scholarly journals Brain Physiology and Pathophysiology in Mental Stress

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Alkadhi
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Brain Physiology ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Exposure to various forms of stress is a common daily occurrence in the lives of most individuals, with both positive and negative effects on brain function. The impact of stress is strongly influenced by the type and duration of the stressor. In its acute form, stress may be a necessary adaptive mechanism for survival and with only transient changes within the brain. However, severe and/or prolonged stress causes overactivation and dysregulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis thus inflicting detrimental changes in the brain structure and function. Therefore, chronic stress is often considered a negative modulator of the cognitive functions including the learning and memory processes. Exposure to long-lasting stress diminishes health and increases vulnerability to mental disorders. In addition, stress exacerbates functional changes associated with various brain disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide an overview for neuroscientists who are seeking a concise account of the effects of stress on learning and memory and associated signal transduction mechanisms. This review discusses chronic mental stress and its detrimental effects on various aspects of brain functions including learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, and cognition-related signaling enabled via key signal transduction molecules.

scholarly journals NG2 glia regulate brain innate immunity via TGF-β2/TGFBR2 axis

BMC Medicine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-zhen Zhang ◽  
Qin-qin Wang ◽  
Qiao-qiao Yang ◽  
Huan-yu Gu ◽  
Yan-qing Yin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Innate Immunity ◽  
Diphtheria Toxin ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Lps Challenge ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background Brain innate immunity is vital for maintaining normal brain functions. Immune homeostatic imbalances play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the regulation of brain innate immunity and their significance in PD pathogenesis are still largely unknown. Methods Cre-inducible diphtheria toxin receptor (iDTR) and diphtheria toxin-mediated cell ablation was performed to investigate the impact of neuron-glial antigen 2 (NG2) glia on the brain innate immunity. RNA sequencing analysis was carried out to identify differentially expressed genes in mouse brain with ablated NG2 glia and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice were used to evaluate neuroinflammatory response in the presence or absence of NG2 glia. The survival of dopaminergic neurons or glial cell activation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Co-cultures of NG2 glia and microglia were used to examine the influence of NG2 glia to microglial activation. Results We show that NG2 glia are required for the maintenance of immune homeostasis in the brain via transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2)-TGF-β type II receptor (TGFBR2)-CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) signaling, which suppresses the activation of microglia. We demonstrate that mice with ablated NG2 glia display a profound downregulation of the expression of microglia-specific signature genes and remarkable inflammatory response in the brain following exposure to endotoxin lipopolysaccharides. Gain- or loss-of-function studies show that NG2 glia-derived TGF-β2 and its receptor TGFBR2 in microglia are key regulators of the CX3CR1-modulated immune response. Furthermore, deficiency of NG2 glia contributes to neuroinflammation and nigral dopaminergic neuron loss in MPTP-induced mouse PD model. Conclusions These findings suggest that NG2 glia play a critical role in modulation of neuroinflammation and provide a compelling rationale for the development of new therapeutics for neurological disorders.

scholarly journals Regulatory Roles of Bone in Neurodegenerative Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengran Yu ◽  
Zemin Ling ◽  
Lin Lu ◽  
Jin Zhao ◽  
Xiang Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Lymphoid Organ ◽  
The Body ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases are two kinds of common disorders of the elderly, which often co-occur. Previous studies have shown the skeletal and central nervous systems are closely related to pathophysiology. As the main structural scaffold of the body, the bone is also a reservoir for stem cells, a primary lymphoid organ, and an important endocrine organ. It can interact with the brain through various bone-derived cells, mostly the mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The bone marrow is also a place for generating immune cells, which could greatly influence brain functions. Finally, the proteins secreted by bones (osteokines) also play important roles in the growth and function of the brain. This article reviews the latest research studying the impact of bone-derived cells, bone-controlled immune system, and bone-secreted proteins on the brain, and evaluates how these factors are implicated in the progress of neurodegenerative diseases and their potential use in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

scholarly journals The Role of Dietary Antioxidants in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Their Impact on Cerebral Oxidoreductive Balance

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Winiarska-Mieczan ◽  
Ewa Baranowska-Wójcik ◽  
Małgorzata Kwiecień ◽  
Eugeniusz R. Grela ◽  
Dominik Szwajgier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Functional Disorders ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Diet Supplements ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain ◽  
All Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive diseases of the nervous system that lead to neuron loss or functional disorders. Neurodegenerative diseases require long-term, sometimes life-long pharmacological treatment, which increases the risk of adverse effects and a negative impact of pharmaceuticals on the patients’ general condition. One of the main problems related to the treatment of this type of condition is the limited ability to deliver drugs to the brain due to their poor solubility, low bioavailability, and the effects of the blood-brain barrier. Given the above, one of the main objectives of contemporary scientific research focuses on the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. As disorders related to the competence of the antioxidative system are a marker in all diseases of this type, the primary prophylactics should entail the use of exogenous antioxidants, particularly ones that can be used over extended periods, regardless of the patient’s age, and that are easily available, e.g., as part of a diet or as diet supplements. The paper analyzes the significance of the oxidoreductive balance in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Based on information published globally in the last 10 years, an analysis is also provided with regard to the impact of exogenous antioxidants on brain functions with respect to the prevention of this type of diseases.

scholarly journals Current Paradigms to Explore the Gut Microbiota Linkage to Neurological Disorders

EMJ Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 68-79
Author(s):  
Varruchi Sharma ◽  
Atul Sankhyan ◽  
Anshika Varshney ◽  
Renuka Choudhary ◽  
Anil K. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Intervention Strategy ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Communication Link ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Current Review ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

It has been suggested that an intricate communication link exists between the gut microbiota and the brain and its ability to modulate behaviour of an individual governing homeostasis. Metabolic activity of the microbiota is considered to be relatively constant in healthy individuals, despite differences in the composition of microbiota. The metabolites produced by gut microbiota and their homeostatic balance is often perturbed as a result of neurological complications. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to explore the link between gut microbiota and brain function and behaviour through neural, endocrine, and immune pathways. This current review focusses on the impact of altered gut microbiota on brain functions and how microbiome modulation by use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics might prove beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of neurological disorders. It is important to carefully understand the complex mechanisms underlying the gut–brain axis so as to use the gut microbiota as a therapeutic intervention strategy for neurological disorders.

scholarly journals Changes in Fatty Acid Dietary Profile Affect the Brain–Gut Axis Functions of Healthy Young Adult Rats in a Sex-Dependent Manner

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1864
Author(s):  
Damian Jacenik ◽  
Ana Bagüés ◽  
Laura López-Gómez ◽  
Yolanda López-Tofiño ◽  
Amaia Iriondo-DeHond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Soy Oil ◽  
Evening Primrose ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Fa Composition ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Dietary modifications, including those affecting dietary fat and its fatty acid (FA) composition, may be involved in the development of brain–gut axis disorders, with different manifestations in males and females. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of three purified diets with different FA composition on the brain–gut axis in rats of both sexes. Male and female Wistar rats fed a cereal-based standard diet from weaning were used. At young adult age (2–3 months old), animals were divided into three groups and treated each with a different refined diet for 6 weeks: a control group fed on AIN-93G diet containing 7% soy oil (SOY), and two groups fed on AIN-93G modified diets with 3.5% soy oil replaced by 3.5% coconut oil (COCO) or 3.5% evening primrose oil (EP). Different brain–gut axis parameters were evaluated during 4–6 weeks of dietary intervention. Compared with SOY diet (14% saturated FAs, and 58% polyunsaturated FAs), COCO diet (52.2% saturated FAs and 30% polyunsaturated FAs) produced no changes in brain functions and minor gastrointestinal modifications, whereas EP diet (11.1% saturated FAs and 70.56% polyunsaturated FAs) tended to decrease self-care behavior and colonic propulsion in males, and significantly increased exploratory behavior, accelerated gastrointestinal transit, and decreased cecum and fecal pellet density in females. Changes in FA composition, particularly an increase in ω-6 polyunsaturated FAs, seem to facilitate the development of brain–gut axis alterations in a sex-dependent manner, with a relatively higher risk in females.

The impact of MENA-to-EU migration in the context of demographic change

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
FRÉDÉRIC DOCQUIER ◽  
LUCA MARCHIORI
Keyword(s):  
Brain Drain ◽  
Tax Rates ◽  
Education Attainment ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Income Per Capita ◽  
Moderate Reduction ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Detrimental Impact ◽  
The Brain

AbstractWe analyze the consequences of increasing MENA-to-EU migration on both sending and receiving regions. Using a general equilibrium model, we find that increasing MENA-to-EU migration generates significant changes in EU15 tax rates and income per capita. Compared to a non-selective immigration shock, selecting immigrants leads to a moderate reduction in tax rates, but to a greater impact on income per capita in the EU15. Emigration, especially if high-skilled, has a detrimental impact on MENA tax rates. Finally, the negative effects in MENA are mitigated if the brain drain leads to side-effects or is accompanied by increased education attainment at origin.

scholarly journals Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity by Vibratory Training in Young and Old Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Ida Cariati ◽  
Roberto Bonanni ◽  
Gabriele Pallone ◽  
Giuseppe Annino ◽  
Virginia Tancredi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Vibration Frequency ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
The Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Brain

In the past 40 years, scientific research has shown how Whole Body Vibration concept represents a strong stimulus for the whole organism. Low (<30 Hz), medium (30–80 Hz), and high (>80 Hz) frequency vibrations can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the oscillation type and duration of exposure to which the body is subjected. However, very little is known about the effects of vibratory training on the brain. In this regard, we verified whether three vibratory training protocols, differing in terms of vibration frequency and exposure time to vibration, could modulate synaptic plasticity in an experimental mouse model, by extracellular recordings in vitro in hippocampal slices of mice of 4 and 24 months old. Our results showed that vibratory training can modulate synaptic plasticity differently, depending on the protocol used, and that the best effects are related to the training protocol characterized by a low vibration frequency and a longer recovery time. Future studies will aim to understand the brain responses to various types of vibratory training and to explore the underlying mechanisms, also evaluating the presence of any structural and functional changes due to vibratory training.

Exercise and the brain in multiple sclerosis

2020 ◽  
pp. 135245852096909
Author(s):  
Brian M Lozinski ◽  
V Wee Yong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

While people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) historically were advised to avoid physical activity to reduce symptoms such as fatigue, they are now encouraged to remain active and to enlist in programs of exercise. However, despite an extensive current literature that exercise not only increases physical well-being but also their cognition and mental health, many PwMS are not meeting recommended levels of exercise. Here, we emphasize the impact and mechanisms of exercise on functional and structural changes to the brain, including improved connectome, neuroprotection, neurogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, and remyelination. We review evidence from animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) that exercise protects and repairs the brain, and provide supportive data from clinical studies of PwMS. We introduce the concept of MedXercise, where exercise provides a brain milieu particularly conducive for a brain regenerative medication to act upon. The emphasis on exercise improving brain functions and repair should incentivize PwMS to remain physically active.

scholarly journals The Impact of Meditation on the Cognitive Functions of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Clara Lopes Rezende ◽  
Mariana Vanon Moreira ◽  
Bárbara Gomes Muffato ◽  
Yves Henrique Faria Dias ◽  
Ana Luíza Badini Tubenchlak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Improve Sleep Quality ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Positive Effect

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, which has no cure and, also, effective therapies to prevent or slow the progression of AD remain elusive. Thus, it is necessary to find another way to treat this disease Objective: Investigate the impact of meditation on the cognitive function of patients with AD. Methods: In April 2021, a systematic review was carried out on MEDLINE using the descriptors: “Meditation” and “Alzheimer Disease” and their variations. Studies published in the last 10 years and in English were included. Results: Of the 40 articles found, four are part of this review. It was showed that meditation generates improvements in memory as it increases cerebral blood flow, stabilizes synapses and elevates important neurotransmitters. Aligned, it can improve sleep quality and retrospective memory function. Furthermore, daily practices help in neuropsychological conditions and generate beneficial changes in brain structure and function. Finally, it provokes changes in the brain network, such as the increased power of the theta band, involved in memory processes. Conclusion: The results imply a positive effect of meditation on patients with AD. However, further research is needed to confirm the validity of the results.

scholarly journals The Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) raises Cholesterol Levels in the Brain and affects Presenilin-mediated Gene Regulation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Oestereich ◽  
Noosha Yousefpour ◽  
Ethan Yang ◽  
Alfredo Ribeiro-da-Silva ◽  
Pierre Chaurand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cholesteryl Ester ◽  
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein ◽  
Cholesterol Metabolism ◽  
High Cholesterol Diet ◽  
Transfer Protein ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Ldl Particles ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThe cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a lipid transfer protein responsible for the exchange of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides between lipoproteins. Decreased CETP activity is associated with longevity, cardiovascular health, and maintenance of good cognitive performance. Interestingly, mice lack the CETP-encoding gene and have very low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles compared to humans. To understand how CETP activity affects the brain, we utilised CETP transgenic (CETPtg) mice showing elevated LDL levels on a high cholesterol diet inducing CETP expression. We found that CETPtg mice had up to 25% higher cholesterol levels in the brain. Using a microarray on astrocyte-derived mRNA, we found that this cholesterol increase is likely not due to astrocytic-dependent de novo synthesis of cholesterol. Rather, several genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease were altered in CETPtg mice. Most interestingly, we found activation of the G-protein coupled receptor EP4 and γ-secretase as upstream regulators of these transcriptional changes. Further in vitro studies showed that CETP expression was sufficient to activate γ-secretase activity. The data suggest that CETP activity affects brain’s health through modulating cholesterol levels and Alzheimer’s-related pathways. Therefore, CETPtg mice constitute a valuable research tool to investigate the impact of the cholesterol metabolism on brain functions.

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