Natural or Plant Products for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders: Current Knowledge

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 424-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Khalid Parvez
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Plant Products

scholarly journals Current Knowledge of Endolysosomal and Autophagy Defects in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1678
Author(s):  
Liriopé Toupenet Marchesi ◽  
Marion Leblanc ◽  
Giovanni Stevanin
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Spastic Paraplegia ◽  
Functional Convergence ◽  
The Common ◽  
Hsp Genes

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) refers to a group of neurological disorders involving the degeneration of motor neurons. Due to their clinical and genetic heterogeneity, finding common effective therapeutics is difficult. Therefore, a better understanding of the common pathological mechanisms is necessary. The role of several HSP genes/proteins is linked to the endolysosomal and autophagic pathways, suggesting a functional convergence. Furthermore, impairment of these pathways is particularly interesting since it has been linked to other neurodegenerative diseases, which would suggest that the nervous system is particularly sensitive to the disruption of the endolysosomal and autophagic systems. In this review, we will summarize the involvement of HSP proteins in the endolysosomal and autophagic pathways in order to clarify their functioning and decipher some of the pathological mechanisms leading to HSP.

scholarly journals Epigenetics and Neurological Disorders in ART

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 4169
Author(s):  
Marina La Rovere ◽  
Marica Franzago ◽  
Liborio Stuppia
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Increased Risk

About 1–4% of children are currently generated by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in developed countries. These babies show only a slightly increased risk of neonatal malformations. However, follow-up studies have suggested a higher susceptibility to multifactorial, adult onset disorders like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in ART offspring. It has been suggested that these conditions could be the consequence of epigenetic, alterations, due to artificial manipulations of gametes and embryos potentially able to alter epigenetic stability during zygote reprogramming. In the last years, epigenetic alterations have been invoked as a possible cause of increased risk of neurological disorders, but at present the link between epigenetic modifications and long-term effects in terms of neurological diseases in ART children remains unclear, due to the short follow up limiting retrospective studies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about neurological disorders promoted by epigenetics alterations in ART. Based on data currently available, it is possible to conclude that little, if any, evidence of an increased risk of neurological disorders in ART conceived children is provided. Most important, the large majority of reports appears to be limited to epidemiological studies, not providing any experimental evidence about epigenetic modifications responsible for an increased risk.

scholarly journals BDNF signaling during the lifetime of dendritic spines

2020 ◽  
Vol 382 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Zagrebelsky ◽  
Charlotte Tacke ◽  
Martin Korte
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Spines ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Excitatory Synapses ◽  
Neuronal Homeostasis ◽  
Bdnf Signaling ◽  
Spine Number

Abstract Dendritic spines are tiny membrane specialization forming the postsynaptic part of most excitatory synapses. They have been suggested to play a crucial role in regulating synaptic transmission during development and in adult learning processes. Changes in their number, size, and shape are correlated with processes of structural synaptic plasticity and learning and memory and also with neurodegenerative diseases, when spines are lost. Thus, their alterations can correlate with neuronal homeostasis, but also with dysfunction in several neurological disorders characterized by cognitive impairment. Therefore, it is important to understand how different stages in the life of a dendritic spine, including formation, maturation, and plasticity, are strictly regulated. In this context, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), belonging to the NGF-neurotrophin family, is among the most intensively investigated molecule. This review would like to report the current knowledge regarding the role of BDNF in regulating dendritic spine number, structure, and plasticity concentrating especially on its signaling via its two often functionally antagonistic receptors, TrkB and p75NTR. In addition, we point out a series of open points in which, while the role of BDNF signaling is extremely likely conclusive, evidence is still missing.

scholarly journals Much More Than a Scaffold: Cytoskeletal Proteins in Neurological Disorders

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana C. Muñoz-Lasso ◽  
Carlos Romá-Mateo ◽  
Federico V. Pallardó ◽  
Pilar Gonzalez-Cabo
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Dimensional Lattice ◽  
New Treatments ◽  
And Function

Recent observations related to the structure of the cytoskeleton in neurons and novel cytoskeletal abnormalities involved in the pathophysiology of some neurological diseases are changing our view on the function of the cytoskeletal proteins in the nervous system. These efforts allow a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases and allow us to see beyond our current knowledge for the development of new treatments. The neuronal cytoskeleton can be described as an organelle formed by the three-dimensional lattice of the three main families of filaments: actin filaments, microtubules, and neurofilaments. This organelle organizes well-defined structures within neurons (cell bodies and axons), which allow their proper development and function through life. Here, we will provide an overview of both the basic and novel concepts related to those cytoskeletal proteins, which are emerging as potential targets in the study of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurological disorders.

scholarly journals Microglia Control Neuronal Network Excitability via BDNF Signalling

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Ferrini ◽  
Yves De Koninck
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Neuronal Excitability ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Glycine Receptor ◽  
Network Activity ◽  
Biophysical Mechanism ◽  
Neural Dysfunctions ◽  
Novel Therapeutic

Microglia-neuron interactions play a crucial role in several neurological disorders characterized by altered neural network excitability, such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain. While a series of potential messengers have been postulated as substrates of the communication between microglia and neurons, including cytokines, purines, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide, the specific links between messengers, microglia, neuronal networks, and diseases have remained elusive. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) released by microglia emerges as an exception in this riddle. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role played by microglial BDNF in controlling neuronal excitability by causing disinhibition. The efforts made by different laboratories during the last decade have collectively provided a robust mechanistic paradigm which elucidates the mechanisms involved in the synthesis and release of BDNF from microglia, the downstream TrkB-mediated signals in neurons, and the biophysical mechanism by which disinhibition occurs, via the downregulation of the K+-Cl−cotransporter KCC2, dysrupting Cl−homeostasis, and hence the strength ofGABAA- and glycine receptor-mediated inhibition. The resulting altered network activity appears to explain several features of the associated pathologies. Targeting the molecular players involved in this canonical signaling pathway may lead to novel therapeutic approach for ameliorating a wide array of neural dysfunctions.

scholarly journals The Causes, Prevalence and Interventions for Dyscalculia in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 279
Author(s):  
Mohammad Amimul Ihsan Aquil ◽  
Mazeyanti Mohd. Ariffin
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
Math Skills ◽  
Finger Counting ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Specific Learning

Children with Dyscalculia show deficits in the basic understanding of quantities and numbers, which cause difficulties in math skills acquisition despite adequate schooling. This study summarizes the current knowledge regarding causes, diagnosis and treatment of Dyscalculia in Malyasia from a clinician’s perspective. The findings reveal that Dyscalculia is a brain based specific learning disability, which often co-exist with other neurological disorders such as Dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of Dyscalculia include difficulty in reading, writing, counting, arithmetic calculation, direction co-ordination, finger counting agnosia and time management. A computer-based Diagnosis of Dyscalculia should measure all the possible difficulties that are faced by Dyscalculic patient along with other disorders that might co-exist with Dyscalculia and IQ. Care can be provided to Dyscalculia children using one-on-one intervention and the implementation of a standard policy based on health professionals, teachers, parents for diagnosis and treatment. The study also shows the need for more research into the current situation, diagnosis and intervention of dyscalculic cases in Malaysia to help meet the needs of these dyscalculic children.

Neurovascular Coupling in Seizures

Neuroglia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-47
Author(s):  
G. Campbell Teskey ◽  
Cam Ha T. Tran
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cerebral Blood Flow ◽  
Functional Imaging ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Seizure Activity ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Neurovascular Coupling ◽  
Functional Brain Imaging ◽  
Blood Flow Control

Neurovascular coupling is a key control mechanism in cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation. Importantly, this process was demonstrated to be affected in several neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is the basis for functional brain imaging, such as PET, SPECT, fMRI, and fNIRS, to assess and map neuronal activity, thus understanding NVC is critical to properly interpret functional imaging signals. However, hemodynamics, as assessed by these functional imaging techniques, continue to be used as a surrogate to map seizure activity; studies of NVC and cerebral blood flow control during and following seizures are rare. Recent studies have provided conflicting results, with some studies showing focal increases in CBF at the onset of a seizure while others show decreases. In this brief review article, we provide an overview of the current knowledge state of neurovascular coupling and discuss seizure-related alterations in neurovascular coupling and CBF control.

scholarly journals Knee Joint Biomechanics in Physiological Conditions and How Pathologies Can Affect It: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Zhang ◽  
Geng Liu ◽  
Bing Han ◽  
Zhe Wang ◽  
Yuzhou Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Joint ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Knee Injuries ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Knee Joints ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Normal Knee ◽  
Joint Biomechanics

The knee joint, as the main lower limb motor joint, is the most vulnerable and susceptible joint. The knee injuries considerably impact the normal living ability and mental health of patients. Understanding the biomechanics of a normal and diseased knee joint is in urgent need for designing knee assistive devices and optimizing a rehabilitation exercise program. In this paper, we systematically searched electronic databases (from 2000 to November 2019) including ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and IEEE/IET Electronic Library for potentially relevant articles. After duplicates were removed and inclusion criteria applied to the titles, abstracts, and full text, 138 articles remained for review. The selected articles were divided into two groups to be analyzed. Firstly, the real movement of a normal knee joint and the normal knee biomechanics of four kinds of daily motions in the sagittal and coronal planes, which include normal walking, running, stair climbing, and sit-to-stand, were discussed and analyzed. Secondly, an overview of the current knowledge on the movement biomechanical effects of common knee musculoskeletal disorders and knee neurological disorders were provided. Finally, a discussion of the existing problems in the current studies and some recommendation for future research were presented. In general, this review reveals that there is no clear assessment about the biomechanics of normal and diseased knee joints at the current state of the art. The biomechanics properties could be significantly affected by knee musculoskeletal or neurological disorders. Deeper understanding of the biomechanics of the normal and diseased knee joint will still be an urgent need in the future.

scholarly journals The emerging role of the KCTD proteins in cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annapaola Angrisani ◽  
Annamaria Di Fiore ◽  
Enrico De Smaele ◽  
Marta Moretti
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Protein Targets ◽  
Cancer Hallmarks ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Oncogenic Pathways ◽  
Tetramerization Domain ◽  
Human Family

AbstractThe human family of Potassium (K+) Channel Tetramerization Domain (KCTD) proteins counts 25 members, and a significant number of them are still only partially characterized. While some of the KCTDs have been linked to neurological disorders or obesity, a growing tally of KCTDs are being associated with cancer hallmarks or involved in the modulation of specific oncogenic pathways. Indeed, the potential relevance of the variegate KCTD family in cancer warrants an updated picture of the current knowledge and highlights the need for further research on KCTD members as either putative therapeutic targets, or diagnostic/prognostic markers. Homology between family members, capability to participate in ubiquitination and degradation of different protein targets, ability to heterodimerize between members, role played in the main signalling pathways involved in development and cancer, are all factors that need to be considered in the search for new key players in tumorigenesis. In this review we summarize the recent published evidence on KCTD members’ involvement in cancer. Furthermore, by integrating this information with data extrapolated from public databases that suggest new potential associations with cancers, we hypothesize that the number of KCTD family members involved in tumorigenesis (either as positive or negative modulator) may be bigger than so far demonstrated.

Adaptation, Validation and Preliminary Standardisation of the Frontal Systems Behaviour Scale – Apathy Subscale and the Dimensional Apathy Scale in Vietnamese Healthy Samples

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Halle Quang ◽  
Khanh Sin ◽  
Fiona Kumfor ◽  
Skye McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Behavioural Syndrome ◽  
Divergent Validity ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Frontal Systems

Abstract Objective: Apathy, the reduction of motivation and goal-directed behaviour, is a ubiquitous behavioural syndrome in many neurological disorders. However, apathy measures are limited in non-English speaking countries. The present study aimed to develop a culturally appropriate version of the Vietnamese Frontal Systems Behavioural Scale-Apathy subscale (V-FrSBe-A) and Dimensional Apathy Scale (V-DAS), examine their internal reliability and construct validity (i.e., factor structure, convergent and divergent validity) in a Vietnamese healthy sample and establish preliminary normative cut-offs for clinical and research applications. Method: In total, 112 healthy subjects and 64 informants completed the self-report and informant report V-FrSBe-A and V-DAS, developed using a translation, back-translation and cultural adaptation procedure. McDonald’s omega was applied to examine internal reliability. The internal structure of the V-DAS was evaluated using exploratory structural equation model. For both apathy scales, convergent validity was determined by correlations between scales and between informant and self-report versions. Regarding divergent validity, participants completed the Vietnamese Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and V-FrSBe-Disinhibition for depression and disinhibition assessment. Results: Both the V-FrSBe-A and V-DAS were reliable (ω t ≥ .74). Dimensional manifestations of apathy in executive, emotional and initiation domains were confirmed on the V-DAS. Both scales were also valid, convergent with each other and divergent from depression and disinhibition symptoms. Cut-off scores for both scales were higher than their English versions. Conclusion: The adapted V-FrSBe-A and V-DAS have good reliability and validity for the potential application in clinical groups to advance current knowledge about apathy transculturally and direct more effective clinical care for Vietnamese individuals with neurological disorders.

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