Current Understanding of Circulating Tumor Cells – Potential Value in Malignancies of the Central Nervous System

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) is a relatively novel messenger that plays a significant role in a wide range of physiological processes. Currently, it is known that, both, lack and excess of NO can cause diseases, thus a lot of substances have been discovered and utilized which can change the concentration of this molecule within the organism. The aim of the present work is to provide an overview of currently used agents modulating the L-arginine:NO:cGMP pathway, as well as to summarize current understanding of their pharmacological profiles. Nowadays, most of these agents are employed particularly in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Further studies can hold promise for enhancing the therapeutic equipment for a variety of other impairments, such as osteoporosis, and also in treatments of the central nervous system.

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A role for viral infections in Parkinson’s etiology?

Neuronal Signaling ◽

10.1042/ns20170166 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Laura K. Olsen ◽

Eilis Dowd ◽

Declan P. McKernan

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Nervous System ◽

Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Clinical Findings ◽

Microbial Interactions ◽

Current Understanding ◽

Scientific Interest ◽

The Central Nervous System

Despite over 200 years since its first description by James Parkinson, the cause(s) of most cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are yet to be elucidated. The disparity between the current understanding of PD symptomology and pathology has led to numerous symptomatic therapies, but no strategy for prevention or disease cure. An association between certain viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases has been recognized, but largely ignored or dismissed as controversial, for decades. Recent epidemiological studies have renewed scientific interest in investigating microbial interactions with the central nervous system (CNS). This review examines past and current clinical findings and overviews the potential molecular implications of viruses in PD pathology.

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Netrin-1 in Glioblastoma Neovascularization: The New Partner in Crime?

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22158248 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (15) ◽

pp. 8248

Author(s):

Ximena Vásquez ◽

Pilar Sánchez-Gómez ◽

Verónica Palma

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Endothelial Cells ◽

Nervous System ◽

Tumor Cell ◽

Blood Vessels ◽

Tumor Cells ◽

Primary Tumor ◽

Tumor Vasculature ◽

Form Part ◽

The Central Nervous System

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common primary tumor of the central nervous system. It is characterized by having an infiltrating growth and by the presence of an excessive and aberrant vasculature. Some of the mechanisms that promote this neovascularization are angiogenesis and the transdifferentiation of tumor cells into endothelial cells or pericytes. In all these processes, the release of extracellular microvesicles by tumor cells plays an important role. Tumor cell-derived extracellular microvesicles contain pro-angiogenic molecules such as VEGF, which promote the formation of blood vessels and the recruitment of pericytes that reinforce these structures. The present study summarizes and discusses recent data from different investigations suggesting that Netrin-1, a highly versatile protein recently postulated as a non-canonical angiogenic ligand, could participate in the promotion of neovascularization processes in GBM. The relevance of determining the angiogenic signaling pathways associated with the interaction of Netrin-1 with its receptors is posed. Furthermore, we speculate that this molecule could form part of the microvesicles that favor abnormal tumor vasculature. Based on the studies presented, this review proposes Netrin-1 as a novel biomarker for GBM progression and vascularization.

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