{"title":"Can Sodium Oxybate Mitigate the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?","authors":"Mortimer Mamelak","doi":"10.2174/011570159X377481250526110256","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570159X377481250526110256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Schizophrenia remains a therapeutic challenge. For much of its long history, the physiological basis of its symptoms and clinical presentation remained elusive. However, in recent decades, consistent anatomical and metabolic changes have been documented that can also serve as therapeutic targets. An insult to the developing nervous system in the prenatal or neonatal period appears to set the schizophrenic syndrome in motion by preventing the development of the normal circuit balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurons. In time, a reduction in the volume of frontal and temporal grey matter and a decrease in the density of dendritic spines on pyramidal neurons becomes apparent. These anatomical findings are accompanied by a reduced capacity to synthesize GABA, an increased capacity to synthesize and release dopamine, and an increased level of blood cortisol. Treatment with sodium oxybate (SO) (gammahydroxybutyrate) may make it possible to reverse these pathological features of the schizophrenic syndrome, given SO's potential to increase neuronal levels of GABA, inhibit dopamine release and reduce blood cortisol levels. SO can also serve as a source of energy to promote the growth of the dendritic arbor on excitatory pyramidal neurons and as an antioxidant to enhance the activity of GABAergic inhibitory neurons. In this way, SO may restore the balance between the excitatory pyramidal neurons and the inhibitory GABAergic neurons in schizophrenia. In a short clinical trial, the use of SO to improve the sleep of patients with chronic schizophrenia led to a significant clinical improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144224650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marsel Khabibov, Airat Garifullin, Amina Sadreeva, Manuel Felipe Fernandez, Marat Kashaev, Iuliia Topchu, Leonid Kharin, Yanis Boumber
{"title":"Functional and Clinical Relevance of the Crosstalk between the Glymphatic System and the Lymphatic System.","authors":"Marsel Khabibov, Airat Garifullin, Amina Sadreeva, Manuel Felipe Fernandez, Marat Kashaev, Iuliia Topchu, Leonid Kharin, Yanis Boumber","doi":"10.2174/011570159X359861250224051857","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570159X359861250224051857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this review, we describe the concept of the glymphatic system as a glial-dependent clearance pathway in the brain. The hypothesis of the glymphatic system function suggests that dural lymphatic vessels absorb the cerebrospinal fluid and brain interstitial fluid via the glymphatic system and transport fluid into deep cervical lymph nodes. We present the accumulated data of various studies confirming the possible interconnection among the brain interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and the glymphatic system. Anatomical features are discussed here together with a possible variety of glymphatic system functions, including the removal of waste products, transport of substances, and immune function. The glymphatic system is hypothesized to be involved in pathogenesis of many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and Parkinson's disease. We also discuss the role of the glymphatic system in pathophysiology and the complications of brain tumors. Meningeal lymphatics is thoroughly analyzed as well. Finally, we propose new treatment approaches to brain tumors, Parkinson's disease, and stroke using cervical lymph nodes and backward fluid flow in the meningeal lymphatic vessels.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144215206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F Stocchi, D Bravi, F G Radicati, C Coletti, L Vacca
{"title":"Vortioxetine for the Treatment of Depression in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A 16-week Pilot, Prospective, Open-label Safety Study.","authors":"F Stocchi, D Bravi, F G Radicati, C Coletti, L Vacca","doi":"10.2174/011570159X361647250416072053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570159X361647250416072053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Parkinson's disease (PD) is often associated with depression, which poses an additional burden for patients and their families. However, evidence regarding the optimal treatment for depression in PD remains limited, with insufficient data supporting the efficacy of most antidepressant drugs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The primary objective of this pilot, prospective, open-label, single-arm study was to analyze the safety and tolerability of vortioxetine drops on depressive symptoms in PD patients over 16 weeks of treatment. The secondary objective was to study vortioxetine's effectiveness on depression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixteen out of 20 PD patients who completed the study demonstrated that the treatment was safe and well tolerated; no change in PD symptom severity, abnormality of clinical parameters, body weight, or ECG emerged. The most common side effect was nausea. Depressive symptoms rated by the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (HAM-D-17) showed a significant improvement at the end of the study period without a worsening of motor functions, as measured by UPDRS part III. The majority of patients also reported an improvement in depressive symptoms measured by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Vortioxetine is a safe and well-tolerated therapeutic approach for depression in Parkinson's disease. As a secondary objective, an improvement in depressive symptoms was observed. However, the study's open-label design and small sample size limit the generalizability of the findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144207941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatemeh Abbaszadeh, Sajad Fakhri, Behrang Shiri Varnamkhasti, Seyed Zachariah Moradi, Mohammad Hosein Olfati, Zanyar Moradi, Mohammad Reza Khirehgesh, Haroon Khan
{"title":"Restoring Gut-brain Function by Medicinal Herbs Offering Neuroprotection through Suppressing Inflammatory Pathways: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Fatemeh Abbaszadeh, Sajad Fakhri, Behrang Shiri Varnamkhasti, Seyed Zachariah Moradi, Mohammad Hosein Olfati, Zanyar Moradi, Mohammad Reza Khirehgesh, Haroon Khan","doi":"10.2174/011570159X353541250128101649","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570159X353541250128101649","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) refer to a progressive degeneration of the nervous system and are on the rise. Researchers are trying to reveal the crucial mechanisms behind NDDs to find novel therapeutic candidates with higher efficacy and lower side effects. Increasing evidence highlights the auspicious role of inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of NDDs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline, a systematic and comprehensive review was done to evaluate the effect of medicinal herbs in restoring gut-brain function and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in combating neuroprotection. The electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, were searched for the literature review. The manual search of reference lists and citations was also employed falling within the authors' expertise.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>As with other mechanisms, the bidirectional communication between the brain and gut, known as the gut-brain axis, has emerged as a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Since the gut-brain axis covers multiple mechanisms, especially inflammatory mechanisms in NDDs, it urges the need for finding novel multi-targeting agents. Medicinal herbs, with their rich repertoire of natural products, are multi-targeting candidates in combating several diseases. In this systematic and comprehensive review, we explore the potential of medicinal herbs in restoring gut-brain function and promoting neuroprotection by suppressing inflammatory pathways. Novel delivery systems and clinical applications of medicinal herbs are also highlighted to drawback the pharmacokinetic limitation in regulating the gut-brain axis-associated NDDs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Medicinal herbs provide neuroprotective responses through the modulation of gut-brain function and related inflammatory mediators.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144207939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alessandra Gaetano, Vance Gao, Gilles Van Camp, Hammou Bouwalerh, Milena Cannella, Tiziana Imbriglio, Sergio Scaccianoce, Stefania Maccari, Sara Morley-Fletcher
{"title":"Sex-Dependent Modulation of AMPA and GABAA Receptors in Response to Perinatal Stress: Implications for Cognitive and Emotion-related Behaviors.","authors":"Alessandra Gaetano, Vance Gao, Gilles Van Camp, Hammou Bouwalerh, Milena Cannella, Tiziana Imbriglio, Sergio Scaccianoce, Stefania Maccari, Sara Morley-Fletcher","doi":"10.2174/011570159X328731250104062122","DOIUrl":"10.2174/011570159X328731250104062122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early-life stress can severely impact brain health and neuronal plasticity, potentially leading to psychiatric disorders, with excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission changes being key to understanding and mitigating these effects.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We investigated the effects of Perinatal Stress (PRS) on the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, particularly focusing on AMPA and GABAA receptor protein levels and \u0000their relationship with cognition and risk-taking behavior in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Adult PRS (3-4 months old) offspring of dams exposed to 10 days of gestational restraint stress, which led to reduced maternal care, were evaluated at 3-4 months for behavioral responses to novelty, adverse environments, and recognition memory, with biochemical analyses conducted in the prefrontal cortex and the ventral and dorsal hippocampus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PRS and sex notably affected behavior and AMPA/GABAA receptor subunit expression. PRS males showed reduced risk-taking behavior when exposed to novel and adverse environments and impaired recognition memory, while PRS females demonstrated better behavioral performance compared to both PRS males and control females. In the dorsal hippocampus, PRS increased the GluA2:GluA1 ratio and GABAA-α1 subunit in females but reduced them in males, modulating the AMPA/GABAA balance to enhance synaptic GABAergic inhibition and behavioral resilience in PRS females and control males.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings indicate that increased synaptic inhibition and reduced excitatory noise may underlie enhanced recognition memory and risk-taking behavior. The sex differences in PRS rats suggest that targeting AMPA or GABAA receptors could help treat early-life stress-related disorders and underscore the need for developing gender-specific therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144207940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Haroon Badshah, Rehman Zafar, Heeyoung Kang, Sangbae Ma, Haroon Khan, Myeong Ok Kim
{"title":"Quercetin Protects against Ethanol-induced Neurodegeneration in Adult Rat Cortex.","authors":"Haroon Badshah, Rehman Zafar, Heeyoung Kang, Sangbae Ma, Haroon Khan, Myeong Ok Kim","doi":"10.2174/011570159X349349250118152027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570159X349349250118152027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been reported to possess several pharmacological activities including neuroprotective properties. Chronic alcohol exposure is known to cause apoptotic neurodegeneration. In this study, docking studies were used to investigate the ligand-protein affinity against various neuroinflammatory targets like ChAt, TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β. Next, molecular studies were performed to determine quercetin activity against chronic ethanol- induced neurodegeneration in the adult rat cortex.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Adult rats were treated with ethanol for 3 months while quercetin was treated for the last 20 days along with ethanol to the respective experimental groups. Elements of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway i.e. pro-apoptotic protein Bax, cytochrome C release, and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 were determined after respective drug treatment. Our docking results revealed that quercetin possesses neuroprotective potential by targeting neuroinflammatory proteins inhibiting neurodegeneration.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Western blot results showed that ethanol administration increased the protein expressions of Bax, cytochrome C, caspase-9, and caspase-3. Furthermore, DNA damage was also observed by chronic ethanol treatment with increased expression of PARP-1. Quercetin treatment offered neuroprotection in the cortex against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. Quercetin reversed the ethanolinduced apoptotic trend via down-regulating Bax, preventing cytochrome C release and inhibition of caspase cascade.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Immunohistological findings i.e. caspase-3 immunoreactivity, Nissl staining, and Fluoro- Jade B staining also revealed significant neuronal survival with quercetin treatment against ethanol- induced neuronal cell death. Our in-silico and in-vivo findings suggest that quercetin has the potential capability to be used as a neuroprotective agent against alcoholic neurotoxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Early-Life Microbiome and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Md Fakruddin, Tasbir Amin, Md Asaduzzaman Shishir, Rameesa Maliha Jameel, Mubashshir Muntaha Bari, Nashia Farzana Shameem, Amana Hossain, Nusrat Jerin, Shahnewaj Bin Mannan, Jinath Sultana Jime, Nayeema Bulbul","doi":"10.2174/011570159X360129250508113618","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570159X360129250508113618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>This systematic review intends to find out how neurodevelopmental disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are influenced by the gut microbiota throughout early childhood. The study looks at the variety and types of microbes that a child is exposed to, the particular microbiome profiles associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes, and the molecular processes that underlie these relationships.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed a thorough search of PubMed, Scopus, the WHO Global Health Library (GHL), and ISI Web of Science. After screening 2,744 original studies based on predetermined eligibility criteria, 19 studies were included. Microbial groupings, presence (high/low), and related neurodevelopmental disorders were among the primary areas of data extraction. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The investigated literature repeatedly showed a strong correlation between dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and neurodevelopmental disorders. Cases of ASD were associated with both a high number of Clostridium species and a low number of Bifidobacterium species. On the other hand, a Low number of E. coli and a high number of the class Clostridia, phylum Firmicute, genus Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, as well as the species Listeria monocytogenes, Toxoplasma gondii, Streptococcus mutans, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been linked to ADHD. The NOS evaluation showed variation in the quality of the methodology; some studies had high scores, suggesting sound technique, while other studies had lower scores, indicating serious methodological flaws.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results highlight the potential impact of the gut microbiome throughout early life on neurodevelopmental outcomes, indicating that microbial imbalances may play a role in the onset of disorders like ASD and ADHD. However, to improve the quality of data, larger-scale longitudinal studies would be required.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144181059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Umar Muzaffer, Bisma Gull, Zabeer Ahmed, Muzamil Ahmad
{"title":"Neuropharmacological Interventions of Plant Origin for Parkinson's Disease: A Comprehensive Appraisal.","authors":"Umar Muzaffer, Bisma Gull, Zabeer Ahmed, Muzamil Ahmad","doi":"10.2174/1570159X23666250523112027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X23666250523112027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Parkinson's disease (PD) presents a complex challenge in neurodegenerative disorders, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. This review article elucidates the therapeutic potential of traditional herbal formulations alongside computational methods in PD research. Through comprehensive examination, we explore their mechanisms of action, synergistic effects, and implications for PD management. Furthermore, we discuss the significance of computational techniques such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, pharmacophore modeling, and network pharmacology. Our analysis underscores the integration of traditional wisdom with modern scientific inquiry, paving the way for nuanced interventions in PD.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144181006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Siyu Ding, Linliu Peng, Zhao Chen, Mengyuan Dong, Cuiling Tang, Yiqing Gong, Lang He, Qi Wu, Rong Qiu, Hong Jiang
{"title":"The Status and Future Directions of Treatments for Polyglutamine Spinocerebellar Ataxia: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis.","authors":"Siyu Ding, Linliu Peng, Zhao Chen, Mengyuan Dong, Cuiling Tang, Yiqing Gong, Lang He, Qi Wu, Rong Qiu, Hong Jiang","doi":"10.2174/011570159X360111250502055242","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570159X360111250502055242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polyglutamine (polyQ) spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are a group of autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders for which no effective treatments currently exist. These conditions impose a significant burden on patients, their families, and society. Consequently, the treatment of these disorders has attracted significant global interest.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We conducted this bibliometric analysis to identify the key research hotspots and predict the future research directions of this field.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Studies relating to the treatment of polyQ SCA published from 1999 to 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Relevant papers were selected using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. HistCite, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and alluvial generator were used in the bibliometric analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 935 papers were included. The number of publications in this field showed a trend toward a fluctuating increase. The United States and the University of Coimbra were the leading countries and institutions, respectively, in terms of publication number. The two most productive and highly cited authors were Luis Pereira de Almeida and Patricia Maciel. The journals Cerebellum, Human Molecular Genetics, and Movement Disorders were considered the most influential based on the number of publications and citations. Furthermore, \"new SCA types\", \"Huntington's disease\", \"clinical trial\", \"gene therapy\", \"disease models,\" and \"Aggregation clearance therapy\" emerged as current hotspots in this field, as revealed by the reference and keyword analyses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study presents a systematic bibliometric analysis of research on the polyQ SCA treatment, which we hope will assist researchers in identifying the key topics and future research directions in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144110020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Windows to Consciousness: The Role of Fronto-Parietal Connectivity in Anesthesia-Induced Unconsciousness.","authors":"Yuanyuan Ding, Shiya Liu, Kaixin Wang, Junya Kang, Wenqi Chen, Shujun Sun, Yuxin Hu, Yunyun Han, Xiangdong Chen","doi":"10.2174/011570159X375644250405041050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570159X375644250405041050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The exploration of consciousness and the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying general anesthesia are two intertwined endeavors that have significantly advanced our understanding of the neural correlates of awareness. Both fields converge on the neural systems that regulate consciousness. Frontoparietal networks, known for their involvement in executive functions, attention, and cognitive control, emerge as key players in the transition from wakefulness to anesthesiainduced unconsciousness. This review synthesizes recent findings highlighting the pivotal role of fronto-parietal connectivity in the induction and maintenance of unconsciousness by general anesthetics. By examining functional neuroimaging studies and neurophysiological data, we elucidate how disruptions in fronto-parietal interactions contribute to the loss of responsiveness and altered states of awareness associated with anesthesia. Additionally, we further explain the underlying mechanism at both the neuronal and molecular levels. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these findings for advancing our understanding of the neural correlates of consciousness and the development of novel anesthetic agents with more predictable and targeted effects on consciousness. This review decisively bridges the gap between consciousness research and anesthetic pharmacology, providing a robust framework for future investigations into the neural mechanisms that control transitions between conscious states.</p>","PeriodicalId":10905,"journal":{"name":"Current Neuropharmacology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}