scholarly journals ROS and Brain Diseases: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurel Popa-Wagner ◽  
Smaranda Mitran ◽  
Senthilkumar Sivanesan ◽  
Edwin Chang ◽  
Ana-Maria Buga
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Ros Scavenging ◽  
Neuronal Structure ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Diseases ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

The brain is a major metabolizer of oxygen and yet has relatively feeble protective antioxidant mechanisms. This paper reviews the Janus-faced properties of reactive oxygen species. It will describe the positive aspects of moderately induced ROS but it will also outline recent research findings concerning the impact of oxidative and nitrooxidative stress on neuronal structure and function in neuropsychiatric diseases, including major depression. A common denominator of all neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia and ADHD is an increased inflammatory response of the brain caused either by an exposure to proinflammatory agents during development or an accumulation of degenerated neurons, oxidized proteins, glycated products, or lipid peroxidation in the adult brain. Therefore, modulation of the prooxidant-antioxidant balance provides a therapeutic option which can be used to improve neuroprotection in response to oxidative stress. We also discuss the neuroprotective role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) in the aged brain in response to oxidative stressors and nanoparticle-mediated delivery of ROS-scavenging drugs. The antioxidant therapy is a novel therapeutic strategy. However, the available drugs have pleiotropic actions and are not fully characterized in the clinic. Additional clinical trials are needed to assess the risks and benefits of antioxidant therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Stem cell application in neurorehabilitation

2020 ◽  
pp. 169-184
Author(s):  
Sebastian Jessberger ◽  
Armin Curt ◽  
Roger A. Barker
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Proper Function ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Diseases ◽  
Brain And Spinal Cord ◽  
The Brain

A number of diseases of the brain and spinal cord are associated with substantial neural cell death and/or disruption of correct and functional neural networks. In the past, a variety of therapeutic strategies to rescue these systems have been proposed along with agents to induce functional plasticity within the remaining central nervous system (CNS) structures. In the case of injury or neurodegenerative disease these approaches have only met with limited success, indicating the need for novel approaches to treat diseases of the adult CNS. Recently, the idea of recruiting endogenous or transplanting stem cells to replace lost structures within the adult brain or spinal cord has gained significant attention, along with in situ reprogramming, and opened up novel therapeutic avenues in the context of regenerative medicine. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of how endogenous stem cells may be a part of pathological processes in certain neuropsychiatric diseases and summarize recent clinical and preclinical data suggesting that stem cell-based therapies hold great promise as a future treatment option in a number of diseases disrupting the proper function of the adult CNS.

scholarly journals Sex and Gender Differences in Central Nervous System-Related Disorders

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuela Zagni ◽  
Lucia Simoni ◽  
Delia Colombo
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Neuronal Structure ◽  
Clinical Literature ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Psychosocial Influences ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Or Genes ◽  
The Brain

There are important sex differences in the brain that seem to arise from biology as well as psychosocial influences. Sex differences in several aspects of human behavior and cognition have been reported. Gonadal sex steroids or genes found on sex chromosomes influence sex differences in neuroanatomy, neurochemistry and neuronal structure, and connectivity. There has been some resistance to accept that sex differences in the human brain exist and have biological relevance; however, a few years ago, it has been recommended by the USA National Institute of Mental Health to incorporate sex as a variable in experimental and clinical neurological and psychiatric studies. We here review the clinical literature on sex differences in pain and neurological and psychiatric diseases, with the aim to further stimulate interest in sexual dimorphisms in the brain and brain diseases, possibly encouraging more research in the field of the implications of sex differences for treating these conditions.

scholarly journals Interplay between Metabolism, Nutrition and Epigenetics in Shaping Brain DNA Methylation, Neural Function and Behavior

Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommaso Pizzorusso ◽  
Paola Tognini
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Cytosine Methylation ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Neural Function ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Dna Hydroxymethylation ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Gene expression in the brain is dramatically regulated by a variety of stimuli. While the role of neural activity has been extensively studied, less is known about the effects of metabolism and nutrition on transcriptional control mechanisms in the brain. Extracellular signals are integrated at the chromatin level through dynamic modifications of epigenetic marks, which in turn fine-tune gene transcription. In the last twenty years, it has become clear that epigenetics plays a crucial role in modulating central nervous system functions and finally behavior. Here, we will focus on the effect of metabolic signals in shaping brain DNA methylation, both during development and adulthood. We will provide an overview of maternal nutrition effects on brain methylation and behavior in offspring. In addition, the impact of different diet challenges on cytosine methylation dynamics in the adult brain will be discussed. Finally, the possible role played by the metabolic status in modulating DNA hydroxymethylation, which is particularly abundant in neural tissue, will be considered.

scholarly journals TMS-Induced Controlled BBB Opening: Preclinical Characterization and Implications for Treatment of Brain Cancer

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 946
Author(s):  
Udi Vazana ◽  
Lior Schori ◽  
Uri Monsonego ◽  
Evyatar Swissa ◽  
Gabriel S. Pell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
High Amplitude ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Safety Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Bbb Opening

Proper neuronal function requires strict maintenance of the brain’s extracellular environment. Therefore, passage of molecules between the circulation and brain neuropil is tightly regulated by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). While the BBB is vital for normal brain function, it also restricts the passage of drugs, potentially effective in treating brain diseases, into the brain. Despite previous attempts, there is still an unmet need to develop novel approaches that will allow safe opening of the BBB for drug delivery. We have recently shown in experimental rodents and in a pilot human trial that low-frequency, high-amplitude repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) allows the delivery of peripherally injected fluorescent and Gd-based tracers into the brain. The goals of this study were to characterize the duration and safety level of rTMS-induced BBB opening and test its capacity to enhance the delivery of the antitumor growth agent, insulin-like growth factor trap, across the BBB. We employed direct vascular and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as electrocorticography recordings, to assess the impact of rTMS on brain vascular permeability and electrical activity, respectively. Our findings indicate that rTMS induces a transient and safe BBB opening with a potential to facilitate drug delivery into the brain.

scholarly journals IGF1R Deficiency Modulates Brain Signaling Pathways and Disturbs Mitochondria and Redox Homeostasis

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Susana Cardoso ◽  
Icíar López ◽  
Sergio Piñeiro-Hermida ◽  
José Pichel ◽  
Paula Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Respiratory Chain Complexes ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Chain Complexes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R)-mediated signaling pathways modulate important neurophysiological aspects in the central nervous system, including neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and complex cognitive functions. In the present study, we intended to characterize the impact of IGF1R deficiency in the brain, focusing on PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways and mitochondria-related parameters. For this purpose, we used 13-week-old UBC-CreERT2; Igf1rfl/fl male mice in which Igf1r was conditionally deleted. IGF1R deficiency caused a decrease in brain weight as well as the activation of the IR/PI3K/Akt and inhibition of the MAPK/ERK1/2/CREB signaling pathways. Despite no alterations in the activity of caspases 3 and 9, a significant alteration in phosphorylated GSK3β and an increase in phosphorylated Tau protein levels were observed. In addition, significant disturbances in mitochondrial dynamics and content and altered activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes were noticed. An increase in oxidative stress, characterized by decreased nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) protein levels and aconitase activity and increased H2O2 levels were also found in the brain of IGF1R-deficient mice. Overall, our observations confirm the complexity of IGF1R in mediating brain signaling responses and suggest that its deficiency negatively impacts brain cells homeostasis and survival by affecting mitochondria and redox homeostasis.

scholarly journals Physical Activity vs. Redox Balance in the Brain: Brain Health, Aging and Diseases

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Paweł Sutkowy ◽  
Alina Woźniak ◽  
Celestyna Mila-Kierzenkowska ◽  
Karolina Szewczyk-Golec ◽  
Roland Wesołowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Redox Balance ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Antidepressant Effect ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Health Aging ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

It has been proven that physical exercise improves cognitive function and memory, has an analgesic and antidepressant effect, and delays the aging of the brain and the development of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. There are even attempts to use physical activity in the treatment of mental diseases. The course of most diseases is strictly associated with oxidative stress, which can be prevented or alleviated with regular exercise. It has been proven that physical exercise helps to maintain the oxidant–antioxidant balance. In this review, we present the current knowledge on redox balance in the organism and the consequences of its disruption, while focusing mainly on the brain. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of physical activity on aging and brain diseases, and present current recommendations and directions for further research in this area.

scholarly journals The impact of child care on child development in daycare and at home

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-294
Author(s):  
Archie Arman Dwiyatna ◽  
◽  
Irwanto Irwanto ◽  
Yunias Setiawati ◽  
Indrayuni Lukitra Wardhani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Volume ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Working Parents ◽  
Continuous Evaluation ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Insufficient Amount ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain ◽  
At Home

Background: The insufficient amount of time allocated by working parents is one of the causes of reduced interaction between parents and children. Consequently, the solution of entrusting children to daycare centres remains a choice. The development of children aged 3–72 months is extremely significant because the brain volume develops to reach 95% of the adult brain volume. This makes the stimulation provided by caregivers extremely important. This study aimed to identify differences in the development of children entrusted to daycare centres compared to the home care. Methods: The study was performed in Surabaya, Indonesia. The total sample was divided into 2 groups of children aged 3–72 months, one group was cared for at home, and the other in the daycare setting. The subjects were assessed using Indonesia’s Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire (PDQ) to determine their development. The assessment was conducted twice, with the second evaluation taking place 6 months after the first analysis. Results: We analysed data from 193 children. The children cared for at home differed significantly (53.3%) from the children entrusted to daycare centres (38.8%) in the first assessment, while in the second assessment 44.4% of the former group experienced a disruption of their personal-social skills, compared 38.8% in the latter. Gross motor and speech-language skills changed significantly improved in 6 months’ evaluations. Conclusion: There were no differences between the development of children being cared for at home and those that were entrusted to daycare centres over 6 months of continuous evaluation.

scholarly journals Adenosine A2A Receptors as Biomarkers of Brain Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Moreira-de-Sá ◽  
Vanessa S. Lourenço ◽  
Paula M. Canas ◽  
Rodrigo A. Cunha
Keyword(s):  
Neuronal Damage ◽  
Brain Dysfunction ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Glutamate Excitotoxicity ◽  
Early Event ◽  
A2a Receptors ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Diseases ◽  
Parkinson’S Diseases ◽  
Brain Insults ◽  
The Brain

Extracellular adenosine is produced with increased metabolic activity or stress, acting as a paracrine signal of cellular effort. Adenosine receptors are most abundant in the brain, where adenosine acts through inhibitory A1 receptors to decrease activity/noise and through facilitatory A2A receptors (A2AR) to promote plastic changes in physiological conditions. By bolstering glutamate excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation, A2AR also contribute to synaptic and neuronal damage, as heralded by the neuroprotection afforded by the genetic or pharmacological blockade of A2AR in animal models of ischemia, traumatic brain injury, convulsions/epilepsy, repeated stress or Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases. A2AR overfunction is not only necessary for the expression of brain damage but is actually sufficient to trigger brain dysfunction in the absence of brain insults or other disease triggers. Furthermore, A2AR overfunction seems to be an early event in the demise of brain diseases, which involves an increased formation of ATP-derived adenosine and an up-regulation of A2AR. This prompts the novel hypothesis that the evaluation of A2AR density in afflicted brain circuits may become an important biomarker of susceptibility and evolution of brain diseases once faithful PET ligands are optimized. Additional relevant biomarkers would be measuring the extracellular ATP and/or adenosine levels with selective dyes, to identify stressed regions in the brain. A2AR display several polymorphisms in humans and preliminary studies have associated different A2AR polymorphisms with altered morphofunctional brain endpoints associated with neuropsychiatric diseases. This further prompts the interest in exploiting A2AR polymorphic analysis as an ancillary biomarker of susceptibility/evolution of brain diseases.

The Brain

2017 ◽  
pp. 35-67
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Nerve Cells ◽  
Neuronal Function ◽  
Neuronal Structure ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

The goal of this chapter is to provide a quick overview about the brain in order to understand the individual, explaining the combination of the nerve cells to achieve human mental capacities, perception, movement, speech and emotion. From the knowledge of the neuronal structure available on this chapter, we are able to understand the neuronal function and the structure of the nervous system, how the connections are made, the impact on emotions and, consequently, its importance in Neuromarketing.

scholarly journals Innate Immunity: A Common Denominator between Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 1115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Novellino ◽  
Valeria Saccà ◽  
Annalidia Donato ◽  
Paolo Zaffino ◽  
Maria Francesca Spadea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Innate Immunity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Immunological Response ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Psychiatric Diseases ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Diseases

The intricate relationships between innate immunity and brain diseases raise increased interest across the wide spectrum of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Barriers, such as the blood–brain barrier, and innate immunity cells such as microglia, astrocytes, macrophages, and mast cells are involved in triggering disease events in these groups, through the action of many different cytokines. Chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunctions in large-scale brain networks. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia, are associated with a substrate of dysregulated immune responses that impair the central nervous system balance. Recent evidence suggests that similar phenomena are involved in psychiatric diseases, such as depression, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The present review summarizes and discusses the main evidence linking the innate immunological response in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, thus providing insights into how the responses of innate immunity represent a common denominator between diseases belonging to the neurological and psychiatric sphere. Improved knowledge of such immunological aspects could provide the framework for the future development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

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