß accumulation, which is further enhanced by BBB-impaired perivascular Aß clearance. Aß trigger neuronal damage and promote tau pathologies. BBB dysfunction enables thrombin and fibrin(ogen) to migrate into parenchymal tissue and to activate glial cells. Inflammation and continued Aß production are the results. Synapses and neurons die, and cognitive abilities are lost. DOACs block thrombin by inhibiting its activity (dabigatran) or production (FXa-inhibitors, e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban). Therefore, DOAC use could preserve vascular integrity and brain perfusion and, thereby, could counteract vascular-driven neuronal and cognitive decline in AD. 
  • 1.1K
  • 15 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Neuroprotective Potentials of Marine Algae and Bioactive Metabolites
Marine algae are considered to be a potential source of some unique metabolites with diverse health benefits. The pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol homeostasis, protein clearance and anti-amyloidogenic potentials of algal metabolites endorse their protective efficacy against oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired proteostasis which are known to be implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders and the associated complications after cerebral ischemia and brain injuries. 
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), the naturally occurring amide of ethanolamine and palmitic acid, is an endogenous lipid compound endowed with a plethora of pharmacological functions, including analgesic, neuroprotective, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory effects. The ability of formulations containing PEA in promoting oligodendrocyte differentiation, which represents the first step for the proper formation of myelin. This evidence opens new and promising research opportunities. White matter defects have been detected in a vast and heterogeneous group of diseases, including age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
  • 1.1K
  • 20 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Stress for the Brain
Alcohol use disorders (AUD) is defined by the loss of control over alcohol intake and chronic, compulsive, heavy alcohol use despite adverse consequences. Among patients seeking treatment for AUD, the proportion of patients at treatment entry endorsing the criteria for pharmacological dependence was 63% for tolerance and 14% for withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal (AW) syndrome is the combination of signs and symptoms occurring as soon as three to six hours after the last intake of alcohol in subjects with pharmacological dependence. The classical symptoms are tremor, perspiration, anxiety and adrenergic signs (hypertension, tachycardia). Untreated AW can lead to specific complications: delirium tremens (DT) and seizure. Several indirect complications of the adrenergic syndrome may also occur during an untreated AW syndrome as dehydration, cardiac failure or renal failure. Mortality reaches 8% in patients with AW syndrome hospitalized in intensive care units, because of any or the combination of those multiple organs complications. AW is still considered as a dangerous complication of undetected AUD during any surgery or medical inpatient treatment. 
  • 1.1K
  • 08 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Microglia Mediated Neuroinflammation and PI3K
Immune activation in the central nervous system involves mostly microglia in response to pathogen invasion or tissue damage, which react, promoting a self-limiting inflammatory response aimed to restore homeostasis. However, prolonged, uncontrolled inflammation may result in the production by microglia of neurotoxic factors that lead to the amplification of the disease state and tissue damage. In particular, specific inducers of inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases activate inflammatory processes that result in the production of a number of mediators and cytokines that enhance neurodegenerative processes. Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) constitute a family of enzymes regulating a wide range of activity, including signal transduction. 
  • 1.1K
  • 10 Jun 2021
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