Summary

Neurodegeneration refers to the progressive loss of neuron structure or function, which may eventually lead to cell death. Many neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and prion disease, are the results of neurodegenerative processes. Neurodegeneration can be found in many different levels of neuronal circuits in the brain, from molecules to systems. Since there is no known method to reverse the progressive degeneration of neurons, these diseases are considered incurable. Biomedical research has revealed many similarities between these diseases at the subcellular level, including atypical protein assembly (such as protein diseases) and induction of cell death. These similarities indicate that progress in the treatment of one neurodegenerative disease may also improve other diseases. This collection of entries aims to collect various medical research results related to neurodegeneration. We invite researchers to share their new results and ideas related to neurodegeneration.

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Entries
Topic Review
Reactive Gliosis in Occupational Brain Injuries
An occupational injury describes any injury or illness to a worker as related to their specific work/occupational demands or requirement. It is often a life-altering event that is also considered a form of disability, which is covered under the provisions of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Occupational injuries and toxicant exposures, particularly to the brain, can lead to the development of neuroinflammation by activating distinct mechanistic signaling cascades that ultimately culminate in the disruption of neuronal function leading to neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. The entry of toxicants into the brain causes the subsequent activation of glial cells, a response known as ‘reactive gliosis.’ Gliosis, a “reactive” state of glia, is a pathological hallmark of all types of central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Advancements in the field of neuroscience, including techniques for high throughput gene expression analysis, morphometric analysis, cytokine and chemokine analysis, advances in neuroimaging and cellular microscopy, have helped identify the possible molecular and neural targets associated with occupational injury or toxicant exposure, bringing the neuroinflammation perspective into place for the implication of gliosis and subsequent progression of neural injury in conditions like TBI and neurodegenerative diseases like AD, PD, CJD, ALS, and MS.
  • 819
  • 09 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Apelinergic System in Brain Diseases
Apelin, a peptide initially isolated from bovine stomach extract, is an endogenous ligand for the Apelin Receptor (APLNR). Subsequently, a second peptide, ELABELA, that can bind to the receptor has been identified. The Apelin receptor and its endogenous ligands are widely distributed in mammalian organs. A growing body of evidence suggests that this system participates in various signalling cascades that can regulate cell proliferation, blood pressure, fluid homeostasis, feeding behaviour, and pituitary hormone release. Additional research has been done to elucidate the system’s potential role in neurogenesis, the pathophysiology of Glioblastoma multiforme, and the protective effects of apelin peptides on some neurological and psychiatric disorders-ischemic stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease. Mounting evidence suggests that the apelinergic system is a prominent player in the pathogenesis of different neuronal and mental diseases, such as stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s, among others.
  • 346
  • 03 Feb 2023
Topic Review
mtUPR in Primary and Secondary Mitochondrial Diseases
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key pathological event in many diseases. Its role in energy production, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis regulation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance render mitochondria essential for cell survival and fitness. However, there are no effective treatments for most primary and secondary mitochondrial diseases to this day. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches, such as the modulation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR), are being explored. mtUPRs englobe several compensatory processes related to proteostasis and antioxidant system mechanisms. mtUPR activation, through an overcompensation for mild intracellular stress, promotes cell homeostasis and improves lifespan and disease alterations in biological models of mitochondrial dysfunction in age-related diseases, cardiopathies, metabolic disorders, and primary mitochondrial diseases. Although mtUPR activation is a promising therapeutic option for many pathological conditions, its activation could promote tumor progression in cancer patients, and its overactivation could lead to non-desired side effects, such as the increased heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA mutations. Researchers present the most recent data about mtUPR modulation as a therapeutic approach, its role in diseases, and its potential negative consequences in specific pathological situations.
  • 484
  • 07 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Molecular Progression of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability among children and adults in America. In addition, the acute morbidity caused by TBI is implicated in the development of devastating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative sequela. TBI is associated with the development of a neurodegenerative condition termed ‘Punch Drunk syndrome’ or ‘dementia pugilistica’, and the more renamed ‘chronic traumatic encephalopathy’. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by a single or repetitive blow to the head. CTE was first described in boxers and was later found to be associated with other contact sports and military combat. It is defined by a constellation of symptoms consisting of mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and memory loss with or without sensorimotor changes. It is also a Tauopathy characterized by the deposition of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein in the form of neurofibrillary tangles, astrocytoma tangles, and abnormal neurites found in clusters around small vessels, typically at the sulcal depths. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutaminergic toxicity caused due to the insult play a role in developing this pathology. Additionally, the changes in the brain due to aging also plays an important role in the development of this condition. 
  • 421
  • 31 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Cognitive Decline and Dementia in Common Cardiac Disorders
Acute and chronic cardiac disorders predispose to alterations in cognitive performance, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to overt dementia. Dysregulated and persistent inflammatory processes have been implicated as potentially causal mediators of the adverse consequences on brain function in patients with cardiac disease.
  • 295
  • 31 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Effects of Magnetic Nanomaterials on Biological Neural signals
By sending electrical, optical, chemical, auditory, or magnetic stimuli to specific neural tissue, a process known as neuromodulation may be used to alter neuronal activity. Through active research efforts, the development of nanotechnology has recently revolutionized neuromodulation techniques. On the one hand, the adaptable nano-science toolbox promoted neuromodulation techniques that were previously associated with huge devices toward shrunk devices with soft mechanics, closely packed components, and long-lasting performance. The neurological issue may be seamlessly integrated with these nanoscale instruments due to their enhanced spatial resolution and precise targeting capabilities. In addition, magnetic nanoparticles represent a significant aspect of magnetic neuromodulation development. Deep brain stimulation is possible with the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles, which can be delivered to the brain and controlled remotely. Additionally, by regulating certain ion channels, force-generating or heat-dissipating super-paramagnetic nanoparticles can be employed for wireless neuromodulation. Specific cells’ ion channels are targeted by taking advantage of their inherent functionality or via genetic modification. Magnetic nanoparticles’ magnetic forces activate mechanosensitive channels, such as TREK1 and Piezo1, and magnetic nanoparticles that produce heat in response to an external alternating magnetic field can activate heat-sensitive ion channels, such as TRPV1.
  • 481
  • 30 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Mitochondrial Disorders
Mitochondrial disorders represent a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders with variations in severity and clinical outcomes, mostly characterized by respiratory chain dysfunction and abnormal mitochondrial function. More specifically, mutations in the human synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 (SCO2) gene, encoding the mitochondrial inner membrane Sco2 cytochrome c oxidase (COX) assembly protein, have been implicated in the mitochondrial disorder fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy with COX deficiency. 
  • 598
  • 28 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous category of developmental psychiatric disorders which is characterized by inadequate social interaction, less communication, and repetitive phenotype behavior. ASD is comorbid with various types of disorders. The reported prevalence is 1% in the United Kingdom, 1.5% in the United States, and ~0.2% in India. The natural anti-inflammatory agents on brain development are linked to interaction with many types of inflammatory pathways affected by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental variables. Inflammatory targeting pathways have already been linked to ASD. However, these routes are diluted, and new strategies are being developed in natural anti-inflammatory medicines to treat ASD. 
  • 390
  • 02 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Aberrant Vascular System in Neurovascular-Related Diseases
Bidirectional communication between neurons and non-neuronal cells, including glia, plays a role in the pathogenesis of neural diseases. Recent findings have suggested that aberrant vascularization and vascular systems may also be involved in the development of neurodevelopmental diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.
  • 469
  • 19 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Redox-Active Metals in Dopaminergic Neuronal Death
Biometals are all metal ions that are essential for all living organisms. About 40% of all enzymes with known structures require biometals to function correctly. The main target of damage by biometals is the central nervous system (CNS). Biometal dysregulation (metal deficiency or overload) is related to pathological processes. Chronic occupational and environmental exposure to biometals, including iron and copper, is related to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD). Indeed, biometals have been shown to induce a dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra. Although the etiology of PD is still unknown, oxidative stress dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibition of both the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy are related to dopaminergic neuronal death.
  • 562
  • 02 Feb 2023
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