Mechanistic Insights, Treatment Paradigms, and Clinical Progress in Neurological Disorders: Current and Future Prospects

Magnetic hybrid nanovesicles for the precise diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system disorders

INTRODUCTION

Central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders are increasingly being recognized as a global health challenge worldwide. There are significant challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment due to the presence of the CNS barriers which impede the management of neurological diseases. Combination of nanovesicles (NVs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), referred to as magnetic nanovesicles (MNVs), is now well suggested as a potential theranostic option for improving the management of neurological disorders with increased targeting efficiency and minimized side effects.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a summary of major CNS disorders and the physical barriers limiting the access of imaging/therapeutic agents to the CNS environment. A special focus on the unique features of MNPs and NV is discussed which make them attractive candidates for neuro-nanomedicine. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of MNVs as a promising combined strategy for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in neurological disorders is provided.

EXPERT OPINION

The multifunctionality of MNVs offers the ability to overcome the CNS barriers and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. The insights provided will guide future research toward better outcomes and facilitate the development of next-generation, innovative treatments for CNS disorders.

Non-coding RNAs and Aquaporin 4: Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders are a major group of non-communicable diseases affecting quality of life. Non-Coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have an important role in the etiology of neurological disorders. In studies on the genesis of neurological diseases, aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression and activity have both been linked to ncRNAs. The upregulation or downregulation of several ncRNAs leads to neurological disorder progression by targeting AQP4. The role of ncRNAs and AQP4 in neurological disorders is discussed in this review.

Neuroprotective effects of gemfibrozil in neurological disorders: Focus on inflammation and molecular mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Gemfibrozil (Gem) is a drug that has been shown to activate PPAR-α, a nuclear receptor that plays a key role in regulating lipid metabolism. Gem is used to lower the levels of triglycerides and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in patients. Experimental studies in vitro and in vivo have shown that Gem can prevent or slow the progression of neurological disorders (NDs), including cerebral ischemia (CI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Neuroinflammation is known to play a significant role in these disorders.

METHOD

The literature review for this study was conducted by searching Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases.

RESULT

The results of this study show that Gem has neuroprotective effects through several cellular and molecular mechanisms such as: (1) Gem has the ability to upregulate pro-survival factors (PGC-1α and TFAM), promoting the survival and function of mitochondria in the brain, (2) Gem strongly inhibits the activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and C/EBPβ in cytokine-stimulated astroglial cells, which are known to increase the expression of iNOS and the production of NO in response to proinflammatory cytokines, (3) Gem protects dopamine neurons in the MPTP mouse model of PD by increasing the expression of PPARα, which in turn stimulates the production of GDNF in astrocytes, (4) Gem reduces amyloid plaque pathology, reduces the activity of glial cells, and improves memory, (5) Gem increases myelin genes expression (MBP and CNPase) via PPAR-β, and (6) Gem increases hippocampal BDNF to counteract depression.

CONCLUSION

According to the study, Gem was investigated for its potential therapeutic effect in NDs. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of Gem in NDs.

Amyloid-β: A potential mediator of aging-related vascular pathologies

Aging is one of the most promising risk factors for vascular diseases, however, the precise mechanisms mediating aging-related pathologies are not fully understood. Amyloid beta (Aβ), a peptide produced by the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP), is known as a key mediator of brain damage involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, it was found that the accumulation of Aβ in the vascular wall is linked to a range of aging-related vascular pathologies, indicating a potential role of Aβ in the pathogenesis of aging-associated vascular diseases. In the present review, we have updated the molecular regulation of Aβ in vascular cells and tissues, summarized the relevance of the Aβ deposition with vascular aging and diseases, and the role of Aβ dysregulation in aging-associated vascular pathologies, including the impaired vascular response, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This review will provide advanced information in understanding aging-related vascular pathologies and a new avenue to explore therapeutic targets.

Peptide-metal nanohybrids (PMN): Promising entities for combating neurological maladies

Nanotherapeutics are gaining traction in the modern scenario because of their unique and distinct properties which separate them from macro materials. Among the nanoparticles, metal NPs (MNPs) have gained importance due to their distinct physicochemical and biological characteristics. Peptides also exhibit several important functions in humans. Different peptides have received approval as pharmaceuticals, and clinical trials have been commenced for several peptides. Peptides are also used as targeting ligands. Considering all the advantages offered by these two entities, the conjugation of MNPs with peptides has emerged as a potential strategy for achieving successful targeting, diagnosis, and therapy of various neurological pathologies.

Periodontal Pathogens and Their Links to Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration

Pathogens that play a role in the development and progression of periodontitis have gained significant attention due to their implications in the onset of various systemic diseases. Periodontitis is characterized as an inflammatory disease of the gingival tissue that is mainly caused by bacterial pathogens. Among them, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Tannerella forsythia are regarded as the main periodontal pathogens. These pathogens elicit the release of cytokines, which in combination with their virulence factors induce chronic systemic inflammation and subsequently impact neural function while also altering the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. The primary objective of this review is to summarize the existing information regarding periodontal pathogens, their virulence factors, and their potential association with neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. We systematically reviewed longitudinal studies that investigated the association between periodontal disease and the onset of neurodegenerative disorders. Out of the 24 studies examined, 20 showed some degree of positive correlation between periodontal disease and neurodegenerative disorders, with studies focusing on cognitive function demonstrating the most robust effects. Therefore, periodontal pathogens might represent an exciting new approach to develop novel preventive treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Traditional Chinese medicine in treating ischemic stroke by modulating mitochondria: A comprehensive overview of experimental studies

Ischemic stroke has been a prominent focus of scientific investigation owing to its high prevalence, complex pathogenesis, and difficulties in treatment. Mitochondria play an important role in cellular energy homeostasis and are involved in neuronal death following ischemic stroke. Hence, maintaining mitochondrial function is critical for neuronal survival and neurological improvement in ischemic stroke, and mitochondria are key therapeutic targets in cerebral stroke research. With the benefits of high efficacy, low cost, and high safety, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has great advantages in preventing and treating ischemic stroke. Accumulating studies have explored the effect of TCM in preventing and treating ischemic stroke from the perspective of regulating mitochondrial structure and function. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which mitochondria are involved in ischemic stroke. Furthermore, we summarized the current advances in TCM in preventing and treating ischemic stroke by modulating mitochondria. We aimed to provide a new perspective and enlightenment for TCM in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke by modulating mitochondria.