scholarly journals The serotonergic system and cognitive function

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dubravka Švob Štrac ◽  
Nela Pivac ◽  
Dorotea Mück-Šeler
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Targets ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Cognition Enhancement ◽  
And Function ◽  
Poor Concentration

AbstractSymptoms of cognitive dysfunction like memory loss, poor concentration, impaired learning and executive functions are characteristic features of both schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognition in healthy subjects and neuropsychiatric patients are not completely understood. Studies have focused on serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) as one of the possible cognitionrelated biomarkers. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the current literature on the role of the serotonergic (5-HTergic) system in cognitive function, particularly in AD and schizophrenia.The role of the 5-HTergic system in cognition is modulated by the activity and function of 5-HT receptors (5-HTR) classified into seven groups, which differ in structure, action, and localization. Many 5-HTR are located in the regions linked to various cognitive processes. Preclinical studies using animal models of learning and memory, as well as clinicalThe current evidence implies that reduced 5-HT neurotransmission negatively influences cognitive functions and that normalization of 5-HT activity may have beneficial effects, suggesting that 5-HT and 5-HTR represent important pharmacological targets for cognition enhancement and restoration of impaired cognitive performance in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Potential Therapeutic Role of Androgens in Cognitive Loss Associated with Hypogonadism

2005 ◽  
Vol 00 (01) ◽  
pp. 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert S Tan ◽  
Chris Ojeih ◽  
Maurita Carrejo
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Luteinizing Hormones ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Role ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormones ◽  
Normal Men

Memory problems late in life are common and are often easy to recognize. Hypogonadism in older men is not as readily identified, but it is also frequently a part of aging. Androgens, such as testosterone, have important hormonal influences on the brain and may prevent and possibly treat cognitive loss, including age-associated memory loss, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and perhaps even Alzheimer’s disease (AD).There is support from small, prospective clinical trials that suggest the role of testosterone in improving cognitive function in normal men as well as hypogonadal men with AD. This improvement in cognitive function is subtle and is often only measurable on specialized neuropsychological batteries such as those that measure the visual-spatial domain. Patients often report measurable memory improvement in both declarative and procedural domains after receiving testosterone replacement therapy.The rise of gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormones (FSHs), and luteinizing hormones (LHs), has been associated with AD.The clinical significance of therapeutic strategies directed to reduce these levels remains to be determined. Current evidence showing that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) improves cognitive function is ambiguous.

scholarly journals Sarcopenia and Cognitive Function: Role of Myokines in Muscle Brain Cross-Talk

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 173
Author(s):  
Lucia Scisciola ◽  
Rosaria Anna Fontanella ◽  
Surina ◽  
Vittoria Cataldo ◽  
Giuseppe Paolisso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cross Talk ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Geriatric Syndrome ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
And Function ◽  
Injury Protection

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by the progressive degeneration of muscle mass and function, and it is associated with severe complications, which are falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality. Sarcopenia is associated with cognitive impairment, defined as a decline in one or more cognitive domains as language, memory, reasoning, social cognition, planning, making decisions, and solving problems. Although the exact mechanism relating to sarcopenia and cognitive function has not yet been defined, several studies have shown that skeletal muscle produces and secrete molecules, called myokines, that regulate brain functions, including mood, learning, locomotor activity, and neuronal injury protection, showing the existence of muscle-brain cross-talk. Moreover, studies conducted on physical exercise supported the existence of muscle-brain cross-talk, showing how physical activity, changing myokines' circulating levels, exerts beneficial effects on the brain. The review mainly focuses on describing the role of myokines on brain function and their involvement in cognitive impairment in sarcopenia.

scholarly journals Plasticizers and Cardiovascular Health: Role of Adipose Tissue Dysfunction

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikyla A. Callaghan ◽  
Samuel Alatorre-Hinojosa ◽  
Liam T. Connors ◽  
Radha D. Singh ◽  
Jennifer A. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
And Function

Since the 1950s, the production of plastics has increased 200-fold, reaching 360 million tonnes in 2019. Plasticizers, additives that modify the flexibility and rigidity of the product, are ingested as they migrate into food and beverages. Human exposure is continuous and widespread; between 75 and 97% of urine samples contain detectable levels of bisphenols and phthalates, the most common plasticizers. Concern over the toxicity of plasticizers arose in the late 1990s, largely focused around adverse developmental and reproductive effects. More recently, many studies have demonstrated that exposure to plasticizers increases the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the 2000s, many governments including Canada, the United States and European countries restricted the use of certain plasticizers in products targeted towards infants and children. Resultant consumer pressure motivated manufacturers to substitute plasticizers with analogues, which have been marketed as safe. However, data on the effects of these new substitutes are limited and data available to-date suggest that many exhibit similar properties to the chemicals they replaced. The adverse effects of plasticizers have largely been attributed to their endocrine disrupting properties, which modulate hormone signaling. Adipose tissue has been well-documented to be a target of the disrupting effects of both bisphenols and phthalates. Since adipose tissue function is a key determinant of cardiovascular health, adverse effects of plasticizers on adipocyte signaling and function may underlie their link to cardiovascular disease. Herein, we discuss the current evidence linking bisphenols and phthalates to obesity and CVD and consider how documented impacts of these plasticizers on adipocyte function may contribute to the development of CVD.

scholarly journals Molecular Regulation in Dopaminergic Neuron Development. Cues to Unveil Molecular Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Targets of Neurodegeneration

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Floriana Volpicelli ◽  
Carla Perrone-Capano ◽  
Gian Carlo Bellenchi ◽  
Luca Colucci-D’Amato ◽  
Umberto di Porzio
Keyword(s):  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Posttranscriptional Regulation ◽  
Gene Network ◽  
Molecular Pathogenesis ◽  
Mammalian Brain ◽  
Neuron Development ◽  
Pharmacological Targets ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Diseases ◽  
And Function

The relatively few dopaminergic neurons in the mammalian brain are mostly located in the midbrain and regulate many important neural functions, including motor integration, cognition, emotive behaviors and reward. Therefore, alteration of their function or degeneration leads to severe neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Unraveling the mechanisms of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) phenotype induction and maturation and elucidating the role of the gene network involved in the development and maintenance of these neurons is of pivotal importance to rescue or substitute these cells in order to restore dopaminergic functions. Recently, in addition to morphogens and transcription factors, microRNAs have been identified as critical players to confer mDA identity. The elucidation of the gene network involved in mDA neuron development and function will be crucial to identify early changes of mDA neurons that occur in pre-symptomatic pathological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. In addition, it can help to identify targets for new therapies and for cell reprogramming into mDA neurons. In this essay, we review the cascade of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation that confers mDA identity and regulates their functions. Additionally, we highlight certain mechanisms that offer important clues to unveil molecular pathogenesis of mDA neuron dysfunction and potential pharmacological targets for the treatment of mDA neuron dysfunction.

Magnesium, Zinc, and Chromium Nutrition and Athletic Performance

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. S13-S22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry C. Lukaski
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Elements ◽  
Optimal Performance ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Function ◽  
Genetic Potential ◽  
And Performance ◽  
And Function ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Advance Knowledge

Magnesium, zinc and chromium are mineral elements required in modest amounts for health and optimal performance. Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that magnesium and zinc play significant roles in promoting strength and cardiorespiratory function in healthy persons and athletes. Differences in study designs, however, limit conclusions about recommendations for intakes of magnesium and zinc needed for optimal performance and function. The role of chromium in supporting performance is not well established. There is a compelling need to confirm and extend findings of beneficial effects of magnesium and zinc function and performance of humans. Suggestions for an experimental model and specific topics for research to advance knowledge of mineral nutrition to promote attainment of genetic potential for optimal performance are provided.

scholarly journals To move or not to move: the paradoxical effect of physical exercise in axial spondyloarthritis

RMD Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e001480
Author(s):  
Fabio Massimo Perrotta ◽  
Rik Lories ◽  
Ennio Lubrano
Keyword(s):  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Bone Formation ◽  
Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
New Bone Formation ◽  
Biomechanical Stress ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Exercise Programmes

In the last years, new researches focused on the role of biomechanical stress and microdamage in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis and, in particular, in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Animal models showed how entheseal stress and physical exercise could contribute to the development of inflammation and new bone formation at entheseal and articular sites, by activating innate immune system and the release of cytokines. Furthermore, clues of the involvement of biomechanical stress in the development of axSpA are present in clinical experiences. However, rehabilitation and exercise programmes are the cornerstone of treatment for axSpA, reducing disease activity and improving spinal function and quality of life. The concept of mechanical stress as a contributor to disease development and progression represents, potentially, a conceptual challenge for this approach. The aim of this review is to discuss the current evidence on the intriguing contribution of the biomechanical stress to the pathogenesis of inflammation and new bone formation and to evaluate and reflect on the role of exercise in the treatment and in the management of the disease, considering both the beneficial effects and its possible paradoxical action.

scholarly journals Access to Highly Purified Chondroitin Sulfate for Appropriate Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. maapoc.0000022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Chevalier ◽  
Thierry Conrozier
Keyword(s):  
Chondroitin Sulfate ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Food Supplements ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Sulfated Glycosaminoglycan ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
And Function ◽  
Positive Effect

Current pharmacological therapies for osteoarthritis are symptom-focused and aimed at controlling pain. However, currently approved symptom-modifying agents do not restore the structure and function of damaged joints. Symptomatic slow-acting drugs in osteoarthritis (SySADOAs), including the sulfated glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate, have shown promising beneficial effects on the pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis, and some may also have a positive effect on cartilage, slowing the progression of joint deterioration in osteoarthritis. A highly-purified, standardized, pharmaceutical-grade preparation of chondroitin sulfate has shown activity in osteoarthritis and has become one of the most prescribed SySADOAs. However, in many countries, formulations of chondroitin sulfate of various sources and purity are available as food supplements or nutraceuticals. As the effects of chondroitin sulfate could vary according to the characteristics of the chondroitin sulfate employed, including source, purity, or structural organization, clinical data from well-designed studies of pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate should not be extrapolated to support clinical efficacy claims of food supplements; nor should results from trials of chondroitin sulfate-containing food supplements be used to draw conclusions about the efficacy of pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate. This article reviews the evidence for the role of highly-purified pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis and examines the efficacy and safety concerns of other formulations of chondroitin sulfate. Highly-purified pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate has mild-to-moderate efficacy in the treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis, with clinically meaningful efficacy.

scholarly journals The Role of Dietary Nitrate and the Oral Microbiome on Blood Pressure and Vascular tone

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-53
Author(s):  
H.S. Alzahrani ◽  
K.G. Jackson ◽  
D.A. Hobbs ◽  
J.A. Lovegrove
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Vascular Tone ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Oral Bacteria ◽  
Oral Microbiome ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Dietary Nitrate ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Abstract There is increasing evidence for the health benefits of dietary nitrates including lowering blood pressure and enhancing cardiovascular health. Although commensal oral bacteria play an important role in converting dietary nitrate to nitrite, very little is known about the potential role of these bacteria in blood pressure regulation and maintenance of vascular tone. The main purpose of this review is to present the current evidence on the involvement of the oral microbiome in mediating the beneficial effects of dietary nitrate on vascular function and to identify sources of inter and intra-individual differences in bacterial composition. A systematic approach was used to identify the relevant articles published on PubMed and Web of Science in English from January 1950 until September 2019 examining the effects of dietary nitrate on oral microbiome composition and association with blood pressure and vascular tone. To date, only a limited number of studies have been conducted, with n=9 in humans and n=3 in animals focusing mainly on blood pressure. In general, elimination of oral bacteria with use of a chlorhexidine based antiseptic mouthwash reduced the conversion of nitrate to nitrite and was accompanied in some studies by an increase in blood pressure in normotensive subjects. In conclusion, our findings suggest that oral bacteria may play an important role in mediating the beneficial effects of nitrate-rich foods on blood pressure. Further human intervention studies assessing the potential effects of dietary nitrate on oral bacteria composition and relationship to real time measures of vascular function are needed, particularly in individuals with hypertension and those at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Microbiome and paediatric gut diseases

2021 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2020-320875
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Gerasimidis ◽  
Konstantinos Gkikas ◽  
Christopher Stewart ◽  
Esther Neelis ◽  
Vaios Svolos
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Intestinal Failure ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Irritable Bowel ◽  
And Function

In the human gut resides a vast community of microorganisms which perform critical functions for the maintenance of whole body homeostasis. Changes in the composition and function of this community, termed microbiome, are believed to provoke disease onset, including non-communicable diseases. In this review, we debate the current evidence on the role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis, outcomes and management of paediatric gut disease. We conclude that even though the gut microbiome is altered in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, intestinal failure, necrotising enterocolitis and irritable bowel syndrome, there are currently very few implications for unravelling disease pathogenesis or guiding clinical practice. In the future, the gut microbiome may aid in disease differential diagnosis and prediction of clinical outcomes, and comprise a target for therapeutic interventions.

Green tea from the far east to the drug store: focus on the cardiovascular beneficial effects

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Landini ◽  
Eleni Rebelos ◽  
Miikka-Juhani Honka
Keyword(s):  
Green Tea ◽  
Far East ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Major Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Potential Benefits

: Cardiovascular diseases(CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Evidence from observational and randomized controlled studies showing the potential benefits of green tea on lowering CVD risk has been emerging rapidly during the past few decades.These benefits include reduced risk for major cardiovascular events, lowering of blood pressure, decreased LDL cholesterollevels and weight loss.At the same time, the understanding of physiological mechamismsbehind these alterations is advancing.Consumption of green tea originates from China thousands of years ago, but has since expanded all over the world.Recent advances in understanding the role of tea polyphenols, mainly catechins,as mediators of tea’s health benefits has caused an emergence of various types of green teaextracts(GTE) on the market. While drinking green tea is generally considered safe, there are concerns about thesafety of using tea extracts. The present article reviews the current evidence of green tea consumption leading to reducedCVD risk, the phenomenon’s potential biological mechanisms and the safety of using GTE.

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