neurodegeneration

Digesting recent findings: gut alpha-synuclein, microbiome changes in Parkinson’s disease

A-Synuclein, Constipation, ENS, Gut Dysbiosis, Gut-Brain axis /

Two hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the widespread deposition of misfolded alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein in the nervous system and loss of substantia nigra dopamine neurons. Recent research has suggested that αSyn aggregates in the enteric nervous system (ENS) lead to prodromal gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as constipation in PD, then propagating to the brain stem and eventually triggering neurodegeneration and […]

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Autophagy-Lysosomal Pathway as Potential Therapeutic Target in Parkinson’s Disease

Autophagy, Parkinson's Disease, Pre-PD /

Cellular quality control systems have gained much attention in recent decades. Amongthese, autophagy is a natural self-preservation mechanism that continuously eliminates toxic cellularcomponents and acts as an anti-ageing process. It is vital for cell survival and to preserve homeostasis.Several cell-type-dependent canonical or non-canonical autophagy pathways have been reportedshowing varying degrees of selectivity with regard to

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Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its Applications through Nanosystem Delivery

Autophagy, Parkinson's Disease /

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that performs a neurotrophic function.BDNF and its receptors are widely expressed in the nervous system and can promote the growthof neurons and the formation of neuronal synapses in the brain. Studies have shown that a lack ofBDNF can lead to impairment of memory and cognitive functions, indicating that

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Gram-negative bacteria and their lipopolysaccharides in Alzheimer’s disease: pathologic roles and therapeutic implications

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) /

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most serious age-related neurodegenerative disease and causes destructive and irreversible cognitive decline. Failures in the development of therapeutics targeting amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, principal proteins inducing pathology in AD, suggest a paradigm shift towards the development of new therapeutic targets. The gram-negative bacteria and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are attractive new targets

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Gut dysbiosis, defective autophagy and altered immune responses in neurodegenerative diseases: Tales of a vicious cycle

Autophagy, Gut Dysbiosis, Parkinson's Disease, Probiotics, Prebiotics and Symbiotics /

The human microbiota comprises trillions of symbiotic microorganisms and is involved in regulating gastrointestinal (GI), immune, nervous system and metabolic homeostasis. Recent observations suggest a bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain via immune, circulatory and neural pathways, termed the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA). Alterations in gut microbiota composition, such as seen with an increased number of pathobionts

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Environmental factors in Parkinson’s disease: New insights into the molecular mechanisms

A-Synuclein, Enviromental /

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting 2–3% of the population ≥65 years. It has long been characterized by motor impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and psychological and cognitive changes. The pathological hallmarks are intracellular inclusions containing α-synuclein aggregates and the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Parkinson’s disease is thought to be caused by a combination

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Plant derived bioactive compounds and their potential to enhance adult neurogenesis

Anti-oxidants, Herbs & Spices, Parkinson's Disease, Pre-PD /

Self-renewal and proliferation of neural progenitor cells occur throughout humans’ lives. However, aging, stress, and degenerative diseases can hinder or stop the process. If you can accelerate neurogenesis in adults, this is a promising way to recover from neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments. As the demand for a safer and natural therapeutic product has increased over

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The role of cardiovascular autonomic failure in the differential diagnosis of α-synucleinopathies

A-Synuclein, Dementia - Lewy Bodies, Pre-PD /

The α-synucleinopathies comprise a group of adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB,) and — as a restricted non-motor form — pure autonomic failure (PAF). Neuropathologically, the α-synucleinopathies are characterized by aggregates of misfolded α-synuclein in the central and peripheral nervous system. Cardiovascular autonomic failure is

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Orthostatic Hypotension: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Autonmic nervous system, Non-Motor Symptoms, Orthostatic Hypotension, Parkinson's Disease, Pre-PD /

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension is a highly prevalent and disabling feature of autonomic failure due to both peripheral and central neurodegenerative diseases. Community-based epidemiological studies have demonstrated a high morbidity and mortality associated with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. It is due to impairment of baroreflex-mediated vasoconstriction of the skeletal muscle and splanchnic circulation and is caused by damage

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