Ischemic stroke is a major cause of neurological deficits and high disability rate.As the primary immune cells of the central nervous system,microglia play dual roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair following a...Ischemic stroke is a major cause of neurological deficits and high disability rate.As the primary immune cells of the central nervous system,microglia play dual roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair following a stroke.Their dynamic activation and polarization states are key factors that influence the disease process and treatment outcomes.This review article investigates the role of microglia in ischemic stroke and explores potential intervention strategies.Microglia exhibit a dynamic functional state,transitioning between pro-inflammatory(M1)and anti-inflammatory(M2)phenotypes.This duality is crucial in ischemic stroke,as it maintains a balance between neuroinflammation and tissue repair.Activated microglia contribute to neuroinflammation through cytokine release and disruption of the blood-brain barrier,while simultaneously promoting tissue repair through anti-inflammatory responses and regeneration.Key pathways influencing microglial activation include Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinases,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways.These pathways are targets for various experimental therapies aimed at promoting M2 polarization and mitigating damage.Potential therapeutic agents include natural compounds found in drugs such as minocycline,as well as traditional Chinese medicines.Drugs that target these regulatory mechanisms,such as small molecule inhibitors and components of traditional Chinese medicines,along with emerging technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics,offer new therapeutic strategies and clinical translational potential for ischemic stroke.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
Border-associated macrophages are located at the interface between the brain and the periphery, including the perivascular spaces, choroid plexus, and meninges. Until recently, the functions of border-associated macro...Border-associated macrophages are located at the interface between the brain and the periphery, including the perivascular spaces, choroid plexus, and meninges. Until recently, the functions of border-associated macrophages have been poorly understood and largely overlooked. However, a recent study reported that border-associated macrophages participate in stroke-induced inflammation, although many details and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we performed a comprehensive single-cell analysis of mouse border-associated macrophages using sequencing data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database(GSE174574 and GSE225948). Differentially expressed genes were identified, and enrichment analysis was performed to identify the transcription profile of border-associated macrophages. CellChat analysis was conducted to determine the cell communication network of border-associated macrophages. Transcription factors were predicted using the ‘pySCENIC' tool. We found that, in response to hypoxia, borderassociated macrophages underwent dynamic transcriptional changes and participated in the regulation of inflammatory-related pathways. Notably, the tumor necrosis factor pathway was activated by border-associated macrophages following ischemic stroke. The pySCENIC analysis indicated that the activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(Stat3) was obviously upregulated in stroke, suggesting that Stat3 inhibition may be a promising strategy for treating border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation. Finally, we constructed an animal model to investigate the effects of border-associated macrophages depletion following a stroke. Treatment with liposomes containing clodronate significantly reduced infarct volume in the animals and improved neurological scores compared with untreated animals. Taken together, our results demonstrate comprehensive changes in border-associated macrophages following a stroke, providing a theoretical basis for targeting border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation in stroke treatment.展开更多
Stroke is the leading cause of mortality globally,ultimately leading to severe,lifelong neurological impairments.Patients often suffer from a secondary cascade of damage,including neuroinflammation,cytotoxicity,oxidat...Stroke is the leading cause of mortality globally,ultimately leading to severe,lifelong neurological impairments.Patients often suffer from a secondary cascade of damage,including neuroinflammation,cytotoxicity,oxidative stress,and mitochondrial dysfunction.Regrettably,there is a paucity of clinically available therapeutics to address these issues.Emerging evidence underscores the pivotal roles of astrocytes,the most abundant glial cells in the brain,throughout the various stages of ischemic stroke.In this comprehensive review,we initially provide an overview of the fundamental physiological functions of astrocytes in the brain,emphasizing their critical role in modulating neuronal homeostasis,synaptic activity,and blood-brain barrier integrity.We then delve into the growing body of evidence that highlights the functional diversity and heterogeneity of astrocytes in the context of ischemic stroke.Their well-established contributions to energy provision,metabolic regulation,and neurotransmitter homeostasis,as well as their emerging roles in mitochondrial recovery,neuroinflammation regulation,and oxidative stress modulation following ischemic injury,are discussed in detail.We also explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning these functions,with particular emphasis on recently identified targets within astrocytes that offer promising prospects for therapeutic intervention.In the final section of this review,we offer a detailed overview of the current therapeutic strategies targeting astrocytes in the treatment of ischemic stroke.These astrocyte-targeting strategies are categorized into traditional small-molecule drugs,microRNAs(miRNAs),stem cell-based therapies,cellular reprogramming,hydrogels,and extracellular vesicles.By summarizing the current understanding of astrocyte functions and therapeutic targeting approaches,we aim to highlight the critical roles of astrocytes during and after stroke,particularly in the pathophysiological development in ischemic stroke.We also emphasize promising avenues for novel,astrocyte-targeted therapeutics that could become clinically available options,ultimately improving outcomes for patients with stroke.展开更多
Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms,leading to mood disturbances,cognitive impairments,and social withdrawal.While anti-psychotic medications remain the cornerstone...Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms,leading to mood disturbances,cognitive impairments,and social withdrawal.While anti-psychotic medications remain the cornerstone of treatment,they often fail to fully address certain symptoms.Additionally,treatment-resistant schizophrenia,affecting 30%-40%of patients,remains a substantial clinical challenge.Positive,negative symptoms and cognitive impairments have been linked to disruptions in the glutamatergic,serotonin,GABAergic,and muscarinic pathways in the brain.Recent advances using genome-wide association study and other approaches have uncovered a significant number of new schizophrenia risk genes that uncovered new,and reinforced prior,concepts on the genetic and neurological underpinnings of schizophrenia,including abnormalities in synaptic function,immune processes,and lipid metabolism.Concurrently,new therapeutics targeting different modalities,which are expected to address some of the limitations of anti-psychotic drugs currently being offered to patients,are currently being evaluated.Collectively,these efforts provide new momentum for the next phase of schizophrenia research and treatment.展开更多
Global brain ischemia and neurological deficit are consequences of cardiac arrest that lead to high mortality.Despite advancements in resuscitation science,our limited understanding of the cellular and molecular mecha...Global brain ischemia and neurological deficit are consequences of cardiac arrest that lead to high mortality.Despite advancements in resuscitation science,our limited understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying post-cardiac arrest brain injury have hindered the development of effective neuroprotective strategies.Previous studies primarily focused on neuronal death,potentially overlooking the contributions of non-neuronal cells and intercellular communication to the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest-induced brain injury.To address these gaps,we hypothesized that single-cell transcriptomic analysis could uncover previously unidentified cellular subpopulations,altered cell communication networks,and novel molecular mechanisms involved in post-cardiac arrest brain injury.In this study,we performed a single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the hippocampus from pigs with ventricular fibrillation-induced cardiac arrest at 6 and 24 hours following the return of spontaneous circulation,and from sham control pigs.Sequencing results revealed changes in the proportions of different cell types,suggesting post-arrest disruption in the blood-brain barrier and infiltration of neutrophils.These results were validated through western blotting,quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,and immunofluorescence staining.We also identified and validated a unique subcluster of activated microglia with high expression of S100A8,which increased over time following cardiac arrest.This subcluster simultaneously exhibited significant M1/M2 polarization and expressed key functional genes related to chemokines and interleukins.Additionally,we revealed the post-cardiac arrest dysfunction of oligodendrocytes and the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into oligodendrocytes.Cell communication analysis identified enhanced post-cardiac arrest communication between neutrophils and microglia that was mediated by neutrophil-derived resistin,driving pro-inflammatory microglial polarization.Our findings provide a comprehensive single-cell map of the post-cardiac arrest hippocampus,offering potential novel targets for neuroprotection and repair following cardiac arrest.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
Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apopt...Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.展开更多
Neuroinflammation contributes to a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,Huntington's disease,and multiple sclerosis.It is driven by non-neuronal glial ...Neuroinflammation contributes to a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,Huntington's disease,and multiple sclerosis.It is driven by non-neuronal glial cells,mainly microglia and astrocytes.Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system,while astrocytes are the main support cells for neuronal functions but can also participate in neuroimmune responses.Both these glial cell types can become reactive upon detection of certain endogenous intracellular molecules that appear in the extracellular space under specific circumstances;these can be pathology-associated abnormal structures,such as amyloidβproteins,or damage-associated molecular patterns released from injured cells,including their mitochondria.Once in the extracellular space,damage-associated molecular patterns act as ligands for specific pattern recognition receptors expressed by glia inducing their reactivity and neuroimmune responses.This review considers the following mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns:heme,cytochrome c,cardiolipin,adenosine triphosphate,mitochondrial DNA,mitochondrial transcription factor A,N-formyl peptides,and the tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites:succinate,fumarate,and itaconate.We describe their well-established functions as damage-associated molecular patterns of the peripheral tissues before summarizing available evidence indicating these molecules may also play significant roles in the neuroimmune processes of the central nervous system.We highlight the pattern recognition receptors that mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns interact with and the cellular signaling mechanisms they modulate.Our review demonstrates that some mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns,such as cytochrome c,adenosine triphosphate,and mitochondrial transcription factor A,have already demonstrated significant effects on the central nervous system.In contrast,others including cardiolipin,mitochondrial DNA,N-formyl peptides,succinate,fumarate,and itaconate,will require additional studies corroborating their roles as damageassociated molecular patterns in the central nervous system.For all of the reviewed mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns,there is a shortage of studies using human cells and tissues,which is identified as a significant knowledge gap.We also assess the need for targeted research on the effects of mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns in the central nervous system pathologies where their roles are understudied.Such studies could identify novel treatment strategies for multiple neurodegenerative diseases,which are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and currently lack effective therapies.展开更多
A large body of evidence has highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation.This evidence has led to increasing speculation that non-coding RNAs may be involved in the pathophysiolog...A large body of evidence has highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation.This evidence has led to increasing speculation that non-coding RNAs may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hydrocephalus,one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide.In this review,we first outline the basic concepts and incidence of hydrocephalus along with the limitations of existing treatments for this condition.Then,we outline the definition,classification,and biological role of non-coding RNAs.Subsequently,we analyze the roles of non-coding RNAs in the formation of hydrocephalus in detail.Specifically,we have focused on the potential significance of non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus,including glymphatic pathways,neuroinflammatory processes,and neurological dysplasia,on the basis of the existing evidence.Lastly,we review the potential of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers of hydrocephalus and for the creation of innovative treatments.展开更多
Epilepsy is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications, more than one-third of patients continue to experience seizures. Given the ...Epilepsy is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications, more than one-third of patients continue to experience seizures. Given the urgent need to explore new treatment strategies for epilepsy, recent research has highlighted the potential of targeting gliosis, metabolic disturbances, and neural circuit abnormalities as therapeutic strategies. Astrocytes, the largest group of nonneuronal cells in the central nervous system, play several crucial roles in maintaining ionic and energy metabolic homeostasis in neurons, regulating neurotransmitter levels, and modulating synaptic plasticity. This article briefly reviews the critical role of astrocytes in maintaining balance within the central nervous system. Building on previous research, we discuss how astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the onset and progression of epilepsy through four key aspects: the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal signaling, dysregulation of metabolic homeostasis in the neuronal microenvironment, neuroinflammation, and the formation of abnormal neural circuits. We summarize relevant basic research conducted over the past 5 years that has focused on modulating astrocytes as a therapeutic approach for epilepsy. We categorize the therapeutic targets proposed by these studies into four areas: restoration of the excitation–inhibition balance, reestablishment of metabolic homeostasis, modulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and reconstruction of abnormal neural circuits. These targets correspond to the pathophysiological mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to epilepsy. Additionally, we need to consider the potential challenges and limitations of translating these identified therapeutic targets into clinical treatments. These limitations arise from interspecies differences between humans and animal models, as well as the complex comorbidities associated with epilepsy in humans. We also highlight valuable future research directions worth exploring in the treatment of epilepsy and the regulation of astrocytes, such as gene therapy and imaging strategies. The findings presented in this review may help open new therapeutic avenues for patients with drugresistant epilepsy and for those suffering from other central nervous system disorders associated with astrocytic dysfunction.展开更多
Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of neurological diseases.In addition to microglia,the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammation has gradually attracted attention.Photobiomodul...Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of neurological diseases.In addition to microglia,the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammation has gradually attracted attention.Photobiomodulation(PBM),as a non-invasive treatment,has been shown potential to alleviate inflammation of microglia or astrocytes.In this study,the spatiotemporal regulation and molecular mechanism of PBM on astrocytes were deeply explored by analyzing the effects and genomics at different time points.The results showed that PBM significantly attenuated the upregulation of inflammatory factors and mitochondrial dysfunction in astrocytes under LPS stimulation for 4 h and 24 h.RNA-seq analysis showed that the JAK-STAT pathway played an important role in the early stage of both LPS-induced astrocytic neuroin-flammation and PBM-alleviated astrocytic neuroinflammation.Under PBM treatment,Stat5a translocation to the nucleus and upregulated Socs3 expression were observed in LPS-treated astrocytes,which may inhibit the overactivation of the JAK-STAT inflammatory signaling pathway and thus alleviate astrocyte inflammation.Taken together,this study provides new insight into the molecular mechanism of the potential application of PBM in the treatment of neuroinflammation.展开更多
AIM:To perform a bibliometric analysis of publications focusing on inflammatory mechanisms in glaucoma,thereby comprehensively understanding the current research status and identifying potential frontier directions fo...AIM:To perform a bibliometric analysis of publications focusing on inflammatory mechanisms in glaucoma,thereby comprehensively understanding the current research status and identifying potential frontier directions for future studies.METHODS:A systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection(WoSCC)database to retrieve relevant literature published from January 1,2000,to August 31,2025(data accessed on September 12,2025).Multiple data visualization tools were employed to conduct in-depth analyses of the included publications,covering aspects such as publication quantity and quality,evolutionary trends of research hotspots,keyword cooccurrence networks,and collaborative patterns among countries/regions,institutions,and authors.RESULTS:A total of 3381 articles related to glaucoma inflammation were extracted from WoSCC.The analysis showed that the USA had the highest research output in this field(29.04%,n=982),followed by China(18.40%,n=622)and UK(6.01%,n=203).Based on citation frequency and burst intensity,the USA also ranked as the most influential country.Baudouin C and Sun X were identified as the most productive authors,while Journal of Glaucoma and Investigative Ophthalmology&Visual Science were the journals with the highest number of published relevant articles.Additionally,keyword analysis revealed that“neuroinflammation”,“retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)”,“pathophysiology”,and“traditional Chinese medicine”are emerging research hotspots in the field of immuneinflammatory responses in glaucoma.CONCLUSION:This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric overview of research on glaucoma-related inflammation,indicating that this field has received extensive scientific attention with a steady upward trend in research activity.Furthermore,it establishes a theoretical basis for the development of neuroinflammation-targeted therapeutic strategies for glaucoma and emphasizes the necessity of strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration to promote the clinical translation of research findings.展开更多
The cerebellum is receiving increasing attention for its cognitive,emotional,and social functions,as well as its unique metabolic profiles.Cerebellar microglia exhibit specialized and highly immunogenic phenotypes und...The cerebellum is receiving increasing attention for its cognitive,emotional,and social functions,as well as its unique metabolic profiles.Cerebellar microglia exhibit specialized and highly immunogenic phenotypes under both physiological and pathological conditions.These immune cells communicate with intrinsic and systemic factors and contribute to the structural and functional compartmentalization of the cerebellum.In this review,we discuss the roles of microglia in the cerebellar microenvironment,neuroinflammation,cerebellar adaptation,and neuronal activity,the associated molecular and cellular mechanisms,and potential therapeutic strategies targeting cerebellar microglia in the context of neuroinflammation.Future directions and unresolved questions in this field are further highlighted,particularly regarding therapeutic interventions targeting cerebellar microglia,functional mechanisms and activities of microglia in the cerebellar circuitry,neuronal connectivity,and neurofunctional outcomes of their activity.Cerebellar morphology and neuronal performance are influenced by both intrinsic and systemic factors that are actively monitored by microglia in both healthy and diseased states.Under pathological conditions,local subsets of microglia exhibit diverse responses to the altered microenvironment that contribute to the structural and functional compartmentalization of the cerebellum.Microglia in the cerebellum undergo early maturation during the embryonic stage and display specialized,highly immunogenic phenotypes.In summary,cerebellar microglia have the capacity to serve as regulatory tools that influence outcomes across a wide range of neurological and systemic conditions,including neurodevelopmental,neurodegenerative,metabolic,and stress-related disorders.展开更多
Cognitive impairment is a particularly severe non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease that significantly diminishes the quality of life of affected individuals.Identifying reliable biomarkers for cognitive impair...Cognitive impairment is a particularly severe non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease that significantly diminishes the quality of life of affected individuals.Identifying reliable biomarkers for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease is essential for early diagnosis,prognostic assessments,and the development of targeted therapies.This review aims to summarize recent advancements in biofluid biomarkers for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease,focusing on the detection of specific proteins,metabolites,and other biomarkers in blood,cerebrospinal fluid,and saliva.These biomarkers can shed light on the multifaceted etiology of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease,which includes protein misfolding,neurodegeneration,inflammation,and oxidative stress.The integration of biofluid biomarkers with neuroimaging and clinical data can facilitate the development of predictive models to enhance early diagnosis and monitor the progression of cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease.This comprehensive approach can improve the existing understanding of the mechanisms driving cognitive decline and support the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying the course of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.Despite the promise of these biomarkers in characterizing the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease,further research is necessary to validate their clinical utility and establish a standardized framework for early detection and monitoring of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.展开更多
The intricate landscape of neurodegenerative diseases complicates the search for effective therapeutic approaches.Photoreceptor degeneration,the common endpoint in various retinal diseases,including retinitis pigmento...The intricate landscape of neurodegenerative diseases complicates the search for effective therapeutic approaches.Photoreceptor degeneration,the common endpoint in various retinal diseases,including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration,leads to vision loss or blindness.While primary cell death is driven by genetic mutations,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation,additional mechanisms contribute to disease progression.In retinitis pigmentosa,a multitude of genetic alterations can trigger the degeneration of photoreceptors,while other retinopathies,such as agerelated macular degeneration,are initiated by combinations of environmental factors,such as diet,smoking,and hypertension,with genetic predispositions.Nutraceutical therapies,which blend the principles of nutrition and pharmaceuticals,aim to harness the health benefits of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.These compounds generally possess multi-target effects.Polyphenols and flavonoids,secondary plant metabolites abundant in plant-based foods,are known for their antioxidant,neuroprotective,and anti-inflammatory properties.This review focuses on the potential of polyphenols and flavonoids as nutraceuticals to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.Furthermore,the importance of developing reliable delivery methods to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of these compounds will be discussed.By combining nutraceuticals with other emerging therapies,such as genetic and cell-based treatments,it is possible to offer a more comprehensive approach to treating retinal degenerative diseases.These advancements could lead to a viable and accessible option,improving the quality of life for patients with retinal diseases.展开更多
Perinatal exposure to infection/inflammation is highly associated with neural injury,and subsequent impaired cortical growth,disturbances in neuronal connectivity,and impaired neurodevelopment.However,our understandin...Perinatal exposure to infection/inflammation is highly associated with neural injury,and subsequent impaired cortical growth,disturbances in neuronal connectivity,and impaired neurodevelopment.However,our understanding of the pathophysiological substrate underpinning these changes in brain structure and function is limited.The objective of this review is to summarize the growing evidence from animal trials and human cohort studies that suggest exposure to infection/inflammation during the perinatal period promotes regional impairments in neuronal maturation and function,including loss of high-frequency electroencephalographic activity,and reduced growth and arborization of cortical dendrites and dendritic spines resulting in reduced cortical volume.These inflammation-induced disturbances to neuronal structure and function are likely to underpin subsequent disturbances to cortical development and connectivity in fetuses and/or newborns exposed to infection/inflammation during the perinatal period,leading,in the long term,to impaired neurodevelopment.The combined use of early electroencephalography monitoring with neuroimaging techniques that enable detailed evaluation of brain microstructure,and the use of therapeutics that successfully target systemic and central nervous system inflammation could provide an effective strategy for early detection and therapeutic intervention.展开更多
The mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke are complex and multifactorial and include excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,and blood–brain barrier disruption.While vascular rec...The mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke are complex and multifactorial and include excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,and blood–brain barrier disruption.While vascular recanalization treatments such as thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy have achieved some success,reperfusion injury remains a significant contributor to the exacerbation of brain injury.This emphasizes the need for developing neuroprotective strategies to mitigate this type of injury.The purpose of this review was to examine the application of nanotechnology in the treatment of ischemic stroke,covering research progress in nanoparticlebased drug delivery,targeted therapy,and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications.Nanobased drug delivery systems offer several advantages compared to traditional therapies,including enhanced blood–brain barrier penetration,prolonged drug circulation time,improved drug stability,and targeted delivery.For example,inorganic nanoparticles,such as those based on CeO_(2),have been widely studied for their strong antioxidant capabilities.Biomimetic nanoparticles,such as those coated with cell membranes,have garnered significant attention owing to their excellent biocompatibility and targeting abilities.Nanoparticles can be used to deliver a wide range of neuroprotective agents,such as antioxidants(e.g.,edaravone),anti-inflammatory drugs(e.g.,curcumin),and neurotrophic factors.Nanotechnology significantly enhances the efficacy of these drugs while minimizing adverse reactions.Although nanotechnology has demonstrated great potential in animal studies,its clinical application still faces several challenges,including the long-term safety of nanoparticles,the feasibility of large-scale production,quality control,and the ability to predict therapeutic effects in humans.In summary,nanotechnology holds significant promise for the treatment of ischemic stroke.Future research should focus on further exploring the mechanisms of action of nanoparticles,developing multifunctional nanoparticles,and validating their safety and efficacy through rigorous clinical trials.Moreover,interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for advancing the use of nanotechnology in stroke treatment.展开更多
Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinso...Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,this plasticity is disrupted,leading to cognitive and motor deficits.This review explores the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its effect on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Alzheimer's disease features amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles that impair synaptic function,while Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons affecting motor control.Enhancing neuronal plasticity offers therapeutic potential for these diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar,focusing on studies of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Data synthesis identified key themes such as synaptic mechanisms,neurogenesis,and therapeutic strategies,linking molecular insights to clinical applications.Results highlight that targeting synaptic plasticity mechanisms,such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression,shows promise.Neurotrophic factors,advanced imaging techniques,and molecular tools(e.g.,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and optogenetics)are crucial in understanding and enhancing plasticity.Current therapies,including dopamine replacement,deep brain stimulation,and lifestyle interventions,demonstrate the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.In conclusion,enhancing neuronal plasticity through targeted therapies holds significant promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases.Future research should integrate multidisciplinary approaches to fully harness the therapeutic potential of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.展开更多
Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide,with Alzheimer’s disease(AD)being the leading cause of dementia.It is estimated that more than 50 million people live with this condition,which is expect...Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide,with Alzheimer’s disease(AD)being the leading cause of dementia.It is estimated that more than 50 million people live with this condition,which is expected to triple by 2050,driven mainly by the aging of the global population(GBD 2019 Dementia Forecasting Collaborators,2022).展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,82471345(to LC)the Key Research and Development Program for Social Development by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology.No.BE2022668(to LC).
文摘Ischemic stroke is a major cause of neurological deficits and high disability rate.As the primary immune cells of the central nervous system,microglia play dual roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair following a stroke.Their dynamic activation and polarization states are key factors that influence the disease process and treatment outcomes.This review article investigates the role of microglia in ischemic stroke and explores potential intervention strategies.Microglia exhibit a dynamic functional state,transitioning between pro-inflammatory(M1)and anti-inflammatory(M2)phenotypes.This duality is crucial in ischemic stroke,as it maintains a balance between neuroinflammation and tissue repair.Activated microglia contribute to neuroinflammation through cytokine release and disruption of the blood-brain barrier,while simultaneously promoting tissue repair through anti-inflammatory responses and regeneration.Key pathways influencing microglial activation include Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinases,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways.These pathways are targets for various experimental therapies aimed at promoting M2 polarization and mitigating damage.Potential therapeutic agents include natural compounds found in drugs such as minocycline,as well as traditional Chinese medicines.Drugs that target these regulatory mechanisms,such as small molecule inhibitors and components of traditional Chinese medicines,along with emerging technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics,offer new therapeutic strategies and clinical translational potential for ischemic stroke.
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 Qingdao Key Medical and Health Discipline ProjectThe Intramural Research Program of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University,No. 4910Qingdao West Coast New Area Science and Technology Project,No. 2020-55 (all to SW)。
文摘Border-associated macrophages are located at the interface between the brain and the periphery, including the perivascular spaces, choroid plexus, and meninges. Until recently, the functions of border-associated macrophages have been poorly understood and largely overlooked. However, a recent study reported that border-associated macrophages participate in stroke-induced inflammation, although many details and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we performed a comprehensive single-cell analysis of mouse border-associated macrophages using sequencing data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database(GSE174574 and GSE225948). Differentially expressed genes were identified, and enrichment analysis was performed to identify the transcription profile of border-associated macrophages. CellChat analysis was conducted to determine the cell communication network of border-associated macrophages. Transcription factors were predicted using the ‘pySCENIC' tool. We found that, in response to hypoxia, borderassociated macrophages underwent dynamic transcriptional changes and participated in the regulation of inflammatory-related pathways. Notably, the tumor necrosis factor pathway was activated by border-associated macrophages following ischemic stroke. The pySCENIC analysis indicated that the activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(Stat3) was obviously upregulated in stroke, suggesting that Stat3 inhibition may be a promising strategy for treating border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation. Finally, we constructed an animal model to investigate the effects of border-associated macrophages depletion following a stroke. Treatment with liposomes containing clodronate significantly reduced infarct volume in the animals and improved neurological scores compared with untreated animals. Taken together, our results demonstrate comprehensive changes in border-associated macrophages following a stroke, providing a theoretical basis for targeting border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation in stroke treatment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82001325Visiting Scholar Foundation of Shandong Province,No.20236-01(both to CS).
文摘Stroke is the leading cause of mortality globally,ultimately leading to severe,lifelong neurological impairments.Patients often suffer from a secondary cascade of damage,including neuroinflammation,cytotoxicity,oxidative stress,and mitochondrial dysfunction.Regrettably,there is a paucity of clinically available therapeutics to address these issues.Emerging evidence underscores the pivotal roles of astrocytes,the most abundant glial cells in the brain,throughout the various stages of ischemic stroke.In this comprehensive review,we initially provide an overview of the fundamental physiological functions of astrocytes in the brain,emphasizing their critical role in modulating neuronal homeostasis,synaptic activity,and blood-brain barrier integrity.We then delve into the growing body of evidence that highlights the functional diversity and heterogeneity of astrocytes in the context of ischemic stroke.Their well-established contributions to energy provision,metabolic regulation,and neurotransmitter homeostasis,as well as their emerging roles in mitochondrial recovery,neuroinflammation regulation,and oxidative stress modulation following ischemic injury,are discussed in detail.We also explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning these functions,with particular emphasis on recently identified targets within astrocytes that offer promising prospects for therapeutic intervention.In the final section of this review,we offer a detailed overview of the current therapeutic strategies targeting astrocytes in the treatment of ischemic stroke.These astrocyte-targeting strategies are categorized into traditional small-molecule drugs,microRNAs(miRNAs),stem cell-based therapies,cellular reprogramming,hydrogels,and extracellular vesicles.By summarizing the current understanding of astrocyte functions and therapeutic targeting approaches,we aim to highlight the critical roles of astrocytes during and after stroke,particularly in the pathophysiological development in ischemic stroke.We also emphasize promising avenues for novel,astrocyte-targeted therapeutics that could become clinically available options,ultimately improving outcomes for patients with stroke.
基金supported by the Ministry of Health National Medical Research Council (to JL)the National University of Singapore (to JJEC)
文摘Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder marked by positive and negative symptoms,leading to mood disturbances,cognitive impairments,and social withdrawal.While anti-psychotic medications remain the cornerstone of treatment,they often fail to fully address certain symptoms.Additionally,treatment-resistant schizophrenia,affecting 30%-40%of patients,remains a substantial clinical challenge.Positive,negative symptoms and cognitive impairments have been linked to disruptions in the glutamatergic,serotonin,GABAergic,and muscarinic pathways in the brain.Recent advances using genome-wide association study and other approaches have uncovered a significant number of new schizophrenia risk genes that uncovered new,and reinforced prior,concepts on the genetic and neurological underpinnings of schizophrenia,including abnormalities in synaptic function,immune processes,and lipid metabolism.Concurrently,new therapeutics targeting different modalities,which are expected to address some of the limitations of anti-psychotic drugs currently being offered to patients,are currently being evaluated.Collectively,these efforts provide new momentum for the next phase of schizophrenia research and treatment.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China,Nos.82325031(to FX),82030059(to YC),82102290(to YG),U23A20485(to YC)Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project,No.2023ZD0505504(to FX),2023ZD0505500(to YC)the Key R&D Program of Shandong Province,No.2022ZLGX03(to YC).
文摘Global brain ischemia and neurological deficit are consequences of cardiac arrest that lead to high mortality.Despite advancements in resuscitation science,our limited understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying post-cardiac arrest brain injury have hindered the development of effective neuroprotective strategies.Previous studies primarily focused on neuronal death,potentially overlooking the contributions of non-neuronal cells and intercellular communication to the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest-induced brain injury.To address these gaps,we hypothesized that single-cell transcriptomic analysis could uncover previously unidentified cellular subpopulations,altered cell communication networks,and novel molecular mechanisms involved in post-cardiac arrest brain injury.In this study,we performed a single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the hippocampus from pigs with ventricular fibrillation-induced cardiac arrest at 6 and 24 hours following the return of spontaneous circulation,and from sham control pigs.Sequencing results revealed changes in the proportions of different cell types,suggesting post-arrest disruption in the blood-brain barrier and infiltration of neutrophils.These results were validated through western blotting,quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,and immunofluorescence staining.We also identified and validated a unique subcluster of activated microglia with high expression of S100A8,which increased over time following cardiac arrest.This subcluster simultaneously exhibited significant M1/M2 polarization and expressed key functional genes related to chemokines and interleukins.Additionally,we revealed the post-cardiac arrest dysfunction of oligodendrocytes and the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into oligodendrocytes.Cell communication analysis identified enhanced post-cardiac arrest communication between neutrophils and microglia that was mediated by neutrophil-derived resistin,driving pro-inflammatory microglial polarization.Our findings provide a comprehensive single-cell map of the post-cardiac arrest hippocampus,offering potential novel targets for neuroprotection and repair following cardiac arrest.
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.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271043(to ZW)and 82171047(to YM)the both Science and Technology Major Project of Shanghai,No.2018SHZDZX01 and ZJLabShanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology(to ZW)。
文摘Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.
基金supported by grants from the Jack Brown and Family Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundationthe Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(No.2020-04407)+1 种基金the University of British Columbia Okanagan CampusThe authors also thank Gentmed SIA for financial assistance。
文摘Neuroinflammation contributes to a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,Huntington's disease,and multiple sclerosis.It is driven by non-neuronal glial cells,mainly microglia and astrocytes.Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system,while astrocytes are the main support cells for neuronal functions but can also participate in neuroimmune responses.Both these glial cell types can become reactive upon detection of certain endogenous intracellular molecules that appear in the extracellular space under specific circumstances;these can be pathology-associated abnormal structures,such as amyloidβproteins,or damage-associated molecular patterns released from injured cells,including their mitochondria.Once in the extracellular space,damage-associated molecular patterns act as ligands for specific pattern recognition receptors expressed by glia inducing their reactivity and neuroimmune responses.This review considers the following mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns:heme,cytochrome c,cardiolipin,adenosine triphosphate,mitochondrial DNA,mitochondrial transcription factor A,N-formyl peptides,and the tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites:succinate,fumarate,and itaconate.We describe their well-established functions as damage-associated molecular patterns of the peripheral tissues before summarizing available evidence indicating these molecules may also play significant roles in the neuroimmune processes of the central nervous system.We highlight the pattern recognition receptors that mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns interact with and the cellular signaling mechanisms they modulate.Our review demonstrates that some mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns,such as cytochrome c,adenosine triphosphate,and mitochondrial transcription factor A,have already demonstrated significant effects on the central nervous system.In contrast,others including cardiolipin,mitochondrial DNA,N-formyl peptides,succinate,fumarate,and itaconate,will require additional studies corroborating their roles as damageassociated molecular patterns in the central nervous system.For all of the reviewed mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns,there is a shortage of studies using human cells and tissues,which is identified as a significant knowledge gap.We also assess the need for targeted research on the effects of mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns in the central nervous system pathologies where their roles are understudied.Such studies could identify novel treatment strategies for multiple neurodegenerative diseases,which are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and currently lack effective therapies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82171347,82371362the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,No.2022JJ30971the Scientific Research Project of Hunan Provincial Health Commission of China,No.202204040024(all to GX).
文摘A large body of evidence has highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation.This evidence has led to increasing speculation that non-coding RNAs may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hydrocephalus,one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide.In this review,we first outline the basic concepts and incidence of hydrocephalus along with the limitations of existing treatments for this condition.Then,we outline the definition,classification,and biological role of non-coding RNAs.Subsequently,we analyze the roles of non-coding RNAs in the formation of hydrocephalus in detail.Specifically,we have focused on the potential significance of non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus,including glymphatic pathways,neuroinflammatory processes,and neurological dysplasia,on the basis of the existing evidence.Lastly,we review the potential of non-coding RNAs as biomarkers of hydrocephalus and for the creation of innovative treatments.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No. 2023YFF0714200 (to CW)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos. 82472038 and 82202224 (both to CW)+3 种基金the Shanghai Rising-Star Program,No. 23QA1407700 (to CW)the Construction Project of Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging,No. 18DZ2260400 (to CW)the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars,No. 82025019 (to CL)the Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou)(to CW)。
文摘Epilepsy is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications, more than one-third of patients continue to experience seizures. Given the urgent need to explore new treatment strategies for epilepsy, recent research has highlighted the potential of targeting gliosis, metabolic disturbances, and neural circuit abnormalities as therapeutic strategies. Astrocytes, the largest group of nonneuronal cells in the central nervous system, play several crucial roles in maintaining ionic and energy metabolic homeostasis in neurons, regulating neurotransmitter levels, and modulating synaptic plasticity. This article briefly reviews the critical role of astrocytes in maintaining balance within the central nervous system. Building on previous research, we discuss how astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the onset and progression of epilepsy through four key aspects: the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal signaling, dysregulation of metabolic homeostasis in the neuronal microenvironment, neuroinflammation, and the formation of abnormal neural circuits. We summarize relevant basic research conducted over the past 5 years that has focused on modulating astrocytes as a therapeutic approach for epilepsy. We categorize the therapeutic targets proposed by these studies into four areas: restoration of the excitation–inhibition balance, reestablishment of metabolic homeostasis, modulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and reconstruction of abnormal neural circuits. These targets correspond to the pathophysiological mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to epilepsy. Additionally, we need to consider the potential challenges and limitations of translating these identified therapeutic targets into clinical treatments. These limitations arise from interspecies differences between humans and animal models, as well as the complex comorbidities associated with epilepsy in humans. We also highlight valuable future research directions worth exploring in the treatment of epilepsy and the regulation of astrocytes, such as gene therapy and imaging strategies. The findings presented in this review may help open new therapeutic avenues for patients with drugresistant epilepsy and for those suffering from other central nervous system disorders associated with astrocytic dysfunction.
基金funded in part by the STI2030-Major Projects(2022ZD0212200)Hainan Province Key Area R&D Program(KJRC2023C30)+1 种基金Project of Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health(XTCX2022JKB02)Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City(SKJC-JYRC-2024-38).
文摘Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of neurological diseases.In addition to microglia,the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammation has gradually attracted attention.Photobiomodulation(PBM),as a non-invasive treatment,has been shown potential to alleviate inflammation of microglia or astrocytes.In this study,the spatiotemporal regulation and molecular mechanism of PBM on astrocytes were deeply explored by analyzing the effects and genomics at different time points.The results showed that PBM significantly attenuated the upregulation of inflammatory factors and mitochondrial dysfunction in astrocytes under LPS stimulation for 4 h and 24 h.RNA-seq analysis showed that the JAK-STAT pathway played an important role in the early stage of both LPS-induced astrocytic neuroin-flammation and PBM-alleviated astrocytic neuroinflammation.Under PBM treatment,Stat5a translocation to the nucleus and upregulated Socs3 expression were observed in LPS-treated astrocytes,which may inhibit the overactivation of the JAK-STAT inflammatory signaling pathway and thus alleviate astrocyte inflammation.Taken together,this study provides new insight into the molecular mechanism of the potential application of PBM in the treatment of neuroinflammation.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82074500)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(No.7252273)+2 种基金CACMS Innovation Fund(No.CI2021A02605)Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province(No.2024ZR029)Science and Technology Program of Wenzhou City(No.Y2023210).
文摘AIM:To perform a bibliometric analysis of publications focusing on inflammatory mechanisms in glaucoma,thereby comprehensively understanding the current research status and identifying potential frontier directions for future studies.METHODS:A systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection(WoSCC)database to retrieve relevant literature published from January 1,2000,to August 31,2025(data accessed on September 12,2025).Multiple data visualization tools were employed to conduct in-depth analyses of the included publications,covering aspects such as publication quantity and quality,evolutionary trends of research hotspots,keyword cooccurrence networks,and collaborative patterns among countries/regions,institutions,and authors.RESULTS:A total of 3381 articles related to glaucoma inflammation were extracted from WoSCC.The analysis showed that the USA had the highest research output in this field(29.04%,n=982),followed by China(18.40%,n=622)and UK(6.01%,n=203).Based on citation frequency and burst intensity,the USA also ranked as the most influential country.Baudouin C and Sun X were identified as the most productive authors,while Journal of Glaucoma and Investigative Ophthalmology&Visual Science were the journals with the highest number of published relevant articles.Additionally,keyword analysis revealed that“neuroinflammation”,“retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)”,“pathophysiology”,and“traditional Chinese medicine”are emerging research hotspots in the field of immuneinflammatory responses in glaucoma.CONCLUSION:This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric overview of research on glaucoma-related inflammation,indicating that this field has received extensive scientific attention with a steady upward trend in research activity.Furthermore,it establishes a theoretical basis for the development of neuroinflammation-targeted therapeutic strategies for glaucoma and emphasizes the necessity of strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration to promote the clinical translation of research findings.
基金supported by grants from STI2030-Major Projects,No.2021ZD0204000(to YS)Key Strategic Science and Technology Cooperation Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China,No.SQ2023YFE0201430(to YS)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.31820103005(to YS),32200620(to LW)the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province of China,No.LZ24C090003(to YS)。
文摘The cerebellum is receiving increasing attention for its cognitive,emotional,and social functions,as well as its unique metabolic profiles.Cerebellar microglia exhibit specialized and highly immunogenic phenotypes under both physiological and pathological conditions.These immune cells communicate with intrinsic and systemic factors and contribute to the structural and functional compartmentalization of the cerebellum.In this review,we discuss the roles of microglia in the cerebellar microenvironment,neuroinflammation,cerebellar adaptation,and neuronal activity,the associated molecular and cellular mechanisms,and potential therapeutic strategies targeting cerebellar microglia in the context of neuroinflammation.Future directions and unresolved questions in this field are further highlighted,particularly regarding therapeutic interventions targeting cerebellar microglia,functional mechanisms and activities of microglia in the cerebellar circuitry,neuronal connectivity,and neurofunctional outcomes of their activity.Cerebellar morphology and neuronal performance are influenced by both intrinsic and systemic factors that are actively monitored by microglia in both healthy and diseased states.Under pathological conditions,local subsets of microglia exhibit diverse responses to the altered microenvironment that contribute to the structural and functional compartmentalization of the cerebellum.Microglia in the cerebellum undergo early maturation during the embryonic stage and display specialized,highly immunogenic phenotypes.In summary,cerebellar microglia have the capacity to serve as regulatory tools that influence outcomes across a wide range of neurological and systemic conditions,including neurodevelopmental,neurodegenerative,metabolic,and stress-related disorders.
基金supported by Applied Basic Research Foundation of Yunnan Province,Nos.202301AS070045,202101AY070001-115(to XY and BL)National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81960242(to XY)。
文摘Cognitive impairment is a particularly severe non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease that significantly diminishes the quality of life of affected individuals.Identifying reliable biomarkers for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease is essential for early diagnosis,prognostic assessments,and the development of targeted therapies.This review aims to summarize recent advancements in biofluid biomarkers for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease,focusing on the detection of specific proteins,metabolites,and other biomarkers in blood,cerebrospinal fluid,and saliva.These biomarkers can shed light on the multifaceted etiology of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease,which includes protein misfolding,neurodegeneration,inflammation,and oxidative stress.The integration of biofluid biomarkers with neuroimaging and clinical data can facilitate the development of predictive models to enhance early diagnosis and monitor the progression of cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease.This comprehensive approach can improve the existing understanding of the mechanisms driving cognitive decline and support the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying the course of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.Despite the promise of these biomarkers in characterizing the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease,further research is necessary to validate their clinical utility and establish a standardized framework for early detection and monitoring of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.
基金Fundação de AmparoàPesquisa do Estado de São Paulo(FAPESP,Brazil,#2020/11667-0)and Universidade Federal do ABC(UFABC,Brazil)were recipients of fellowships from FAPESP:THLV(#2021/11969-9 and#2024/00828-3),GBS(#2021/14227-3),and GMB(#2024/10858-7)+1 种基金recipients of fellowships from Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(CAPES,Brazil):MIM(Finance Code 001,#88887.597402/2021-00)recipients of fellowships from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(CNPq,Brazil.):GKD(#145164/2024-1),and DRA(#308819/2022-5).
文摘The intricate landscape of neurodegenerative diseases complicates the search for effective therapeutic approaches.Photoreceptor degeneration,the common endpoint in various retinal diseases,including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration,leads to vision loss or blindness.While primary cell death is driven by genetic mutations,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation,additional mechanisms contribute to disease progression.In retinitis pigmentosa,a multitude of genetic alterations can trigger the degeneration of photoreceptors,while other retinopathies,such as agerelated macular degeneration,are initiated by combinations of environmental factors,such as diet,smoking,and hypertension,with genetic predispositions.Nutraceutical therapies,which blend the principles of nutrition and pharmaceuticals,aim to harness the health benefits of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.These compounds generally possess multi-target effects.Polyphenols and flavonoids,secondary plant metabolites abundant in plant-based foods,are known for their antioxidant,neuroprotective,and anti-inflammatory properties.This review focuses on the potential of polyphenols and flavonoids as nutraceuticals to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.Furthermore,the importance of developing reliable delivery methods to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of these compounds will be discussed.By combining nutraceuticals with other emerging therapies,such as genetic and cell-based treatments,it is possible to offer a more comprehensive approach to treating retinal degenerative diseases.These advancements could lead to a viable and accessible option,improving the quality of life for patients with retinal diseases.
基金supported by National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia(APP1090890 and APP1164954)Cerebral Palsy Alliance(ERG02123)the Victorian Government’s Operational Infrastructure Support Program。
文摘Perinatal exposure to infection/inflammation is highly associated with neural injury,and subsequent impaired cortical growth,disturbances in neuronal connectivity,and impaired neurodevelopment.However,our understanding of the pathophysiological substrate underpinning these changes in brain structure and function is limited.The objective of this review is to summarize the growing evidence from animal trials and human cohort studies that suggest exposure to infection/inflammation during the perinatal period promotes regional impairments in neuronal maturation and function,including loss of high-frequency electroencephalographic activity,and reduced growth and arborization of cortical dendrites and dendritic spines resulting in reduced cortical volume.These inflammation-induced disturbances to neuronal structure and function are likely to underpin subsequent disturbances to cortical development and connectivity in fetuses and/or newborns exposed to infection/inflammation during the perinatal period,leading,in the long term,to impaired neurodevelopment.The combined use of early electroencephalography monitoring with neuroimaging techniques that enable detailed evaluation of brain microstructure,and the use of therapeutics that successfully target systemic and central nervous system inflammation could provide an effective strategy for early detection and therapeutic intervention.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82301093(to QC)and 22334004(to HY)the Fuzhou University Fund for Testing Precious Equipment,No.2025T038(to QC)。
文摘The mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke are complex and multifactorial and include excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,and blood–brain barrier disruption.While vascular recanalization treatments such as thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy have achieved some success,reperfusion injury remains a significant contributor to the exacerbation of brain injury.This emphasizes the need for developing neuroprotective strategies to mitigate this type of injury.The purpose of this review was to examine the application of nanotechnology in the treatment of ischemic stroke,covering research progress in nanoparticlebased drug delivery,targeted therapy,and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications.Nanobased drug delivery systems offer several advantages compared to traditional therapies,including enhanced blood–brain barrier penetration,prolonged drug circulation time,improved drug stability,and targeted delivery.For example,inorganic nanoparticles,such as those based on CeO_(2),have been widely studied for their strong antioxidant capabilities.Biomimetic nanoparticles,such as those coated with cell membranes,have garnered significant attention owing to their excellent biocompatibility and targeting abilities.Nanoparticles can be used to deliver a wide range of neuroprotective agents,such as antioxidants(e.g.,edaravone),anti-inflammatory drugs(e.g.,curcumin),and neurotrophic factors.Nanotechnology significantly enhances the efficacy of these drugs while minimizing adverse reactions.Although nanotechnology has demonstrated great potential in animal studies,its clinical application still faces several challenges,including the long-term safety of nanoparticles,the feasibility of large-scale production,quality control,and the ability to predict therapeutic effects in humans.In summary,nanotechnology holds significant promise for the treatment of ischemic stroke.Future research should focus on further exploring the mechanisms of action of nanoparticles,developing multifunctional nanoparticles,and validating their safety and efficacy through rigorous clinical trials.Moreover,interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for advancing the use of nanotechnology in stroke treatment.
基金financially supported by King Abdulaziz University,Deanship of Scientific Research(DSR)。
文摘Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,this plasticity is disrupted,leading to cognitive and motor deficits.This review explores the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its effect on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Alzheimer's disease features amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles that impair synaptic function,while Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons affecting motor control.Enhancing neuronal plasticity offers therapeutic potential for these diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar,focusing on studies of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Data synthesis identified key themes such as synaptic mechanisms,neurogenesis,and therapeutic strategies,linking molecular insights to clinical applications.Results highlight that targeting synaptic plasticity mechanisms,such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression,shows promise.Neurotrophic factors,advanced imaging techniques,and molecular tools(e.g.,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and optogenetics)are crucial in understanding and enhancing plasticity.Current therapies,including dopamine replacement,deep brain stimulation,and lifestyle interventions,demonstrate the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.In conclusion,enhancing neuronal plasticity through targeted therapies holds significant promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases.Future research should integrate multidisciplinary approaches to fully harness the therapeutic potential of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
基金funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESPgrant No. 2022/02327-6)supported by the FAPESP scholarship (2021/00270-4 and 2024/05491-7)
文摘Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide,with Alzheimer’s disease(AD)being the leading cause of dementia.It is estimated that more than 50 million people live with this condition,which is expected to triple by 2050,driven mainly by the aging of the global population(GBD 2019 Dementia Forecasting Collaborators,2022).
