scholarly journals Spotlight on Neuroimmunology: Illustrations from Neurodegenerative Diseases

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Abdelaziz Ghanemi ◽  
Besma Boubertakh
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Research Methodologies ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Diagnostic Approaches ◽  
Important Field

The immune system plays key roles in the defense of the organism. However, the effects of the immune system are not limited to the immune functions and have impacts beyond the anti-pathogenes role. Indeed, neuroimmunology is a representative field of how the immune system affects non-immune biological and physio-pathological functions. Herein, we have selected a number of neurodegenerative diseases as illustrative examples to put a spotlight on this important field. Importantly, clarifying the links and interactions between the immune system and the nervous system represents key elements for the understanding neurodegenerative diseases since it will lead to new theories about the pathogenesis and the mechanisms underlying the related processes and thus, provide us with new data and novel tools to both describe the related pathways and develop new therapeutic approaches as well as diagnostic approaches and research methodologies based on such new discoveries.

scholarly journals Spotlight on Neuroimmunology: Illustrations from Neurodegenerative Diseases

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Abdelaziz Ghanemi ◽  
Besma Boubertakh
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Research Methodologies ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Diagnostic Approaches ◽  
Important Field

<span lang="EN-US">The immune system plays key roles in the defense of the organism. However, the effects of the immune system are not limited to the immune functions and have impacts beyond the anti-pathogenes role.                          Indeed, neuroimmunology is a representative field of how the immune system affects non-immune biological and physio-pathological functions. Herein, we have selected a number of neurodegenerative diseases as illustrative examples to put a spotlight on this important field.              Importantly, clarifying the links and interactions between the immune system and the nervous system represents key elements for the understanding neurodegenerative diseases since it will lead to new theories about the pathogenesis and the mechanisms underlying the related processes and thus, provide us with new data and novel tools to both describe the related pathways and develop new therapeutic approaches as well as diagnostic approaches and research methodologies based on such new discoveries.</span>

Learned Placebo Effects in the Immune System

2014 ◽  
Vol 222 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Vits ◽  
Manfred Schedlowski
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Associative Learning ◽  
Placebo Response ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drug ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Placebo Effects ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Biological Variables ◽  
Experimental Approaches

Associative learning processes are one of the major neuropsychological mechanisms steering the placebo response in different physiological systems and end organ functions. Learned placebo effects on immune functions are based on the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral immune system. Based on this “hardware,” experimental evidence in animals and humans showed that humoral and cellular immune functions can be affected by behavioral conditioning processes. We will first highlight and summarize data documenting the variety of experimental approaches conditioning protocols employed, affecting different immunological functions by associative learning. Taking a well-established paradigm employing a conditioned taste aversion model in rats with the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA) as an unconditioned stimulus (US) as an example, we will then summarize the efferent and afferent communication pathways as well as central processes activated during a learned immunosuppression. In addition, the potential clinical relevance of learned placebo effects on the outcome of immune-related diseases has been demonstrated in a number of different clinical conditions in rodents. More importantly, the learned immunosuppression is not restricted to experimental animals but can be also induced in humans. These data so far show that (i) behavioral conditioned immunosuppression is not limited to a single event but can be reproduced over time, (ii) immunosuppression cannot be induced by mere expectation, (iii) psychological and biological variables can be identified as predictors for this learned immunosuppression. Together with experimental approaches employing a placebo-controlled dose reduction these data provide a basis for new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of diseases where a suppression of immune functions is required via modulation of nervous system-immune system communication by learned placebo effects.

scholarly journals Polyphenols as Potential Therapeutic Drugs in Neurodegeneration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Polverino de Laureto ◽  
Luana Palazzi ◽  
Laura Acquasaliente
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Brain Delivery ◽  
Aβ Peptide ◽  
Amyloid Aggregation ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Parkinson’S Diseases

Several therapeutic approaches have been suggested so far for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, but to date, there are no approved therapies. The available ones are only symptomatic; they are employed to mitigate the disease manifestations and to improve the patient life quality. These diseases are characterized by the accumulation and aggregation of misfolded proteins in the nervous system, with different specific hallmarks. The onset mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Some promising approaches are focused on the inhibition of the amyloid aggregation of the proteins involved in the etiopathology of the disease, such as Aβ peptide, Tau, and α-synuclein, or on the increase of their clearance in order to avoid their aberrant accumulation. Here, we summarize traditional and new therapeutic approaches proposed for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and the recent technologies for brain delivery.

scholarly journals The emerging role of mechanical and topographical factors in the development and treatment of nervous system disorders: dark and light sides of the force

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Bryniarska-Kubiak ◽  
Andrzej Kubiak ◽  
Małgorzata Lekka ◽  
Agnieszka Basta-Kaim
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Nervous System Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
System Disease ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Topographical Factors ◽  
New Treatment

AbstractNervous system diseases are the subject of intensive research due to their association with high mortality rates and their potential to cause irreversible disability. Most studies focus on targeting the biological factors related to disease pathogenesis, e.g. use of recombinant activator of plasminogen in the treatment of stroke. Nevertheless, multiple diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease still lack successful treatment. Recently, evidence has indicated that physical factors such as the mechanical properties of cells and tissue and topography play a crucial role in homeostasis as well as disease progression. This review aims to depict these factors’ roles in the progression of nervous system diseases and consequently discusses the possibility of new therapeutic approaches. The literature is reviewed to provide a deeper understanding of the roles played by physical factors in nervous system disease development to aid in the design of promising new treatment approaches. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Influence of Commensal Microbiota on the Enteric Nervous System and Its Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Endres ◽  
Karl-Herbert Schäfer
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Enteric Nervous System ◽  
The Other ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Commensal Microbiota ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Learning Capabilities ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Parkinson Diseases

When thinking about neurodegenerative diseases, the first symptoms that come to mind are loss of memory and learning capabilities, which all resemble hallmarks of manifestation of such diseases in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the gut comprises the largest nervous system outside the CNS that is autonomously active and in close interplay with its microbiota. Therefore, the enteric nervous system (ENS) might serve as an indicator of degenerative pathomechanisms that also affect the CNS. On the other hand, it might offer an entry point for devastating influences from the microbial community or – conversely – for therapeutic approaches via gut commensals. Within the last years, the ENS and gut microbiota therefore have sparked the interest of researchers of CNS diseases and we here report on recent findings and open questions, especially with regard to Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.

scholarly journals Modulation of Neuroinflammation by the Gut Microbiota in Prion and Prion-Like Diseases

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 887
Author(s):  
Josephine Trichka ◽  
Wen-Quan Zou
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disease ◽  
Peripheral Nervous System ◽  
Brain Parenchyma ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Microbial Metabolite ◽  
The Past

The process of neuroinflammation contributes to the pathogenic mechanism of many neurodegenerative diseases. The deleterious attributes of neuroinflammation involve aberrant and uncontrolled activation of glia, which can result in damage to proximal brain parenchyma. Failure to distinguish self from non-self, as well as leukocyte reaction to aggregation and accumulation of proteins in the CNS, are the primary mechanisms by which neuroinflammation is initiated. While processes local to the CNS may instigate neurodegenerative disease, the existence or dysregulation of systemic homeostasis can also serve to improve or worsen CNS pathologies, respectively. One fundamental component of systemic homeostasis is the gut microbiota, which communicates with the CNS via microbial metabolite production, the peripheral nervous system, and regulation of tryptophan metabolism. Over the past 10–15 years, research focused on the microbiota–gut–brain axis has culminated in the discovery that dysbiosis, or an imbalance between commensal and pathogenic gut bacteria, can promote CNS pathologies. Conversely, a properly regulated and well-balanced microbiome supports CNS homeostasis and reduces the incidence and extent of pathogenic neuroinflammation. This review will discuss the role of the gut microbiota in exacerbating or alleviating neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, and potential microbiota-based therapeutic approaches to reduce pathology in diseased states.

scholarly journals Nerve Growth Factor(s) Mediated Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis Dysregulation Model in Stress Induced Genesis of Psychiatric Disorders

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashutosh Kumar ◽  
Pavan Kumar ◽  
Muneeb A. Faiq ◽  
Vikas Pareek ◽  
Khursheed Raza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Endocrine Regulation ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Nerve Growth ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Common Effect

Apart from their established role in embryonic development Nerve Growth Factors (NGFs) have diverse functions in the nervous system. Their role in integration of physiological functioning of&nbsp;the nervous system&nbsp;is now attracting attention. In the present analysis, we propose a&nbsp;novel paradigm&nbsp;about a novel role of NGFs: NGFs play imperative role in maintaining psychological integrity of an individual as a biological system. This function may be mediated through HPA-axis- operated homeostatic mechanisms; stress induced disruption of which may lead to psychiatric disorders. Current literature suggests existence of constitutive homeostatic regulatory mechanisms&nbsp;for NGFs disruption which may lead to pertinent and imperative&nbsp;behavioural effects. NGFs&nbsp;are known to play crucial role in endocrine regulation. This is especially true with the prototype &lsquo;NGF&rsquo; and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). These moieties have been observed to play important function in maintaining neuro-endocrine homeostasis thereby having a profound impact on the psychological health of an individual. Role of NGFs and HPA-axis activation (in separate studies) in developing psychiatric disorders - especially those born of stress - have been reported. Literature suggests their unique interplay for producing a common effect which might be implicated in stress induced genesis of psychiatric disorders. This aspect, therefore, needs to be elucidated further as a disease etiogenesis model. This model may yield important insights into&nbsp;the biology of&nbsp;psychiatric disorders and may open ways for new therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals The Hidden Side of NCAM Family: NCAM2, a Key Cytoskeleton Organization Molecule Regulating Multiple Neural Functions

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (18) ◽  
pp. 10021
Author(s):  
Antoni Parcerisas ◽  
Alba Ortega-Gascó ◽  
Lluís Pujadas ◽  
Eduardo Soriano
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Calcium Influx ◽  
System Development ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Neuronal Morphogenesis ◽  
Cytoskeleton Organization ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Neural Cell Adhesion

Although it has been over 20 years since Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule 2 (NCAM2) was identified as the second member of the NCAM family with a high expression in the nervous system, the knowledge of NCAM2 is still eclipsed by NCAM1. The first studies with NCAM2 focused on the olfactory bulb, where this protein has a key role in axonal projection and axonal/dendritic compartmentalization. In contrast to NCAM1, NCAM2’s functions and partners in the brain during development and adulthood have remained largely unknown until not long ago. Recent studies have revealed the importance of NCAM2 in nervous system development. NCAM2 governs neuronal morphogenesis and axodendritic architecture, and controls important neuron-specific processes such as neuronal differentiation, synaptogenesis and memory formation. In the adult brain, NCAM2 is highly expressed in dendritic spines, and it regulates synaptic plasticity and learning processes. NCAM2’s functions are related to its ability to adapt to the external inputs of the cell and to modify the cytoskeleton accordingly. Different studies show that NCAM2 interacts with proteins involved in cytoskeleton stability and proteins that regulate calcium influx, which could also modify the cytoskeleton. In this review, we examine the evidence that points to NCAM2 as a crucial cytoskeleton regulation protein during brain development and adulthood. This key function of NCAM2 may offer promising new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neurodevelopmental diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.

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