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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.
  • 1.2K
  • 21 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Photobiostimulation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT), involves the use of light from a laser or light-emitting diode (LED) in the treatment of various disorders and it has recently gained increasing interest. Progressive neuronal loss with attendant consequences such as cognitive and/or motor decline characterize neurodegenerative diseases. The available therapeutic drugs have only been able to provide symptomatic relief and may also present with some side effects, thus precluding their use in treatment. There has been an exponential increase in interest and attention in the use of PBM as a therapy in various neurodegenerative diseases in animal studies. Because of the financial and social burden of neurodegenerative diseases on the sufferers and the need for the discovery of potential therapeutic inventions in their management, it is pertinent to examine the beneficial effects of PBM and the various cellular mechanisms by which it modulates neural activity.
  • 1.2K
  • 31 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation for Depression
The potential neuroprotective properties of Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation (TES) are possibly achieved through regulating neuroplasticity, neurotrophic expression, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, glutamate metabolism, and retinal blood flow. The putative neuroprotective effects of TES on mood control are supported by its shared mechanisms of action with current antidepressant treatments, including its neuroprotective effects against apoptosis and inflammation, as well as its ability to promote neurotrophic expression. This entry aims to discuss the neuromodulation potential of TES as a treatment for depressive disorders and the neuroprotective mechanisms of action that might contribute to the antidepressant-like responses.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Oct 2021
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. 
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Apr 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
Diagnosis of Intracranial Germinomas
Intracranial germinomas are rare tumours, usually affecting male paediatric patients. They frequently develop in the pineal and suprasellar regions, causing endocrinological disturbances, visual deficits, and increased intracranial pressure. The diagnosis is established on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers, and tumour stereotactic biopsy. Imaging techniques, such as susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), T2* (T2-star) gradient echo (GRE) or arterial spin labelling based perfusion-weighted MRI (ASL-PWI) facilitate the diagnosis.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 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
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
Determination of Anti-Neurodegenerative Disease Activity of Plant Compounds
Neurodegenerative diseases, among which one of the most common is Alzheimer’s disease, are a multifactorial disease and therefore demand multiple therapeutic approaches.  In the last few years, different active constituents from plants have been tested as potential drugs in neurodegenerative disease therapy. The availability, lower price and less toxic effects of herbal medicines compared with synthetic agents make them a simple and excellent choice in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The empirical approach to discovering new drugs from the systematic screening of plant extracts or plant-derived compounds is still an important strategy when it comes to finding new biologically active substances.
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Therapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and motor cortex. Muscle weakness and degradation at 2–5 years after the onset of symptoms can result in fatal muscle dystrophy, paralysis, and death. Most ALS cases (90–95%) occur sporadically with no clearly related risk factors, while approximately 5–10% of ALS cases are considered to be hereditary, attributed to various mutations in specific genes.
  • 1.1K
  • 19 Jul 2021
Topic Review
New Pharmacotherapies in Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain, which is characterized by abnormal sensory processing due to nerve damage or dysfunction, often poses challenges in finding effective and well-tolerated therapies. Traditional analgesics, such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may provide limited relief or be associated with significant side effects. The investigation into new drug targets and emerging pharmacotherapies in neuropathic pain could be of great interest in enhancing pain management and improving patient outcomes. In the context of neuropathic pain, repurposing drugs gained attention as a promising strategy for discovering novel treatment options. Repurposing drugs for neuropathic pain offers several advantages in the drug development process.
  • 1.1K
  • 05 Jul 2023
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
Migraine and Diets
Migraine ranks among the most prevalent neurological conditions, is a major cause of socio-economic and health problems worldwide, and affects approximately 12% of the population. Repeated migraine attacks can make sufferers physically, mentally, and socially incapacitated for several days. Nutrition and dietary triggers may be an important factor in migraine prevention since it is known that migraine attacks can be triggered by certain dietary compounds.
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Oct 2023
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
MiR in Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with an increasing incidence and a 2–20% prevalence in the worldwide general population, being the leading cause of disability around the world. A significant decrease in life quality, functional impairment, and other psychosocial aspects, as well as comorbidities are associated with MDD, among others.
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Nov 2021
Topic Review
N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptors
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a ligand-gated ionotropic glutamate receptor that selectively binds with NMDA for neurotransmission.
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Dec 2021
Topic Review
ACE2 as Link between COVID-19 and Parkinson’s Disease
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is frequently accompanied by neurological manifestations such as headache, delirium, and epileptic seizures, whereas ageusia and anosmia may appear before respiratory symptoms. Among the various neurological COVID-19-related comorbidities, Parkinson’s disease (PD) has gained increasing attention. Some cases of PD disease have been linked to COVID-19, and both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients frequently worsen following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although it is unclear whether PD increases the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection or whether COVID-19 increases the risk of or unmasks future cases of PD, emerging evidence sheds more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between these two diseases. Among them, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a significant component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), seems to play a pivotal role. ACE2 is required for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 to the human host cells, and ACE2 dysregulation is implicated in the severity of COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ACE2 imbalance is implicated in core shared pathophysiological mechanisms between PD and COVID-19, including aberrant inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. ACE2 may also be implicated in alpha-synuclein-induced dopaminergic degeneration, gut–brain axis dysregulation, blood–brain axis disruption, autonomic dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and hyposmia, which are key features of PD.
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Ontogeny of Central Nervous System Border-Associated Macrophages
Being immune privileged, the central nervous system (CNS) is populated by unique parenchymal and non-parenchymal tissue-resident macrophages, namely, microglia and border-associated macrophages (BAMs), respectively. BAMs are found in the choroid plexus, meningeal and perivascular spaces, playing critical roles in maintaining CNS homeostasis while being phenotypically and functionally distinct from microglial cells. Although the ontogeny of microglia has been largely determined, BAMs need comparable scrutiny as they have been discovered and have not been thoroughly explored. Shedding light on the molecular cues and drivers orchestrating BAM generation is essential for delineating their cellular identity. BAMs are receiving more attention since they are gradually incorporated into neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disease evaluations. Understanding the ontogeny of BAMs and their involvement in CNS diseases paves the way for targeted therapeutic strategies and precision medicine.
  • 1.1K
  • 17 May 2023
Topic Review
Epidemiology of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition with numerous etiologies and treatment options. In a subset of these patients, sudden unexpected death can occur, and to date, there are numerous explanations as to the pathophysiological mechanisms and how to mitigate these catastrophic outcomes. Approximately 2.3 million Americans have epilepsy, and nearly 150,000 people develop the condition each year. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) accounts for 2–18% of all epilepsy-related deaths and this is equivalent to one death in 1000 person-years of diagnosed epilepsy. It is more common in young adults aged 20–45. Seizures in the past year; the absence of terminal remission in the last five years; increased seizure frequency, particularly GTCS; and nocturnal seizures are the most potent modifiable risk factors for SUDEP. Patients not receiving any antiepileptic drug therapy are at higher risk of SUDEP. Patient education on medication compliance; care plans for seizure clusters (rescue medicines); epilepsy self-management programs; and lifestyle changes to avoid seizure-triggering factors, including avoiding excessive alcohol use and sleep deprivation, should be provided by health care providers. Continued research into SUDEP will hopefully lead to effective interventions to minimize occurrences.
  • 1.1K
  • 02 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Therapeutic Efficacies of Berberine against Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders refer to any dysfunctions of the nervous system, and mainly include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), dementia, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and brain tumor. The burden of deaths and disabilities caused by neurological disorders has been increasing dramatically, ranking it as the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2040, as many developed countries’ populations age, neurological disorders will overtake cancer to become the second leading cause of death worldwide. Nevertheless, there is no treatment that can cure neurological disorders, and the current treatments mainly target the amelioration of symptoms. Berberine, a natural alkaloid, is mainly isolated from Coptis chinensis, Berberis vulgaris, Hydrastis canadensis, and Phellodendron amurense. For over a thousand years, these herbs have been used for treating diarrhea without any obvious side effects in patients. With the advances of pharmacological research, BBR has been considered as a promising multitarget drug (MTD) for treating neurological disorders.
  • 1.1K
  • 07 Mar 2022
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