Neurosciences
Marine Natural Products as Novel Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is distinguished by gradual changes in behavior because of the aggregation of β-amyloid and τ protein that blocks the signal transduction pathway. It is one of the major problems in the current scenario. It mainly occurs after the age of 60 and eventually leads to memory loss. Nonetheless medicinal plants have therapeutic potential to improve many diseases. Medicinal drugs with their phytoconstituents may offer therapeutic potential for improving the preventive treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Five synthetic drugs that have been approved by the FDA include Tacrine Rivastigmine Donepezil Galantamine and Memantine for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's. In the search for effective anti-Alzheimer's drugs from a natural source we discovered marine resources as the origin of the therapeutic and nutritional compound. The methodology involves conducting a comprehensive literature survey. The database search methodology used in this review was the use of keywords which can be found in the article pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease. The significant articles focused on marine flora phytoconstituents such as acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors thus prompting a comprehensive review based on pertinent information. The review included descriptions of various studies revealing that numerous compounds derived from marine sources have demonstrated promising efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Many compounds that originated from marine sources showed good efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase inhibition was the main pharmacological mechanism that was reported for most of the molecules however few articles having alternative anti Alzheimer’s mechanisms have also been reported. This article highlights marine compounds derived from marine sources like algae fungi and sponges which can combat Alzheimer's disease.
Neuroinflammation in the Genesis of Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the second most typical chronic disorder described by recurrent seizures and uncontrolled electrical signaling from neurons in the cerebral cortex. Stimulated astrocytes along with microglia promote cytokines that cause neuroinflammation leading to a chain reaction of subsequent steps involving neurons as well as endothelial cells along the blood-brain barrier. Inflammation in the brain’s neural network can cause convulsions and epilepsy. The migration of albumin proteins and the infiltration of peripheral immune cells from the serum into the brain disrupt BBB which in turn activates astrocytes and microglia which stimulate pro-inflammatory mediators like cytokines chemokines and other inflammatory mediators. They increase the glutamate level and cause an influx of calcium ions leading to the production of less GABA and a decrease in the influx of chloride ions. These events exacerbate the inflammatory process that leads to neuronal excitability and contribute further to the development of epilepsy. In this review we discuss how astrocytes microglia and neurons stimulate cytokines chemokines and other inflammatory mediators that play an essential role in the development of epilepsy. This review also explore how the permeability of the blood-brain barrier promotes neuroinflammation and contributes to epileptogenesis. The purpose of this review is to present knowledge on neuroinflammation so that new antiepileptic drugs can be developed to prevent this disorder.
Navigating Hormonal Disruptions in Neuroleptic Drug Therapy: Current Insights and Obstacles
Neuroleptic drug therapy used to manage psychotic disorders often induces hormonal disruptions that can impact patient health and treatment outcomes. This review explores the relationship between neuroleptic medications and the endocrine system highlighting current insights and clinical challenges. Antipsychotic drugs often elevate prolactin levels leading to hyperprolactinemia which manifests as galactorrhea amenorrhea and sexual dysfunction. These medications can also alter insulin and glucagon levels contributing to metabolic syndromes like type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Disruption of thyroid hormone homeostasis can result in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism exacerbating psychiatric symptoms. Moreover neuroleptic drugs affect growth hormone and adrenal function potentially causing weight gain and adrenal insufficiency. Understanding these hormonal side effects is crucial for developing treatment plans that mitigate adverse effects while optimizing psychiatric care. Despite advances in psychopharmacology challenges remain in predicting individual patient responses and managing long-term endocrine complications. Current research underscores the need for routine endocrine monitoring in patients on neuroleptic therapy and exploring adjunctive treatments to counteract these side effects. Future studies should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these hormonal disruptions and developing targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes. This review provides an overview of the hormonal side effects of neuroleptic drugs emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the needs of patients with psychotic disorders.
Advancing Alzheimer's Treatment: Unleashing the Power of Donanemab and Quantum Computing for Enhanced Patient Outcomes
Donanemab is the first antibody to target pyroglutamate-modified amyloid-beta in Alzheimer's disease selectively; thus it represents a significant breakthrough in disease-modifying treatments. Importantly its mechanism of action encourages adequate clearance of plaques and does not even worsen outcomes for early-stage patients in contrast to previous treatments that did not promote clearing for plaques or even worsened the outcomes of early-stage patients. The integration of quantum computing in drug discovery holds tremendous transformations in terms of enhancing the therapeutic approach against Alzheimer's disease. Researchers can speed up discovering novel compounds optimize treatment regimens and personalize patient care according to individual neurobiological profiles by using quantum computing powers. The letter to the editor discusses the unique attributes of donanemab its clinical superiority and the related side effects besides pushing for the promising future of integrating quantum computing into the paradigms of Alzheimer's treatment. Though promising integrating quantum computing into medical practice is challenged by factors such as high computational costs data privacy and ethical considerations that must be taken within strict regulatory frameworks.
Enzymes and Alzheimer's Disease: Pioneering Drug Development Strategies
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline memory loss and functional impairment. Despite extensive research effective treatments remain elusive highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. This review article explores enzymatic targets and drug development strategies aimed at combating AD. Key enzymatic targets include beta-secretase (BACE1) gamma-secretase and tau protein kinases all of which play critical roles in the pathogenesis of AD. BACE1 and gamma-secretase are involved in the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides whose aggregation forms the hallmark amyloid plaques in AD brains. Inhibitors targeting these enzymes aim to reduce Aβ production and accumulation. Tau protein kinases such as glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) are implicated in tau hyperphosphorylation and subsequent neurofibrillary tangle formation. Modulating these kinases offers the potential for reducing tau pathology. The review further discusses various drug development strategies including small-molecule inhibitors monoclonal antibodies and gene therapy. Small molecule inhibitors such as BACE1 and gamma-secretase inhibitors have shown promise in preclinical studies but face challenges related to specificity and side effects. Monoclonal antibodies targeting Aβ and tau provide an alternative approach with several candidates currently undergoing clinical trials. Gene therapy represents a cutting-edge strategy aiming to correct or modulate disease-causing genetic mutations. In summary targeting enzymatic pathways involved in AD pathogenesis offers a promising avenue for drug development. While significant challenges remain ongoing research and clinical trials continue to advance our understanding and potential treatment options for this debilitating disease.
Precision Medicine and Antipsychotics in Parkinson’s Disease: A Focus on MAO-B Pathway Modulation
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and motor dysfunction. The monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) pathway plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of PD by contributing to neurodegeneration through oxidative stress. Precision medicine offers a transformative approach to PD treatment by leveraging genetic and molecular insights to tailor therapeutic strategies. This review explores the intersection of precision medicine and antipsychotic drugs in modulating the MAO-B pathway to mitigate PD symptoms. We discuss the biochemistry and function of MAO-B its impact on disease progression and the potential of genetic profiling to personalize treatment. Additionally we examine the role of antipsychotic drugs their mechanisms of action and their interactions with the MAO-B pathway. The review highlights personalized approaches to MAO-B inhibition and the clinical evidence supporting these strategies. We address the challenges and limitations in implementing precision medicine such as technical difficulties drug interactions and variability in patient responses. Finally we explore future directions including advances in precision medicine technologies and emerging therapies and their potential to enhance PD management. This review examines the indirect interaction between antipsychotics and the MAO-B pathway highlighting how genetic variations and enzyme activity may influence drug efficacy safety and potential adverse effects particularly when combined with MAO-B inhibitors in neuropsychiatric treatments.
Metaforest Algorithm Insights: Predictors of Nocebo Response in ADHD
Predicting the nocebo response in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is crucial as it can help minimize its influence and improve the evaluation of the side effects of interventions for ADHD. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of covariates related to study design intervention and patients’ characteristics on the nocebo response in patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) using Metaforest and ultimately to investigate Metaforest’s performance in predicting nocebo response in ADHD RCTs.
This study is a secondary analysis of a previously published systematic review. Nocebo response was defined as the proportion of patients experiencing at least one AE while receiving a placebo. We used Metaforest for investigating patient intervention and study design-related nocebo response moderators in ADHD RCTs.
One hundred and five studies were included. Overall 55.4% of patients experienced at least one AE while receiving placebo. However between-study variability on nocebo response was very high with nocebo response ranging from 4.2% to 90.2% leading to high statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 88.3%). Older patients showed a higher nocebo response. The moderating effects of the year of publication treatment length and gender were also significant. The predictive performance of the model was low-moderate (𝑅2 test = 0. 1922; MSE = 0. 0408).
Age was the most important nocebo response modifier followed by year of publication treatment length and gender. Metaforest lacked the capability to predict nocebo responses in future studies.
Potential of Andrographolide and Andrographis paniculata Extracts for the Management of Diabetes-associated Psychopathologies: Current Status
Despite the availability of numerous anti-hyperglycemic and psychoactive drugs and diverse therapeutic modalities prevention and cure of diabetes-associated mental health problems continue to be a major challenge for medical practitioners. Considerable efforts have been made in many research laboratories including ours to identify the bioactive of traditionally known medicinal or food plants to identify their bioactive that could be used for the treatment of diabetes and comorbidities in metabolic disorders. Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall. Ex. Nees. has been used in Ayurvedic and other traditionally known healthcare systems of India and many other Asian countries. Due to its extremely bitter taste it is often referred to as the “king of bitters” and commonly known as “Kalmegh”. Andrographolide is one such metabolite of Andrographis paniculata used in many Asiatic countries for the treatment of diverse age and lifestyle-associated chronic diseases now used for discovering and developing anti-diabetic and other drugs. Available data on andrographolide and Andrographis paniculata strongly recommend that they could be better therapeutic choices for the prevention of diabetes and associated mental health problems than metformin and other pharmacotherapeutics currently commercialized for such purposes. However the question of whether andrographolide or extracts of the plant enriched in it could be better suited for such purposes remains open. Currently available quantitative data on their anti-hyperglycemic effects and brain function-modulating effects useful for answering this question are discussed in this report in light of our current knowledge of the role of gut microbiota in regulating glucose homeostasis and mental health. Their potential uses for discovering and developing drugs or phytotherapeutics from them are also pointed out.
The Brain: A Systems Neuroscience Perspective
The Brain: A Systems Neuroscience Perspective is a comprehensive textbook designed for undergraduate students in neuroscience. It offers a detailed exploration of brain dynamics spatial navigation and the neuroscience of Alzheimer's disease with an emphasis on understanding complex concepts through simplified mathematical models. The objective is to provide a solid foundation for readers in systems neuroscience.
Key Topics
Fundamental Brain Dynamics: Covers the basics of brain organization neural systems and the role of differential equations in neuroscience (Chapters 1-3).
Spatial Navigation: Discusses the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation and the geometry of neural maps (Chapter 4).
Alzheimer’s Disease: Presents a simplified mathematical theory of Alzheimer’s dementia exploring its onset progression and potential interventions (Chapter 5).
Key Features
Accessible Approach: Minimizes mathematical complexity to make the subject approachable for readers with a basic understanding of differential equations.
Standalone Resource: Provides all essential knowledge on brain function making it a valuable tool for both coursework and self-study. Includes references for advanced readers.
Thyroid and Brain: Understanding the Actions of Thyroid Hormones in Brain Development and Function
This comprehensive textbook offers an in-depth exploration of how thyroid hormones influence brain development and function particularly on cellular and molecular mechanisms. Readers will find current insights into the complex interplay between the thyroid and neurological systems making it a valuable resource for researchers advanced learners and clinicians in the fields of endocrinology neuroscience and developmental biology.
The book starts with a review of thyroid physiology setting the stage for subsequent chapters that cover specific topics such as the impact of maternal thyroid hormones on fetal brain development and the effects of iodine deficiency. From here the book progresses to cover the regulation of brain gene expression neuronal and glial cell differentiation and myelination by thyroid hormones and how thyroid hormones shape the brain. Finally the book addresses the link between thyroid dysfunction and mood disorders.
Key features
- A thorough examination of the historical and the latest research findings through 14 chapters
- Clear explanations of molecular pathways
- Emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical applications
- Detailed and research-focused content scientific references for further reading
A Literature-Based Study of Tardive Dyskinesia- From Pathogenesis to Treatment
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is induced by antipsychotic drugs that have dopamine-antagonising properties. It frequently causes physical and mental anguish in individuals lowering their quality of life. Recent research on the aetiology and pathogenesis of TD indicates that genetic predisposition treatment options age sex and lifestyle factors are among the key risk factors contributing to the development of TD. Various genetic polymorphisms along with severe oxidative stress and other diseased conditions help to precipitate TD while on antipsychotic medications or other dopamine receptor blockers. Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia are at a higher likelihood of developing TD. The current piece of literature aims to review the probable underlying mechanisms of TD explore its pathophysiology address the diagnostic challenges and present the available treatment options. This comprehensive analysis draws from a range of published peer-reviewed publications presenting the information in a clear and accessible manner.
The Present Difficulties and Potential Benefits of Dopaminergic Agents in Parkinson's Disease Treatment
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition characterized by bradykinesia rigidity tremors and impaired balance among other motor impairments. The issue arises from dopaminergic neurons located in the spinal column of the brain. This research report examines the therapeutic potential of dopaminergic medications in the management of Parkinson's disease. The central concept of Parkinson's disease (PD) revolves around the notion that dopaminergic pathways exert significant influence over the regulation of movement. The book examines various dopaminergic medications elucidating their mechanisms of action and the impact they exert on dopamine signaling. Examples of these medications include levodopa dopamine agonists and monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors. Although dopaminergic medicines initially aid in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) prolonged usage of these medications gives rise to several complications. Experiencing dyskinesias and motor fluctuations characterized by episodes of involuntary movements and behaviors that are undesired is a significant challenge. This study investigates the underlying causes of these difficulties and explores potential treatment options including the use of controlled-release formulations and further therapy. The book discusses the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) as well as the use of dopaminergic medications to treat mood disorders autonomic dysfunction and cognitive loss. Dopaminergic medications remain crucial in reducing motor symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for those with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex condition with multiple distinct variations. In order to address its existing challenges and explore its potential implications for future Parkinson's disease medications a comprehensive and effectively coordinated strategy is required.
Positive Psychotic Symptoms after Escitalopram Treatment in a Female Adolescent with Peroxisome Spectrum Disorder Due to PEX-6 Gene Mutation
In this case report we present positive psychotic symptoms that developed after low-dose (5 mg/day) escitalopram treatment in a 16-year-old female adolescent with a peroxisome biogenesis disorder.
Two weeks after starting escitalopram treatment for depression the patient experienced vomiting attacks several times a day. About 2-3 days after the attacks began the family stopped administering escitalopram. Five days after the onset of vomiting and 2-3 days after stopping escitalopram the patient developed visual and auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions. During the patient's follow-up period the diversity of her hallucinations and delusions increased. When olanzapine treatment was gradually increased to 20 mg/day the patient's psychotic symptoms disappeared.
We discuss serotonin syndrome drug-induced bipolar disorder and psychotic disorder in the differential diagnosis. We believe that this case report is valuable as it is the first in the literature regarding the development of positive psychotic symptoms after SSRI use in a patient with a peroxisome biogenesis disorder.
The Neuroanatomy, Etiopathogenesis, and Novel Therapeutic Targets in Depressive Disorders
Depression has a high prevalence and associated comorbidities. It is still unknown what the molecular basis of depression is regardless of many theories that have been put up to explain it. Many researchers investigate that present-day therapies for depression are ineffective due to their low efficacy delayed onset of action (typically two weeks) and adverse effects. Novel medications that operate more quickly and effectively are thus needed. Several novel molecules (e.g. ketamine buprenorphine) have been proven to produce quick and dependable antidepressant benefits in depressive patients who are resistant to treatment; yet questions about their effectiveness possible abuse and adverse effects persist. The molecular basis and pharmacological interventions for depression were included in this study. Even if pharmaceutical treatments for depression have mostly failed to alleviate the condition identifying and addressing possible risk factors in an effort to reduce the prevalence of this psychiatric disease is beneficial for public health. We emphasized the neuroanatomy and etiopathogenesis of depression along with a discussion of the putative pharmacological mechanisms novel targets research hurdles and prospective therapeutic futures.
A Comprehensive Review on the Neuropharmacological Effects of Antidepressants in Various Prospects
Depression is one of the most challenging diseases for society to treat. It is a highly prevalent and disabling illness in the general population. Affective disorders are characterised by depressed mood diminished interest and pleasure feelings of guilt or poor self-worth sleep or food difficulties decreased energy and impaired attention. This manuscript will look at depression from a behavioural analytic perspective. The pathogenesis of major depressive disorder is poorly understood. Several lines of experimental and clinical evidence however show that the therapeutic effect of most antidepressant drugs is related to an increase in 5-HT-mediated neurotransmission. Alternative techniques however are employed to obtain this net effect. A better understanding of the neurological mechanism underpinning antidepressant drugs' delayed onset of action has resulted in the development of ways to accelerate antidepressant responses which are discussed further below. Many antidepressant medications on the market today are beneficial but they come with many downsides including unpleasant side effects potential interactions and a low response rate. Natural drugs on the other hand are extremely effective have a low risk and a limited amount of side effects which are covered briefly in this paper. Alternative modalities of administration have received a lot of attention in recent decades as a complement to approved prescription pharmaceuticals especially for people who cannot tolerate oral or parenteral methods. The most promising non-invasive systemic delivery techniques are transdermal and transbronchial administration and these are the focus of this research.
Hippocampal Serotonin and Responses to Immobilization Stress in Rats Treated with Metformin
Stress-related illnesses and depression are rising in modern society. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as other antidepressants are also not very effective and commonly exhibit partial remission suggesting the need for novel therapeutic agents for treating anxiety and depression.
The present study was designed to investigate serotonergic mechanisms in the potential anxiolytic and stress-reducing effects of metformin.
In the first experiment rats were given two doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) of metformin to monitor the effects of repeated administration on motor activity anxiety and 5-HT-1A receptor expression in the hippocampus and raphe nuclei. The second experiment was conducted in 2 parts in 2a. experiment control and metformin (50 mg/kg) treated rats were immobilized for 2 hours for 5 consecutive days. Food intake and body weight were monitored daily and anxiety-like behavior was monitored on days 2 and 6. On day 6 rats were again immobilized for 2 hours and after termination of stress rats were sacrificed to collect the hippocampus for HPLC-EC analysis of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA). In 2b. experiment control and metformin (50 mg/kg) treated rats were immobilized for 2 hours and after 2 hours rats were sacrificed to collect the hippocampus for HPLC-EC analysis of 5-HT and 5-HIAA.
We found that metformin treatment exhibited anxiety reduction associated with greater expression of 5-HT-1A receptor in the hippocampus and reduced expression in the raphe nuclei. Immobilization stress-induced food intake and body weight deficits were comparable in control and metformin-treated rats but the anxiogenic effects of stress were smaller in the metformin-treated group. Stress-induced decreases of hippocampal 5-HT were smaller in metformin-treated than in control rats.
Metformin can reduce stress-induced anxiety mediated via an increase in hippocampal 5-HT levels and 5-HT-1A heteroreceptor expression.
The Neurochemical Anatomy of Runway Acquisition and Extinction
A review is presented as to the neurochemical basis of the straight runway task usually consisting of an acquisition phase followed by an extinction phase. During the acquisition of the appetitive runway task running speeds from the start box to the goal box progressively increase over trials and then decrease when the reward is withheld. Runway extinction is susceptible to lesions of the limbic system including the medial frontal cortex the hippocampus the septum the amygdala and the dorsomedial thalamus. When specific neurotransmitter systems are examined extinction was delayed when noradrenaline transmission was impeded perhaps involving noradrenergic projections to the hippocampus and neocortex. Extinction was likewise delayed after either facilitation or blocking of dopamine transmission a result implicating an inverted U-shaped function caused by dopamine’s role in behavioral activation or reward processes. Extinction was also delayed by indirect GABAA receptor agonists injected during acquisition explained by drug-induced disinhibitory tendencies. This simple paradigm may provide information about the effects of a physiological manipulation on both cognition and emotion.
Psilocybin in the Management of Substance Use Disorders: A Summary of Current Evidence
Following clinical trials on psilocybin for the treatment of pain anxiety and depression in patients with cancer scientific interest emerged in its use for substance use disorders.
In this review of the literature we summarize available trials looking at the use of psilocybin in addiction.
One double-blind randomized clinical trial looked at the effect of psilocybin on heavy drinking in adults diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Several trials are currently ongoing to assess psilocybin’s efficacy in the management of different substance use disorders. Otherwise the current evidence is insufficient to derive any conclusions on the possible efficacy of psilocybin in substance use disorders.
More well-powered blinded randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of psilocybin in addiction while identifying the appropriate conditions that promote its safe use.
Semaglutide’s Neuropharmacological Effects: From Glycemic Regulation and Weight Loss to Potential Implications in Substance Use Disorders – A Narrative Review
This narrative review delves into the potential therapeutic implications of semaglutide a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist in the context of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). By systematically exploring databases from 2011 to 2023 and incorporating foundational works from 2004 a total of 59 articles were identified as pertinent to the topic. Utilizing the SANRA scale for assessment the quality and relevance of these studies were rigorously evaluated. Preliminary findings indicate that semaglutide may play a pivotal role in modulating behaviors associated with SUDs potentially providing fresh perspectives on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these disorders. While the precise pathways of action for semaglutide remain to be fully deciphered its recurrent mention in the literature underscores its emerging importance in the field of SUD research. As the understanding of semaglutide's influence expands it holds promise as a focal point in future studies warranting further in-depth exploration to ascertain its full therapeutic potential.
Rapid Metabolism of Monthly Extended-Release Buprenorphine Formulation: A Case Report
Medication-assisted treatment constitutes the gold standard management for patients with opioid use disorder. Many factors can alter the response to medications including genetic variations. In this case report we discuss the presentation of a patient maintained on subcutaneous extended-release buprenorphine formulation who repeatedly presented objective and subjective signs of opioid withdrawal when he was switched from weekly to monthly formulation. We particularly highlight the role of metabolic pharmacogenes in this presentation.
Mr. Y a 31-year-old single man presented to our rehabilitation center seeking assistance for his polysubstance dependence mainly opioid use disorder. As part of his multidisciplinary treatment plan he was started on weekly extended-release buprenorphine. After maintenance for several months he was transitioned to the monthly equivalent formulation. Since the transition he began to develop severe withdrawal symptoms 1-2 weeks before his next due injection. This was paralleled by a noted decrease in buprenorphine level on his urine drug screening test. As soon as the patient was placed back on the weekly formulation his symptoms resolved.
This is a novel case highlighting the potential role of pharmacogenomics in clinical presentation and response to medications. Switching patients from weekly to monthly extended-release buprenorphine formulation might make rapid or ultra-rapid metabolizers at risk of early-onset withdrawal symptoms. In such a case earlier provision of the injection or switching to another formulation or medication can be considered.