Investigating the mechanisms underlying central nervous system disorders is a major scientific issue in the 21st century.However,the inaccessibility and complexity of the human brain have always represented a challeng...Investigating the mechanisms underlying central nervous system disorders is a major scientific issue in the 21st century.However,the inaccessibility and complexity of the human brain have always represented a challenge in understanding the pathophysiology of the central nervous system.Brain organoids are self-assembled threedimensional aggregates derived from pluripotent stem cells with cell types and structures similar to the embryonic human brain,giving them potential for investigating the atypical cellular,molecular,and genetic characteristics characteristic of central nervous system disorders.Brain organoids also provide a platform for drug screening and serve as a potential source for transplantation therapy for brain injuries.However,the broad application of brain organoids is hampered by several limitations,such as the lack of high-fidelity cell types,insufficient maturation,and considerable heterogeneity,undermining their reliability in specific applications.This review summarizes brain organoid evolution,discusses recent technological and methodological innovations,and reviews their applications in drug screening,transplantation therapy,and disease modeling,as well as clinical research progress.Additionally,we emphasize the limitations of current brain organoid research and explore the potential for advancing the technology to enhance its applicability.展开更多
Obese individuals who subsequently sustain a traumatic brain injury(TBI)exhibit worsened outcomes including longer periods of rehabilitation(Eagle et al.,2023).In obese individuals,prolonged symptomology is associated...Obese individuals who subsequently sustain a traumatic brain injury(TBI)exhibit worsened outcomes including longer periods of rehabilitation(Eagle et al.,2023).In obese individuals,prolonged symptomology is associated with increased levels of circulato ry pro-inflammatory marke rs up to 1 year postTBI(Eagle et al.,2023).展开更多
Brain organoids are artificial neural tissues derived in vitro,containing a variety of cell types,as well as structural and/or functional brain regions.They can partially mimic brain physiological activities and disea...Brain organoids are artificial neural tissues derived in vitro,containing a variety of cell types,as well as structural and/or functional brain regions.They can partially mimic brain physiological activities and diseased processes.Owing to their operability and sample accessibility,brain organoids serve as a bridge between in vitro monolayer cell culture models and in vivo animal models.An increasing number of induction protocols for brain organoids have been developed over the preceding decade.A key future research direction will focus on ensuring the complexity and quality of brain organoids.The integration of powerful technologies,such as the CRISP R/Cas9 genome editing and lineage tra cing systems,shall precipitate practical and broad applications of brain organoids.In this review,we discuss the generation and application of brain organoids,as well as their integration with genome editing technologies,in the study of neural development,disease modeling,and mechanistic investigations.The innovative combination of these two technologies may offer a fresh perspective for exploring the fundamental aspects of the human nervous system and related diseases.展开更多
Background:Brain volume measurement serves as a critical approach for assessing brain health status.Considering the close biological connection between the eyes and brain,this study aims to investigate the feasibility...Background:Brain volume measurement serves as a critical approach for assessing brain health status.Considering the close biological connection between the eyes and brain,this study aims to investigate the feasibility of estimating brain volume through retinal fundus imaging integrated with clinical metadata,and to offer a cost-effective approach for assessing brain health.Methods:Based on clinical information,retinal fundus images,and neuroimaging data derived from a multicenter,population-based cohort study,the Kai Luan Study,we proposed a cross-modal correlation representation(CMCR)network to elucidate the intricate co-degenerative relationships between the eyes and brain for 755 subjects.Specifically,individual clinical information,which has been followed up for as long as 12 years,was encoded as a prompt to enhance the accuracy of brain volume estimation.Independent internal validation and external validation were performed to assess the robustness of the proposed model.Root mean square error(RMSE),peak signal-tonoise ratio(PSNR),and structural similarity index measure(SSIM)metrics were employed to quantitatively evaluate the quality of synthetic brain images derived from retinal imaging data.Results:The proposed framework yielded average RMSE,PSNR,and SSIM values of 98.23,35.78 d B,and 0.64,respectively,which significantly outperformed 5 other methods:multi-channel Variational Autoencoder(mcVAE),Pixelto-Pixel(Pixel2pixel),transformer-based U-Net(Trans UNet),multi-scale transformer network(MT-Net),and residual vision transformer(ResViT).The two-(2D)and three-dimensional(3D)visualization results showed that the shape and texture of the synthetic brain images generated by the proposed method most closely resembled those of actual brain images.Thus,the CMCR framework accurately captured the latent structural correlations between the fundus and the brain.The average difference between predicted and actual brain volumes was 61.36 cm~3,with a relative error of 4.54%.When all of the clinical information(including age and sex,daily habits,cardiovascular factors,metabolic factors,and inflammatory factors)was encoded,the difference was decreased to 53.89 cm~3,with a relative error of 3.98%.Based on the synthesized brain magnetic resonance images from retinal fundus images,the volumes of brain tissues could be estimated with high accuracy.Conclusion:This study provides an innovative,accurate,and cost-effective approach to characterize brain health status through readily accessible retinal fundus images.展开更多
Blood-brain barrier disruption and the neuroinflammatory response are significant pathological features that critically influence disease progression and treatment outcomes.This review systematically analyzes the curr...Blood-brain barrier disruption and the neuroinflammatory response are significant pathological features that critically influence disease progression and treatment outcomes.This review systematically analyzes the current understanding of the bidirectional relationship between blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammation in traumatic brain injury,along with emerging combination therapeutic strategies.Literature review indicates that blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammatory responses are key pathological features following traumatic brain injury.In the acute phase after traumatic brain injury,the pathological characteristics include primary blood-brain barrier disruption and the activation of inflammatory cascades.In the subacute phase,the pathological features are characterized by repair mechanisms and inflammatory modulation.In the chronic phase,the pathological features show persistent low-grade inflammation and incomplete recovery of the blood-brain barrier.Various physiological changes,such as structural alterations of the blood-brain barrier,inflammatory cascades,and extracellular matrix remodeling,interact with each other and are influenced by genetic,age,sex,and environmental factors.The dynamic balance between blood-brain barrier permeability and neuroinflammation is regulated by hormones,particularly sex hormones and stress-related hormones.Additionally,the role of gastrointestinal hormones is receiving increasing attention.Current treatment strategies for traumatic brain injury include various methods such as conventional drug combinations,multimodality neuromonitoring,hyperbaric oxygen therapy,and non-invasive brain stimulation.Artificial intelligence also shows potential in treatment decision-making and personalized therapy.Emerging sequential combination strategies and precision medicine approaches can help improve treatment outcomes;however,challenges remain,such as inadequate research on the mechanisms of the chronic phase traumatic brain injury and difficulties with technology integration.Future research on traumatic brain injury should focus on personalized treatment strategies,the standardization of techniques,costeffectiveness evaluations,and addressing the needs of patients with comorbidities.A multidisciplinary approach should be used to enhance treatment and improve patient outcomes.展开更多
This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine and compare deep learning methods for brain tumor segmentation and classification using MRI and other imaging modalities,focusing on recent trends from 2022 to 20...This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine and compare deep learning methods for brain tumor segmentation and classification using MRI and other imaging modalities,focusing on recent trends from 2022 to 2025.The primary objective is to evaluate methodological advancements,model performance,dataset usage,and existing challenges in developing clinically robust AI systems.We included peer-reviewed journal articles and highimpact conference papers published between 2022 and 2025,written in English,that proposed or evaluated deep learning methods for brain tumor segmentation and/or classification.Excluded were non-open-access publications,books,and non-English articles.A structured search was conducted across Scopus,Google Scholar,Wiley,and Taylor&Francis,with the last search performed in August 2025.Risk of bias was not formally quantified but considered during full-text screening based on dataset diversity,validation methods,and availability of performance metrics.We used narrative synthesis and tabular benchmarking to compare performance metrics(e.g.,accuracy,Dice score)across model types(CNN,Transformer,Hybrid),imaging modalities,and datasets.A total of 49 studies were included(43 journal articles and 6 conference papers).These studies spanned over 9 public datasets(e.g.,BraTS,Figshare,REMBRANDT,MOLAB)and utilized a range of imaging modalities,predominantly MRI.Hybrid models,especially ResViT and UNetFormer,consistently achieved high performance,with classification accuracy exceeding 98%and segmentation Dice scores above 0.90 across multiple studies.Transformers and hybrid architectures showed increasing adoption post2023.Many studies lacked external validation and were evaluated only on a few benchmark datasets,raising concerns about generalizability and dataset bias.Few studies addressed clinical interpretability or uncertainty quantification.Despite promising results,particularly for hybrid deep learning models,widespread clinical adoption remains limited due to lack of validation,interpretability concerns,and real-world deployment barriers.展开更多
Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer promising therapeutic and regenerative prospects in neurological diseases by modulating brain activity and improving cognitive and motor functions.Given the paucity of kn...Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer promising therapeutic and regenerative prospects in neurological diseases by modulating brain activity and improving cognitive and motor functions.Given the paucity of knowledge about the underlying modes of action and optimal treatment modalities,a thorough translational investigation of noninvasive brain stimulation in preclinical animal models is urgently needed.Thus,we reviewed the current literature on the mechanistic underpinnings of noninvasive brain stimulation in models of central nervous system impairment,with a particular emphasis on traumatic brain injury and stroke.Due to the lack of translational models in most noninvasive brain stimulation techniques proposed,we found this review to the most relevant techniques used in humans,i.e.,transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.We searched the literature in Pub Med,encompassing the MEDLINE and PMC databases,for studies published between January 1,2020 and September 30,2024.Thirty-five studies were eligible.Transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation demonstrated distinct strengths in augmenting rehabilitation post-stroke and traumatic brain injury,with emerging mechanistic evidence.Overall,we identified neuronal,inflammatory,microvascular,and apoptotic pathways highlighted in the literature.This review also highlights a lack of translational surrogate parameters to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and their clinical translation.展开更多
Deep brain sti mulation(DBS)is a neuromodulation tool that involves the delivery of electrical impulses to specific brain regions through implanted electrodes.The principle behind DBS is to modulate dysfunctional neur...Deep brain sti mulation(DBS)is a neuromodulation tool that involves the delivery of electrical impulses to specific brain regions through implanted electrodes.The principle behind DBS is to modulate dysfunctional neural circuits without the need for permanent structural alterations to the brain.Initially developed as a treatment for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease(PD),DBS has expanded to encompass various neurological and psychiatric disorders.展开更多
In recent years,development of strategies to treat central nervous system(CNS) diseases has attracted extensive attention.A major obstacle in this field is the blood-brain barrier(BBB),which significantly limits the e...In recent years,development of strategies to treat central nervous system(CNS) diseases has attracted extensive attention.A major obstacle in this field is the blood-brain barrier(BBB),which significantly limits the efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain and hinders the treatment of CNS diseases.Overcoming the restrictive nature of the BBB has thus emerged as a key objective in CNS drug development.Nanomaterials have garnered growing interest due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential to traverse the BBB,enabling targeted drug delivery to brain tissue and improving therapeutic efficacy.In this review,we present current insights into the structure and function of the BBB and highlight a range of nanomaterial-based strategies for BBB penetration,including receptor-mediated transport(RMT),adsorptive-mediated transcytosis,reversible BBB disruption,and intranasal administration.Finally,we summarize recent advances in enhancing BBB permeability for CNS therapeutics and discuss persisting challenges,offering perspectives for future research in this field.展开更多
Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging,as demonstrated by the repeated failures of amyloid-β-targeted therapeutics and the controversies surrounding the amyloid-βcascade hypothesis.More r...Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging,as demonstrated by the repeated failures of amyloid-β-targeted therapeutics and the controversies surrounding the amyloid-βcascade hypothesis.More recently,advances in the development of Lecanemab,an anti-amyloid-βmonoclonal antibody,have shown positive results in reducing brain A burden and slowing cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in the Phase Ⅲ clinical trial(Clarity Alzheimer’s disease).Despite these promising results,side effects such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities(ARIA)may limit its usage.ARIA can manifest as ARIA-E(cerebral edema or effusions)and ARIA-H(microhemorrhages or superficial siderosis)and is thought to be caused by increased vascular permeability due to inflammatory responses,leading to leakages of blood products and protein-rich fluid into brain parenchyma.Endothelial dysfunction is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease,and the blood-brain barrier becomes increasingly leaky as the disease progresses.In addition,APOE4,the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,is associated with higher vascular amyloid burden,increased ARIA incidence,and accelerated blood-brain barrier disruptions.These interconnected vascular abnormalities highlight the importance of vascular contributions to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.Here,we will closely examine recent research evaluating the heterogeneity of brain endothelial cells in the microvasculature of different brain regions and their relationships with Alzheimer’s disease progression.展开更多
The ErbB signaling network has recently emerged as a key modulator of central nervous system responses to injury.This review provides a comprehensive overview of ErbB receptors and their ligands,highlighting canonical...The ErbB signaling network has recently emerged as a key modulator of central nervous system responses to injury.This review provides a comprehensive overview of ErbB receptors and their ligands,highlighting canonical and non-canonical signaling mechanisms relevant to brain damage.We explore how ErbB signaling is dynamically regulated following injury and how it orchestrates processes such as neuroinflammation,gliosis,and neural repair.Special attention is given to its interplay with other critical pathways,including Notch signaling,and its roles within adult neurogenic niches,where it modulates neural stem cell behavior in response to damage.Based on accumulating preclinical evidence,we propose two therapeutic strategies for targeting ErbB signaling in brain injury:(1)dampening neuroinflammation through ErbB inhibition and(2)promoting neuroprotection and neurogenesis via neuregulin-1-mediated activation.The first strategy is supported by studies,which demonstrate that inhibition of ErbB1 limits neuroinflammation and supports neural repair in preclinical models.The latter strategy is supported by emerging studies demonstrating the significant potential of novel protein kinase C activating diterpenes in modulating ErbB signaling pathways through the regulation of neuregulin-1 release.Diterpenes,by influencing the ErbB pathway,may uniquely bridge the gap between neuroprotection and regeneration.Their potential to modulate inflammation and promote pro-regenerative cellular environments positions them as promising tools in the development of targeted therapies.By dissecting these mechanisms,we aim to shed light on the translational potential of ErbB-targeted therapies and their capacity to enhance endogenous repair processes in the injured brain.展开更多
Traumatic brain injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries.Secondary injuries are the main cause of disability following traumatic brain injury,which involves a complex multicellular cascade.Microgl...Traumatic brain injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries.Secondary injuries are the main cause of disability following traumatic brain injury,which involves a complex multicellular cascade.Microglia play an important role in secondary injury and can be activated in response to traumatic brain injury.In this article,we review the origin and classification of microglia as well as the dynamic changes of microglia in traumatic brain injury.We also clarify the microglial polarization pathways and the therapeutic drugs targeting activated microglia.We found that regulating the signaling pathways involved in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory microglia,such as the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinase,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B,Notch,and high mobility group box 1 pathways,can alleviate the inflammatory response triggered by microglia in traumatic brain injury,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.We also reviewed the strategies developed on the basis of these pathways,such as drug and cell replacement therapies.Drugs that modulate inflammatory factors,such as rosuvastatin,have been shown to promote the polarization of antiinflammatory microglia and reduce the inflammatory response caused by traumatic brain injury.Mesenchymal stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties,and clinical studies have confirmed their significant efficacy and safety in patients with traumatic brain injury.Additionally,advancements in mesenchymal stem cell-delivery methods—such as combinations of novel biomaterials,genetic engineering,and mesenchymal stem cell exosome therapy—have greatly enhanced the efficiency and therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in animal models.However,numerous challenges in the application of drug and mesenchymal stem cell treatment strategies remain to be addressed.In the future,new technologies,such as single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis,can facilitate further experimental studies.Moreover,research involving non-human primates can help translate these treatment strategies to clinical practice.展开更多
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide.It is characterized by a highly interconnected and multiphasic neuropathological cascade of events,in which an intense and protracted inflammatory response pla...Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide.It is characterized by a highly interconnected and multiphasic neuropathological cascade of events,in which an intense and protracted inflammatory response plays a crucial role in worsening brain injury.Neuroinflammation,a key player in the pathophysiology of stroke,has a dual role.In the acute phase of stroke,neuroinflammation exacerbates brain injury,contributing to neuronal damage and blood–brain barrier disruption.This aspect of neuroinflammation is associated with poor neurological outcomes.Conversely,in the recovery phase following stroke,neuroinflammation facilitates brain repair processes,including neurogenesis,angiogenesis,and synaptic plasticity.The transition of neuroinflammation from a harmful to a reparative role is not well understood.Therefore,this review seeks to explore the mechanisms underlying this transition,with the goal of informing the development of therapeutic interventions that are both time-and context-specific.This review aims to elucidate the complex and dual role of neuroinflammation in stroke,highlighting the main actors,biomarkers of the disease,and potential therapeutic approaches.展开更多
Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous subtype of stroke,characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates,and frequently leads to significant secondary white matter injury.In recent decades,studies have rev...Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous subtype of stroke,characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates,and frequently leads to significant secondary white matter injury.In recent decades,studies have revealed that gut microbiota can communicate bidirectionally with the brain through the gut microbiota–brain axis.This axis indicates that gut microbiota is closely related to the development and prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage and its associated secondary white matter injury.The NACHT,LRR,and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome plays a crucial role in this context.This review summarizes the dysbiosis of gut microbiota following intracerebral hemorrhage and explores the mechanisms by which this imbalance may promote the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.These mechanisms include metabolic pathways(involving short-chain fatty acids,lipopolysaccharides,lactic acid,bile acids,trimethylamine-N-oxide,and tryptophan),neural pathways(such as the vagus nerve and sympathetic nerve),and immune pathways(involving microglia and T cells).We then discuss the relationship between the activated NLRP3 inflammasome and secondary white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage.The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can exacerbate secondary white matter injury by disrupting the blood–brain barrier,inducing neuroinflammation,and interfering with nerve regeneration.Finally,we outline potential treatment strategies for intracerebral hemorrhage and its secondary white matter injury.Our review highlights the critical role of the gut microbiota–brain axis and the NLRP3 inflammasome in white matter injury following intracerebral hemorrhage,paving the way for exploring potential therapeutic approaches.展开更多
Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, ...Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, maturation, and maintenance of the central nervous system. An expanding body of studies has revealed that pericytes establish carefully regulated interactions with oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. These communications govern numerous critical brain processes, including angiogenesis, neurovascular unit homeostasis, blood–brain barrier integrity, cerebral blood flow regulation, and immune response initiation. Glial cells and pericytes participate in dynamic and reciprocal interactions, with each influencing and adjusting the functionality of the other. Pericytes have the ability to control astrocyte polarization, trigger differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and initiate immunological responses in microglia. Various neurological disorders that compromise the integrity of the blood–brain barrier can disrupt these communications, impair waste clearance, and hinder cerebral blood circulation, contributing to neuroinflammation. In the context of neurodegeneration, these disruptions exacerbate pathological processes, such as neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, and impaired tissue repair. This article explores the complex interactions between pericytes and various glial cells in both healthy and pathological states of the central nervous system. It highlights their essential roles in neurovascular function and disease progression, providing important insights that may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and guide potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders in future research.展开更多
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)and obesity(OB)are bidirectionally comorbid conditions with common neurobiological underpinnings.However,the neurocognitive mechanisms of their comorbidity remain poorly unders...BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)and obesity(OB)are bidirectionally comorbid conditions with common neurobiological underpinnings.However,the neurocognitive mechanisms of their comorbidity remain poorly understood.AIM To examine regional abnormalities in spontaneous brain activity among patients with MDD-OB comorbidity.METHODS This study adopted a regional homogeneity(ReHo)analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.The study included 149 hospital patients divided into four groups:Patients experiencing their first episode of drug-naive MDD with OB,patients with MDD without OB,and age-and sex-matched healthy individuals with and without OB.Whole-brain ReHo analysis was conducted using SPM12 software and RESTplus toolkits,with group comparisons via ANOVA and post-hoc tests.Correlations between ReHo values and behavioral measures were examined.RESULTS ANOVA revealed significant whole-brain ReHo differences among the four groups in four key regions:The left middle temporal gyrus(MTG.L),right cuneus,left precuneus,and left thalamus.Post-hoc analyses confirmed pairwise differences between all groups across these regions(P<0.05).OB was associated with ReHo alterations in the MTG.L,right cuneus,and left thalamus,whereas abnormalities in the precuneus suggested synergistic pathological mechanisms between MDD and OB.Statistically significant correlations were found between the drive and fun-seeking dimensions of the behavioral activation system,as well as behavioral inhibition and the corresponding ReHo values.CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel evidence for the neuroadaptive mechanisms underlying the MDD-OB comorbidity.Further validation could lead to personalized interventions targeting MTG.L hyperactivity and targeting healthy food cues.展开更多
Background:Midlife lifestyle factors,including physical activity,are associated with late-life brain health,yet the role of aerobic exercise on structural brain health in early and mid-adulthood remains poorly underst...Background:Midlife lifestyle factors,including physical activity,are associated with late-life brain health,yet the role of aerobic exercise on structural brain health in early and mid-adulthood remains poorly understood.This study aimed to examine the effect of aerobic exercise on structural brain age and to explore potential mediators.Methods:In a single-blind,12-month randomized clinical trial,130 healthy participants aged 26-58 years were randomized into a moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise group or a usual-care control group.The exercise group attended two supervised 60-min sessions per week in a laboratory setting plus engaged in home-based exercise to achieve 150 min of exercise per week.Brain-predicted age difference(brain-PAD)and cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)were assessed at baseline and 12 months.Both intention-to-treat(ITT)and completers analyses(including participants who completed post-intervention assessments)were performed.Results:The 130 participants(67.7%female)had an age of 41.28±9.93 years(mean±SD).At baseline,higher CRF(peak oxygen uptake,VO_(2peak))was associated with smaller brain-PAD(β=-0.309,p=0.012).After the intervention,the exercise group showed a decrease in brainPAD(estimated mean difference(EMD)=-0.60;95%confidence interval(95%CI):-1.15 to-0.04;p=0.034)compared to the control group(EMD=0.35;95%CI:-0.21 to 0.92;p=0.217);time×group interaction(between-group difference(BGD)=-0.95;95%CI:-1.72 to-0.17;p=0.019).VO2peak improved in the exercise group(EMD=1.60;95%CI:0.29-2.90;p=0.017)compared to the control group(EMD=-0.78;95%CI:-2.17 to 0.60;p=0.265);time×group interaction(BGD=2.38;95%CI:0.52-4.25;p=0.015).Body composition,blood pressure,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were unaffected.None of the proposed pathways statistically mediated the effect of exercise on brain-PAD.The results from completers were similar.Conclusion:Engaging in 12 months of moderate-to-vigorous exercise reduced brain-PAD in early-to-midlife adults.The pathways by which these effects occur remain unknown.展开更多
Alzheimer s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease chara cterized by memory decline and the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates in the brain.While the precise cause of Alzheimer s disease remains u...Alzheimer s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease chara cterized by memory decline and the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates in the brain.While the precise cause of Alzheimer s disease remains under investigation,recent research suggests that dys regulation of brainspecific microRNAs(miRs)plays a significant role in Alzheimer s disease pathogenesis.Brain-specific miRs are predominantly expressed within the central nervous system and are crucial for neuronal development,and function,potentially in brain disorders.This review identifies some key brainspecific miRs in Alzheimer's disease,including miR-9,miR-26b,miR-34a,miR-107,miR-124,miR-125b,miR-128,miR-132,miR-146a,miR-155,miR-219,miR-501-3p,and miR-502-3p.The review also shed light on the brain-specific location of these miRs,their dysregulation in Alzheimer s disease,and how they are involved in disease progression.Apparently,these brain-specific miRs modulate specific genes and are therefo re crucial for various cellular processes,including autophagy,cell cycle,tau phosphorylation,amyloid-beta production,and neuroinflammation.Moreover,these miRs are potent disease-modifying factors and their expression levels co uld serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing or monitoring Alzheimer s disease progression.展开更多
Background:Early detection of harmful brain activity in critically ill patients using electroencephalography(EEG)is vital for timely and effective clinical intervention.Automating EEG analysis with deep learning techn...Background:Early detection of harmful brain activity in critically ill patients using electroencephalography(EEG)is vital for timely and effective clinical intervention.Automating EEG analysis with deep learning techniques holds significant promise for enhancing diagnostic efficiency and accuracy.Methods:We implemented EfficientNetB2,which leverages convolutional neural networks with a novel Temporal Squeeze-and-Excitation module to capture temporal EEG features,and WaveNet,a sequential model designed to effectively model temporal dependencies in EEG data using dilated causal convolutions and temporal self-attention.Both models were trained and evaluated using a publicly available EEG dataset,with performance assessed via 4-fold cross-validation and a step-wise learning rate reduction strategy.Results:Our results demonstrate a significant reduction in training loss from 0.6459 to 0.3055 and validation loss from 0.9602 to 0.5719 over six epochs.Consistent improvements were observed across cross-validation folds,highlighting the robustness of the models.Additionally,ensemble learning of the two architectures further enhanced classification performance.Conclusion:This comparative analysis sheds light on the strengths and limitations of EfficientNetB2 and WaveNet for automated harmful brain activity detection in EEG signals.The findings contribute to the advancement of reliable and efficient deep learning models,paving the way for their clinical application in managing critically ill patients.展开更多
The capacity of the central nervous system for structural plasticity and regeneration is commonly believed to show a decreasing progression from“small and simple”brains to the larger,more complex brains of mammals.H...The capacity of the central nervous system for structural plasticity and regeneration is commonly believed to show a decreasing progression from“small and simple”brains to the larger,more complex brains of mammals.However,recent findings revealed that some forms of neural plasticity can show a reverse trend.Although plasticity is a well-preserved,transversal feature across the animal world,a variety of cell populations and mechanisms seem to have evolved to enable structural modifications to take place in widely different brains,likely as adaptations to selective pressures.Increasing evidence now indicates that a trade-off has occurred between regenerative(mostly stem cell–driven)plasticity and developmental(mostly juvenile)remodeling,with the latter primarily aimed not at brain repair but rather at“sculpting”the neural circuits based on experience.In particular,an evolutionary trade-off has occurred between neurogenic processes intended to support the possibility of recruiting new neurons throughout life and the different ways of obtaining new neurons,and between the different brain locations in which plasticity occurs.This review first briefly surveys the different types of plasticity and the complexity of their possible outcomes and then focuses on recent findings showing that the mammalian brain has a stem cell–independent integration of new neurons into pre-existing(mature)neural circuits.This process is still largely unknown but involves neuronal cells that have been blocked in arrested maturation since their embryonic origin(also termed“immature”or“dormant”neurons).These cells can then restart maturation throughout the animal's lifespan to become functional neurons in brain regions,such as the cerebral cortex and amygdala,that are relevant to high-order cognition and emotions.Unlike stem cell–driven postnatal/adult neurogenesis,which significantly decreases from small-brained,short-living species to large-brained ones,immature neurons are particularly abundant in large-brained,long-living mammals,including humans.The immature neural cell populations hosted in these complex brains are an interesting example of an“enlarged road”in the phylogenetic trend of plastic potential decreases commonly observed in the animal world.The topic of dormant neurons that covary with brain size and gyrencephaly represents a prospective turning point in the field of neuroplasticity,with important translational outcomes.These cells can represent a reservoir of undifferentiated neurons,potentially granting plasticity within the high-order circuits subserving the most sophisticated cognitive skills that are important in the growing brains of young,healthy individuals and are frequently affected by debilitating neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82471415Jilin Province Medical and Health Talents Special Project,No.2024WSZX-D03the Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province of China,No.YDZJ202401262ZYTS。
文摘Investigating the mechanisms underlying central nervous system disorders is a major scientific issue in the 21st century.However,the inaccessibility and complexity of the human brain have always represented a challenge in understanding the pathophysiology of the central nervous system.Brain organoids are self-assembled threedimensional aggregates derived from pluripotent stem cells with cell types and structures similar to the embryonic human brain,giving them potential for investigating the atypical cellular,molecular,and genetic characteristics characteristic of central nervous system disorders.Brain organoids also provide a platform for drug screening and serve as a potential source for transplantation therapy for brain injuries.However,the broad application of brain organoids is hampered by several limitations,such as the lack of high-fidelity cell types,insufficient maturation,and considerable heterogeneity,undermining their reliability in specific applications.This review summarizes brain organoid evolution,discusses recent technological and methodological innovations,and reviews their applications in drug screening,transplantation therapy,and disease modeling,as well as clinical research progress.Additionally,we emphasize the limitations of current brain organoid research and explore the potential for advancing the technology to enhance its applicability.
文摘Obese individuals who subsequently sustain a traumatic brain injury(TBI)exhibit worsened outcomes including longer periods of rehabilitation(Eagle et al.,2023).In obese individuals,prolonged symptomology is associated with increased levels of circulato ry pro-inflammatory marke rs up to 1 year postTBI(Eagle et al.,2023).
基金Special Projectfor Clinical Research of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission,No.202140403Key Disciplines Group Construction Project of Pudong Health Bureau of Shanghai,No.PWZxq2022-05+2 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,No.2024AAC05084Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Key Research and Development Program,No.2021BEG03084National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32370895,32070862。
文摘Brain organoids are artificial neural tissues derived in vitro,containing a variety of cell types,as well as structural and/or functional brain regions.They can partially mimic brain physiological activities and diseased processes.Owing to their operability and sample accessibility,brain organoids serve as a bridge between in vitro monolayer cell culture models and in vivo animal models.An increasing number of induction protocols for brain organoids have been developed over the preceding decade.A key future research direction will focus on ensuring the complexity and quality of brain organoids.The integration of powerful technologies,such as the CRISP R/Cas9 genome editing and lineage tra cing systems,shall precipitate practical and broad applications of brain organoids.In this review,we discuss the generation and application of brain organoids,as well as their integration with genome editing technologies,in the study of neural development,disease modeling,and mechanistic investigations.The innovative combination of these two technologies may offer a fresh perspective for exploring the fundamental aspects of the human nervous system and related diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62522119 and 62372358)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation(7242267)+2 种基金the Beijing Scholars Program([2015]160)the Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi(2023-JC-QN-0719)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2022A1515110453)。
文摘Background:Brain volume measurement serves as a critical approach for assessing brain health status.Considering the close biological connection between the eyes and brain,this study aims to investigate the feasibility of estimating brain volume through retinal fundus imaging integrated with clinical metadata,and to offer a cost-effective approach for assessing brain health.Methods:Based on clinical information,retinal fundus images,and neuroimaging data derived from a multicenter,population-based cohort study,the Kai Luan Study,we proposed a cross-modal correlation representation(CMCR)network to elucidate the intricate co-degenerative relationships between the eyes and brain for 755 subjects.Specifically,individual clinical information,which has been followed up for as long as 12 years,was encoded as a prompt to enhance the accuracy of brain volume estimation.Independent internal validation and external validation were performed to assess the robustness of the proposed model.Root mean square error(RMSE),peak signal-tonoise ratio(PSNR),and structural similarity index measure(SSIM)metrics were employed to quantitatively evaluate the quality of synthetic brain images derived from retinal imaging data.Results:The proposed framework yielded average RMSE,PSNR,and SSIM values of 98.23,35.78 d B,and 0.64,respectively,which significantly outperformed 5 other methods:multi-channel Variational Autoencoder(mcVAE),Pixelto-Pixel(Pixel2pixel),transformer-based U-Net(Trans UNet),multi-scale transformer network(MT-Net),and residual vision transformer(ResViT).The two-(2D)and three-dimensional(3D)visualization results showed that the shape and texture of the synthetic brain images generated by the proposed method most closely resembled those of actual brain images.Thus,the CMCR framework accurately captured the latent structural correlations between the fundus and the brain.The average difference between predicted and actual brain volumes was 61.36 cm~3,with a relative error of 4.54%.When all of the clinical information(including age and sex,daily habits,cardiovascular factors,metabolic factors,and inflammatory factors)was encoded,the difference was decreased to 53.89 cm~3,with a relative error of 3.98%.Based on the synthesized brain magnetic resonance images from retinal fundus images,the volumes of brain tissues could be estimated with high accuracy.Conclusion:This study provides an innovative,accurate,and cost-effective approach to characterize brain health status through readily accessible retinal fundus images.
基金supported by Open Scientific Research Program of Military Logistics,No.BLB20J009(to YZhao).
文摘Blood-brain barrier disruption and the neuroinflammatory response are significant pathological features that critically influence disease progression and treatment outcomes.This review systematically analyzes the current understanding of the bidirectional relationship between blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammation in traumatic brain injury,along with emerging combination therapeutic strategies.Literature review indicates that blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammatory responses are key pathological features following traumatic brain injury.In the acute phase after traumatic brain injury,the pathological characteristics include primary blood-brain barrier disruption and the activation of inflammatory cascades.In the subacute phase,the pathological features are characterized by repair mechanisms and inflammatory modulation.In the chronic phase,the pathological features show persistent low-grade inflammation and incomplete recovery of the blood-brain barrier.Various physiological changes,such as structural alterations of the blood-brain barrier,inflammatory cascades,and extracellular matrix remodeling,interact with each other and are influenced by genetic,age,sex,and environmental factors.The dynamic balance between blood-brain barrier permeability and neuroinflammation is regulated by hormones,particularly sex hormones and stress-related hormones.Additionally,the role of gastrointestinal hormones is receiving increasing attention.Current treatment strategies for traumatic brain injury include various methods such as conventional drug combinations,multimodality neuromonitoring,hyperbaric oxygen therapy,and non-invasive brain stimulation.Artificial intelligence also shows potential in treatment decision-making and personalized therapy.Emerging sequential combination strategies and precision medicine approaches can help improve treatment outcomes;however,challenges remain,such as inadequate research on the mechanisms of the chronic phase traumatic brain injury and difficulties with technology integration.Future research on traumatic brain injury should focus on personalized treatment strategies,the standardization of techniques,costeffectiveness evaluations,and addressing the needs of patients with comorbidities.A multidisciplinary approach should be used to enhance treatment and improve patient outcomes.
文摘This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine and compare deep learning methods for brain tumor segmentation and classification using MRI and other imaging modalities,focusing on recent trends from 2022 to 2025.The primary objective is to evaluate methodological advancements,model performance,dataset usage,and existing challenges in developing clinically robust AI systems.We included peer-reviewed journal articles and highimpact conference papers published between 2022 and 2025,written in English,that proposed or evaluated deep learning methods for brain tumor segmentation and/or classification.Excluded were non-open-access publications,books,and non-English articles.A structured search was conducted across Scopus,Google Scholar,Wiley,and Taylor&Francis,with the last search performed in August 2025.Risk of bias was not formally quantified but considered during full-text screening based on dataset diversity,validation methods,and availability of performance metrics.We used narrative synthesis and tabular benchmarking to compare performance metrics(e.g.,accuracy,Dice score)across model types(CNN,Transformer,Hybrid),imaging modalities,and datasets.A total of 49 studies were included(43 journal articles and 6 conference papers).These studies spanned over 9 public datasets(e.g.,BraTS,Figshare,REMBRANDT,MOLAB)and utilized a range of imaging modalities,predominantly MRI.Hybrid models,especially ResViT and UNetFormer,consistently achieved high performance,with classification accuracy exceeding 98%and segmentation Dice scores above 0.90 across multiple studies.Transformers and hybrid architectures showed increasing adoption post2023.Many studies lacked external validation and were evaluated only on a few benchmark datasets,raising concerns about generalizability and dataset bias.Few studies addressed clinical interpretability or uncertainty quantification.Despite promising results,particularly for hybrid deep learning models,widespread clinical adoption remains limited due to lack of validation,interpretability concerns,and real-world deployment barriers.
基金funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG,German Research Foundation):project ID 431549029-SFB 1451the Marga-und-Walter-Boll-Stiftung(#210-10-15)(to MAR)a stipend from the'Gerok Program'(Faculty of Medicine,University of Cologne,Germany)。
文摘Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer promising therapeutic and regenerative prospects in neurological diseases by modulating brain activity and improving cognitive and motor functions.Given the paucity of knowledge about the underlying modes of action and optimal treatment modalities,a thorough translational investigation of noninvasive brain stimulation in preclinical animal models is urgently needed.Thus,we reviewed the current literature on the mechanistic underpinnings of noninvasive brain stimulation in models of central nervous system impairment,with a particular emphasis on traumatic brain injury and stroke.Due to the lack of translational models in most noninvasive brain stimulation techniques proposed,we found this review to the most relevant techniques used in humans,i.e.,transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.We searched the literature in Pub Med,encompassing the MEDLINE and PMC databases,for studies published between January 1,2020 and September 30,2024.Thirty-five studies were eligible.Transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation demonstrated distinct strengths in augmenting rehabilitation post-stroke and traumatic brain injury,with emerging mechanistic evidence.Overall,we identified neuronal,inflammatory,microvascular,and apoptotic pathways highlighted in the literature.This review also highlights a lack of translational surrogate parameters to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and their clinical translation.
文摘Deep brain sti mulation(DBS)is a neuromodulation tool that involves the delivery of electrical impulses to specific brain regions through implanted electrodes.The principle behind DBS is to modulate dysfunctional neural circuits without the need for permanent structural alterations to the brain.Initially developed as a treatment for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease(PD),DBS has expanded to encompass various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
基金funded by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No.2242022R42012)。
文摘In recent years,development of strategies to treat central nervous system(CNS) diseases has attracted extensive attention.A major obstacle in this field is the blood-brain barrier(BBB),which significantly limits the efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain and hinders the treatment of CNS diseases.Overcoming the restrictive nature of the BBB has thus emerged as a key objective in CNS drug development.Nanomaterials have garnered growing interest due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential to traverse the BBB,enabling targeted drug delivery to brain tissue and improving therapeutic efficacy.In this review,we present current insights into the structure and function of the BBB and highlight a range of nanomaterial-based strategies for BBB penetration,including receptor-mediated transport(RMT),adsorptive-mediated transcytosis,reversible BBB disruption,and intranasal administration.Finally,we summarize recent advances in enhancing BBB permeability for CNS therapeutics and discuss persisting challenges,offering perspectives for future research in this field.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82404892(to QY),82061160374(to ZZ)the Science and Technology Development Fund,Macao Special Administrative Region,China,Nos.0023/2020/AFJ,0035/2020/AGJ+2 种基金the University of Macao Research Grant,Nos.MYRG2022-00248-ICMS,MYRG-CRG2022-00010-ICMS(to MPMH)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.2024A1515012818(to ZZ)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,No.21623114(to ZZ).
文摘Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging,as demonstrated by the repeated failures of amyloid-β-targeted therapeutics and the controversies surrounding the amyloid-βcascade hypothesis.More recently,advances in the development of Lecanemab,an anti-amyloid-βmonoclonal antibody,have shown positive results in reducing brain A burden and slowing cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in the Phase Ⅲ clinical trial(Clarity Alzheimer’s disease).Despite these promising results,side effects such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities(ARIA)may limit its usage.ARIA can manifest as ARIA-E(cerebral edema or effusions)and ARIA-H(microhemorrhages or superficial siderosis)and is thought to be caused by increased vascular permeability due to inflammatory responses,leading to leakages of blood products and protein-rich fluid into brain parenchyma.Endothelial dysfunction is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease,and the blood-brain barrier becomes increasingly leaky as the disease progresses.In addition,APOE4,the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,is associated with higher vascular amyloid burden,increased ARIA incidence,and accelerated blood-brain barrier disruptions.These interconnected vascular abnormalities highlight the importance of vascular contributions to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.Here,we will closely examine recent research evaluating the heterogeneity of brain endothelial cells in the microvasculature of different brain regions and their relationships with Alzheimer’s disease progression.
基金supported by the I+D+i(PID2022-142418OB-C21)grant funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF/UE.
文摘The ErbB signaling network has recently emerged as a key modulator of central nervous system responses to injury.This review provides a comprehensive overview of ErbB receptors and their ligands,highlighting canonical and non-canonical signaling mechanisms relevant to brain damage.We explore how ErbB signaling is dynamically regulated following injury and how it orchestrates processes such as neuroinflammation,gliosis,and neural repair.Special attention is given to its interplay with other critical pathways,including Notch signaling,and its roles within adult neurogenic niches,where it modulates neural stem cell behavior in response to damage.Based on accumulating preclinical evidence,we propose two therapeutic strategies for targeting ErbB signaling in brain injury:(1)dampening neuroinflammation through ErbB inhibition and(2)promoting neuroprotection and neurogenesis via neuregulin-1-mediated activation.The first strategy is supported by studies,which demonstrate that inhibition of ErbB1 limits neuroinflammation and supports neural repair in preclinical models.The latter strategy is supported by emerging studies demonstrating the significant potential of novel protein kinase C activating diterpenes in modulating ErbB signaling pathways through the regulation of neuregulin-1 release.Diterpenes,by influencing the ErbB pathway,may uniquely bridge the gap between neuroprotection and regeneration.Their potential to modulate inflammation and promote pro-regenerative cellular environments positions them as promising tools in the development of targeted therapies.By dissecting these mechanisms,we aim to shed light on the translational potential of ErbB-targeted therapies and their capacity to enhance endogenous repair processes in the injured brain.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province,No.202401AS070086(to ZW)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2018YFA0801403(to ZW)+1 种基金Yunnan Science and Technology Talent and Platform Plan,No.202105AC160041(to ZW)the Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31960120(to ZW)。
文摘Traumatic brain injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries.Secondary injuries are the main cause of disability following traumatic brain injury,which involves a complex multicellular cascade.Microglia play an important role in secondary injury and can be activated in response to traumatic brain injury.In this article,we review the origin and classification of microglia as well as the dynamic changes of microglia in traumatic brain injury.We also clarify the microglial polarization pathways and the therapeutic drugs targeting activated microglia.We found that regulating the signaling pathways involved in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory microglia,such as the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinase,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B,Notch,and high mobility group box 1 pathways,can alleviate the inflammatory response triggered by microglia in traumatic brain injury,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.We also reviewed the strategies developed on the basis of these pathways,such as drug and cell replacement therapies.Drugs that modulate inflammatory factors,such as rosuvastatin,have been shown to promote the polarization of antiinflammatory microglia and reduce the inflammatory response caused by traumatic brain injury.Mesenchymal stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties,and clinical studies have confirmed their significant efficacy and safety in patients with traumatic brain injury.Additionally,advancements in mesenchymal stem cell-delivery methods—such as combinations of novel biomaterials,genetic engineering,and mesenchymal stem cell exosome therapy—have greatly enhanced the efficiency and therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in animal models.However,numerous challenges in the application of drug and mesenchymal stem cell treatment strategies remain to be addressed.In the future,new technologies,such as single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis,can facilitate further experimental studies.Moreover,research involving non-human primates can help translate these treatment strategies to clinical practice.
基金supported by European Union-NextGeneration EU under the Italian University and Research(MUR)National Innovation Ecosystem grant ECS00000041-VITALITY-CUP E13C22001060006(to MdA)。
文摘Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide.It is characterized by a highly interconnected and multiphasic neuropathological cascade of events,in which an intense and protracted inflammatory response plays a crucial role in worsening brain injury.Neuroinflammation,a key player in the pathophysiology of stroke,has a dual role.In the acute phase of stroke,neuroinflammation exacerbates brain injury,contributing to neuronal damage and blood–brain barrier disruption.This aspect of neuroinflammation is associated with poor neurological outcomes.Conversely,in the recovery phase following stroke,neuroinflammation facilitates brain repair processes,including neurogenesis,angiogenesis,and synaptic plasticity.The transition of neuroinflammation from a harmful to a reparative role is not well understood.Therefore,this review seeks to explore the mechanisms underlying this transition,with the goal of informing the development of therapeutic interventions that are both time-and context-specific.This review aims to elucidate the complex and dual role of neuroinflammation in stroke,highlighting the main actors,biomarkers of the disease,and potential therapeutic approaches.
基金supported by the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation,No.2023A1515030045(to HS)Presidential Foundation of Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University,No.yzjj2022ms4(to HS)。
文摘Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous subtype of stroke,characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates,and frequently leads to significant secondary white matter injury.In recent decades,studies have revealed that gut microbiota can communicate bidirectionally with the brain through the gut microbiota–brain axis.This axis indicates that gut microbiota is closely related to the development and prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage and its associated secondary white matter injury.The NACHT,LRR,and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome plays a crucial role in this context.This review summarizes the dysbiosis of gut microbiota following intracerebral hemorrhage and explores the mechanisms by which this imbalance may promote the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.These mechanisms include metabolic pathways(involving short-chain fatty acids,lipopolysaccharides,lactic acid,bile acids,trimethylamine-N-oxide,and tryptophan),neural pathways(such as the vagus nerve and sympathetic nerve),and immune pathways(involving microglia and T cells).We then discuss the relationship between the activated NLRP3 inflammasome and secondary white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage.The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can exacerbate secondary white matter injury by disrupting the blood–brain barrier,inducing neuroinflammation,and interfering with nerve regeneration.Finally,we outline potential treatment strategies for intracerebral hemorrhage and its secondary white matter injury.Our review highlights the critical role of the gut microbiota–brain axis and the NLRP3 inflammasome in white matter injury following intracerebral hemorrhage,paving the way for exploring potential therapeutic approaches.
文摘Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, maturation, and maintenance of the central nervous system. An expanding body of studies has revealed that pericytes establish carefully regulated interactions with oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes. These communications govern numerous critical brain processes, including angiogenesis, neurovascular unit homeostasis, blood–brain barrier integrity, cerebral blood flow regulation, and immune response initiation. Glial cells and pericytes participate in dynamic and reciprocal interactions, with each influencing and adjusting the functionality of the other. Pericytes have the ability to control astrocyte polarization, trigger differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and initiate immunological responses in microglia. Various neurological disorders that compromise the integrity of the blood–brain barrier can disrupt these communications, impair waste clearance, and hinder cerebral blood circulation, contributing to neuroinflammation. In the context of neurodegeneration, these disruptions exacerbate pathological processes, such as neuronal damage, synaptic dysfunction, and impaired tissue repair. This article explores the complex interactions between pericytes and various glial cells in both healthy and pathological states of the central nervous system. It highlights their essential roles in neurovascular function and disease progression, providing important insights that may enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and guide potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders in future research.
基金Supported by Provincial Key Research Project of Henan Province,No.232102310081.
文摘BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)and obesity(OB)are bidirectionally comorbid conditions with common neurobiological underpinnings.However,the neurocognitive mechanisms of their comorbidity remain poorly understood.AIM To examine regional abnormalities in spontaneous brain activity among patients with MDD-OB comorbidity.METHODS This study adopted a regional homogeneity(ReHo)analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.The study included 149 hospital patients divided into four groups:Patients experiencing their first episode of drug-naive MDD with OB,patients with MDD without OB,and age-and sex-matched healthy individuals with and without OB.Whole-brain ReHo analysis was conducted using SPM12 software and RESTplus toolkits,with group comparisons via ANOVA and post-hoc tests.Correlations between ReHo values and behavioral measures were examined.RESULTS ANOVA revealed significant whole-brain ReHo differences among the four groups in four key regions:The left middle temporal gyrus(MTG.L),right cuneus,left precuneus,and left thalamus.Post-hoc analyses confirmed pairwise differences between all groups across these regions(P<0.05).OB was associated with ReHo alterations in the MTG.L,right cuneus,and left thalamus,whereas abnormalities in the precuneus suggested synergistic pathological mechanisms between MDD and OB.Statistically significant correlations were found between the drive and fun-seeking dimensions of the behavioral activation system,as well as behavioral inhibition and the corresponding ReHo values.CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel evidence for the neuroadaptive mechanisms underlying the MDD-OB comorbidity.Further validation could lead to personalized interventions targeting MTG.L hyperactivity and targeting healthy food cues.
基金funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute(P01HL040962)。
文摘Background:Midlife lifestyle factors,including physical activity,are associated with late-life brain health,yet the role of aerobic exercise on structural brain health in early and mid-adulthood remains poorly understood.This study aimed to examine the effect of aerobic exercise on structural brain age and to explore potential mediators.Methods:In a single-blind,12-month randomized clinical trial,130 healthy participants aged 26-58 years were randomized into a moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise group or a usual-care control group.The exercise group attended two supervised 60-min sessions per week in a laboratory setting plus engaged in home-based exercise to achieve 150 min of exercise per week.Brain-predicted age difference(brain-PAD)and cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)were assessed at baseline and 12 months.Both intention-to-treat(ITT)and completers analyses(including participants who completed post-intervention assessments)were performed.Results:The 130 participants(67.7%female)had an age of 41.28±9.93 years(mean±SD).At baseline,higher CRF(peak oxygen uptake,VO_(2peak))was associated with smaller brain-PAD(β=-0.309,p=0.012).After the intervention,the exercise group showed a decrease in brainPAD(estimated mean difference(EMD)=-0.60;95%confidence interval(95%CI):-1.15 to-0.04;p=0.034)compared to the control group(EMD=0.35;95%CI:-0.21 to 0.92;p=0.217);time×group interaction(between-group difference(BGD)=-0.95;95%CI:-1.72 to-0.17;p=0.019).VO2peak improved in the exercise group(EMD=1.60;95%CI:0.29-2.90;p=0.017)compared to the control group(EMD=-0.78;95%CI:-2.17 to 0.60;p=0.265);time×group interaction(BGD=2.38;95%CI:0.52-4.25;p=0.015).Body composition,blood pressure,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were unaffected.None of the proposed pathways statistically mediated the effect of exercise on brain-PAD.The results from completers were similar.Conclusion:Engaging in 12 months of moderate-to-vigorous exercise reduced brain-PAD in early-to-midlife adults.The pathways by which these effects occur remain unknown.
基金National Institute on Aging(NIA),National Institutes of Health(NIH),Nos.K99AG065645,RO0AG065645,ROOAG065645-04S1SARP mini grants TTUHSC EP,Edward N.&Margaret G.Marsh FoundationTTUHSC EP MTM Startup Funds(all to SK)。
文摘Alzheimer s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease chara cterized by memory decline and the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates in the brain.While the precise cause of Alzheimer s disease remains under investigation,recent research suggests that dys regulation of brainspecific microRNAs(miRs)plays a significant role in Alzheimer s disease pathogenesis.Brain-specific miRs are predominantly expressed within the central nervous system and are crucial for neuronal development,and function,potentially in brain disorders.This review identifies some key brainspecific miRs in Alzheimer's disease,including miR-9,miR-26b,miR-34a,miR-107,miR-124,miR-125b,miR-128,miR-132,miR-146a,miR-155,miR-219,miR-501-3p,and miR-502-3p.The review also shed light on the brain-specific location of these miRs,their dysregulation in Alzheimer s disease,and how they are involved in disease progression.Apparently,these brain-specific miRs modulate specific genes and are therefo re crucial for various cellular processes,including autophagy,cell cycle,tau phosphorylation,amyloid-beta production,and neuroinflammation.Moreover,these miRs are potent disease-modifying factors and their expression levels co uld serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing or monitoring Alzheimer s disease progression.
文摘Background:Early detection of harmful brain activity in critically ill patients using electroencephalography(EEG)is vital for timely and effective clinical intervention.Automating EEG analysis with deep learning techniques holds significant promise for enhancing diagnostic efficiency and accuracy.Methods:We implemented EfficientNetB2,which leverages convolutional neural networks with a novel Temporal Squeeze-and-Excitation module to capture temporal EEG features,and WaveNet,a sequential model designed to effectively model temporal dependencies in EEG data using dilated causal convolutions and temporal self-attention.Both models were trained and evaluated using a publicly available EEG dataset,with performance assessed via 4-fold cross-validation and a step-wise learning rate reduction strategy.Results:Our results demonstrate a significant reduction in training loss from 0.6459 to 0.3055 and validation loss from 0.9602 to 0.5719 over six epochs.Consistent improvements were observed across cross-validation folds,highlighting the robustness of the models.Additionally,ensemble learning of the two architectures further enhanced classification performance.Conclusion:This comparative analysis sheds light on the strengths and limitations of EfficientNetB2 and WaveNet for automated harmful brain activity detection in EEG signals.The findings contribute to the advancement of reliable and efficient deep learning models,paving the way for their clinical application in managing critically ill patients.
基金supported by Progetto Trapezio,Compagnia di San Paolo(67935-2021.2174),to LBFondazione CRT(Cassa di Risparmio di Torino,RF=2022.0618),to LBPRIN2022(grant 2022LB4X3N),to LB。
文摘The capacity of the central nervous system for structural plasticity and regeneration is commonly believed to show a decreasing progression from“small and simple”brains to the larger,more complex brains of mammals.However,recent findings revealed that some forms of neural plasticity can show a reverse trend.Although plasticity is a well-preserved,transversal feature across the animal world,a variety of cell populations and mechanisms seem to have evolved to enable structural modifications to take place in widely different brains,likely as adaptations to selective pressures.Increasing evidence now indicates that a trade-off has occurred between regenerative(mostly stem cell–driven)plasticity and developmental(mostly juvenile)remodeling,with the latter primarily aimed not at brain repair but rather at“sculpting”the neural circuits based on experience.In particular,an evolutionary trade-off has occurred between neurogenic processes intended to support the possibility of recruiting new neurons throughout life and the different ways of obtaining new neurons,and between the different brain locations in which plasticity occurs.This review first briefly surveys the different types of plasticity and the complexity of their possible outcomes and then focuses on recent findings showing that the mammalian brain has a stem cell–independent integration of new neurons into pre-existing(mature)neural circuits.This process is still largely unknown but involves neuronal cells that have been blocked in arrested maturation since their embryonic origin(also termed“immature”or“dormant”neurons).These cells can then restart maturation throughout the animal's lifespan to become functional neurons in brain regions,such as the cerebral cortex and amygdala,that are relevant to high-order cognition and emotions.Unlike stem cell–driven postnatal/adult neurogenesis,which significantly decreases from small-brained,short-living species to large-brained ones,immature neurons are particularly abundant in large-brained,long-living mammals,including humans.The immature neural cell populations hosted in these complex brains are an interesting example of an“enlarged road”in the phylogenetic trend of plastic potential decreases commonly observed in the animal world.The topic of dormant neurons that covary with brain size and gyrencephaly represents a prospective turning point in the field of neuroplasticity,with important translational outcomes.These cells can represent a reservoir of undifferentiated neurons,potentially granting plasticity within the high-order circuits subserving the most sophisticated cognitive skills that are important in the growing brains of young,healthy individuals and are frequently affected by debilitating neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders.
