Matthew-Zane L Broderick, Qadir Khan, Nasrollah Moradikor
{"title":"Understanding the connection between stress and sleep: From underlying mechanisms to therapeutic solutions.","authors":"Matthew-Zane L Broderick, Qadir Khan, Nasrollah Moradikor","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this chapter is to navigate through the nexus between stress and sleep, highlighting the neurobiological systems that connect them. Starting with an overview of neuroanatomy and physiology of stress and sleep, with a further detailed breakdown of sleep stages and key neuroanatomical centers that are responsible for sleep and wakefulness. Starting with suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in circadian rhythm and sleep regulation overview, with a center point on the molecular systems including the CLOCK/CRY and BMAL1/2/PER1/2 feedback loops. Following this is the neurobiological of stress, specifically the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic-adrenal (SPA) axis and influence on sleep. Vital neural circuits connecting stress and sleep are examined with the attention of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA-somatostatin neurons and the locus coerules in sleep regulation in response to stress. In addition, neuroinflammation's role occurs through the cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α are investigated as a mediator of sleep disturbances caused by stress. It concludes by summarizing the implications of neuroinflammatory modulation in stress-related psychopathologies, emphasizing the opening this provides for interventions that target this inflammation helping to lighten sleep disorder.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"291 ","pages":"137-159"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143990531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Addiction and stress: Exploring the reward pathways in brain affected by different drugs.","authors":"Samira Rostami Mehr, Babak Nakhaei, Hossein Soleimani, Shaahriyar Kouhi Madadlou, Asghar Abbasi Maleky, Saeid Abbasi-Maleki","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This chapter delves into the complex interplay among addiction, stress, and the reward pathways in the brain, emphasizing the ways in which various drugs affect these systems and exacerbate SUD. Drugs have physiological effects that can be both pleasurable and unpleasant. These effects change behavior through both positive and negative reinforcement. A person's genetic predisposition to addiction is mostly determined by factors such as biological sex, age of first usage, and dopamine receptor density. Drug use behaviors are also greatly influenced by environmental stressors, media exposure, and substance accessibility; nevertheless, protective variables including social support, participation in healthy activities, and preventative programs serve to reduce the dangers associated with drug use. The reinforcement of addictive behaviors is mostly dependent on the brain's reward circuits, which include the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental region, and prefrontal cortex, in addition to neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Stress makes addiction worse by intensifying cravings and raising the possibility of relapsing. Examined are the impacts of several drug types, such as opioids, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens, emphasizing the long-term consequences on brain function and susceptibility to addiction. In order to create individualized interventions that target the environmental and neurological components of addiction and eventually improve treatment results, a thorough understanding of these elements is important.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"291 ","pages":"381-404"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144014149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bilal El-Mansoury, Jawad Laadraoui, Youssef Razouqi, Asmaa Haj-Khlifa, Hanane El Fatimi, Omar El Hiba, Arumugam R Jayakumar
{"title":"Therapeutic effects of positive emotions on neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems.","authors":"Bilal El-Mansoury, Jawad Laadraoui, Youssef Razouqi, Asmaa Haj-Khlifa, Hanane El Fatimi, Omar El Hiba, Arumugam R Jayakumar","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Positive emotions have long been recognized for their impact on overall health, yet emerging research highlights the underlying neural mechanisms and neurotransmitter systems that mediate these effects. Several key brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and insula, play a role in processing positive emotions and emotional regulation. Several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, including dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are involved emotional resilience and psychological health. Positive emotions can reshape neural circuits, and foster neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Therefore, positive emotion-based interventions could play an important role in alleviating mood disorders, improve cognitive function, and enhance social and physiological health. This chapter highlights the transformative impact of integrating the science of positive emotions into therapeutic practices, showcasing their potential to improve overall well-being. It delves into the therapeutic effect of positive emotions on neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems, emphasizing their significance in fostering both mental and physical health.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"293 ","pages":"149-178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144182281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hanna E Willis, Berkeley Fahrenthold, Rebecca S Millington-Truby, Rebecca Willis, Lucy Starling, Matthew R Cavanaugh, Marco Tamietto, Krystel Huxlin, Holly Bridge
{"title":"Persistence of training-induced visual improvements after occipital stroke.","authors":"Hanna E Willis, Berkeley Fahrenthold, Rebecca S Millington-Truby, Rebecca Willis, Lucy Starling, Matthew R Cavanaugh, Marco Tamietto, Krystel Huxlin, Holly Bridge","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Damage to the primary visual cortex causes homonymous visual impairments that appear to benefit from visual discrimination training. However, whether improvements persist without continued training remains to be determined and was the focus of the present study. After a baseline assessment visit, 20 participants trained twice daily in their blind-field for a minimum of six months (median=155 sessions), using a motion discrimination and integration task. At the end of training, a return study visit was used to assess recovery. Three months later, 14 of the participants returned for a third study visit to assess persistence of recovery. At each study visit, motion discrimination and integration thresholds, Humphrey visual fields, and structural MRI scans were collected. Immediately after training, all but four participants showed improvements in the trained discrimination task, and shrinkage of the perimetrically-defined visual defect. While these gains were sustained in seven out of eleven participants who improved with training, four participants lost their improvement in motion discrimination thresholds at the follow-up visit. Persistence of recovery was not related to age, time since lesion, number of training sessions performed, proportion of V1 damaged, deficit size, or optic tract degeneration measured from structural MRI scans. The present findings underscore the potential of extended visual training to induce long-term improvements in stroke-induced vision loss. However, they also highlight the need for further investigations to better understand the mechanisms driving recovery, its persistence post-training, and especially heterogeneity among participants.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"292 ","pages":"113-142"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144132817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sérgio Mota-Rolim, Pedro da Costa Melo, Victor Vilhena Barroso, Eric Joel Ferreira do Amaral, John Fontenele Araujo, Sidarta Ribeiro
{"title":"Green light to sleep: Does cannabis work for insomnia? A case report and brief review.","authors":"Sérgio Mota-Rolim, Pedro da Costa Melo, Victor Vilhena Barroso, Eric Joel Ferreira do Amaral, John Fontenele Araujo, Sidarta Ribeiro","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.07.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.07.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Insomnia is characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep and affects 10-20 % of adults. Conventional pharmacotherapies for insomnia, initially comprising benzodiazepines and later the Z-drugs, often present significant adverse effects, including dependence and tolerance. Here we provide a brief review on cannabis therapy for insomnia and present a relevant case report. We first discuss the sleep stages and the main clinical aspects of insomnia. Next, we report the case of a 37 year-old patient who, after a grief situation, began to experience insomnia that was resistant to various conventional treatments, even with dosage adjustment. The insomnia diminished after replacing the conventional pharmacotherapies with full spectrum Cannabis sativa oil, rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Finally, we note that medical societies from several major countries such as England, Australia and Brazil already recommend the use of Cannabis (plants rich in THC and/or CBD) to treat insomnia. These societies base their guidelines on studies that reported a mitigation of the symptoms of insomnia with the use of cannabinoids. However, recent meta-analyses highlight the heterogeneity of the participants, interventions, and results. Further research is essential to elucidate the influence of cannabinoids on both physiological and pathological aspects of sleep.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"296 ","pages":"55-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145086695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hormesis-induced neuroplasticity: Targeting neuroinflammation signaling cascades for therapeutic insights in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.","authors":"Thays Calista Santiago Pretes, Cristoforo Scavone","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.05.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.05.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The signaling pathways associated with α-Klotho, glutamate, mediators of the inflammatory response in the central nervous system (CNS) and that related to different isoforms of the Na, K-ATPase (NKA) protein as a pump and receptor for endogenous steroids (ouabain-like hormones) are associated with neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. This neuroadaptive response induced by pharmacologic (Cardiotonic Steroids, Klotho, Resveratrol, Curcumin, and other Phytochemicals), and non-pharmacologic strategies (intermittent fasting and physical exercise) involves glial and neuronal cell crosstalk through activation of different intracellular pathways involving mediators, such as glutamate, cytokines, transcription factors, and gene expression which will exert a marked influence on the adaptive processes (neuroplasticity) that prevent premature aging, in addition to playing an essential role in cognition and neurodegenerative processes. The present text addresses the effect of these agents on the Central Nervous System (CNS), exploring neuroplasticity changes associated with the neuroinflammation induced by these mediators in the presence of a modified expression or signaling of the α-Klotho and the different α-isoforms of NKA. The studies involve in vitro approaches using models of neuronal and glial cells and in vivo studies with a behavioral and biochemical approach. Studies were also done in the presence (or absence) of changes in the expression of these proteins (by using vectors, interference RNA, and transgenic animals with specific protein-modified expression, such as TNF-α and Klotho). It has been also several human studies evaluating these hermetic strategies associated with physical exercise and intermittent diet. The present chapter discusses the benefit of these strategies in the induction of neuroadaptive response.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"295 ","pages":"259-284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144795178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Syed Naved Quadri, Sakshi Tiwari, Bilal Siddiqi, Saman Fatima, Mathar Ali Khan, M Z Abdin
{"title":"Advanced neuroimaging in precision neurology: Tools, trends, and translational impact.","authors":"Syed Naved Quadri, Sakshi Tiwari, Bilal Siddiqi, Saman Fatima, Mathar Ali Khan, M Z Abdin","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.08.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.08.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advances in neuroimaging are revolutionizing the landscape of precision neurology by enabling high-resolution, multimodal visualization of brain structure, function, and pathology. As traditional, symptom-based frameworks fall short in capturing the biological complexity of neurodegenerative diseases, imaging modalities such as structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, functional MRI, PET, and hybrid PET/MRI have emerged as essential tools for early diagnosis, patient stratification, and therapeutic monitoring. These technologies not only reveal hallmark features like hippocampal atrophy and disrupted neural networks but also uncover molecular signatures such as amyloid and tau deposition, synaptic density, and neuroinflammation. Integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) further enhances diagnostic precision by decoding subtle imaging patterns, facilitating subtype classification, and predicting disease progression. Despite transformative progress, disparities in access and implementation remain a critical challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of neuroimaging modalities, their diagnostic and prognostic relevance across major neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS, and frontotemporal dementia and the evolving role of hybrid platforms and AI integration in shaping the future of individualized neurological care.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"297 ","pages":"221-246"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145637989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of caregivers: Providing compassionate and effective care.","authors":"Gargi Gautam","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.08.021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.08.021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With more cases of neuropsychiatric and chronic degenerative conditions worldwide, caregivers now play a vital role in healthcare. This chapter examines the different aspects of caregiving, including its medical, emotional and ethical sides, in cases of dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke and spinal muscular atrophy. Emphasizing a shift from viewing caregivers as ancillary figures to recognising them as a co-therapeutic agents, highlights their impact on patient outcomes, continuity of care, and quality of life. Evidence-based interventions that use cognitive behavioural therapy, teach mindfulness and include structured routines for caregivers are assessed for how they help reduce stress on caregivers and improve the stability of those receiving care. The chapter also points out how important it is to practice culturally sensitive and ethical care in any healthcare setting, especially when resources are limited. The best practices and guidelines from the United States are reviewed to demonstrate how support for caregivers can be woven throughout the care system globally. The chapter promotes the inclusion of caregiver well-being in regular healthcare plans, making it an essential part of care rather than a secondary issue.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"298 ","pages":"187-202"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145638187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Introduction to neurobiology and pharmacology of stress.","authors":"Saeid Abbasi-Maleki, Babak Nakhaei, Samira Rostami Mehr, Nasrollah Moradikor","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In order to improve individual and community health outcomes, stress research is crucial for developing our understanding of human biology, psychology, and social dynamics. It also informs therapeutic practices, public health campaigns, and educational activities. The chapter explores how neurotransmitters, including glutamate, GABA, adrenaline, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline, mediate stress responses, impact mood and behavior, and play a part in a number of stress-related disorders. The relevance of focused research and therapy approaches aimed at reestablishing equilibrium within these systems is highlighted by the fact that dysregulation of these neurotransmitters can exacerbate health problems. Additionally, it is investigated how the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex interact to process emotions, build resilience, and determine an individual's susceptibility to stress. These interactions are regulated by both neuroplasticity and hereditary and epigenetic factors. The chapter discusses the pharmaceutical approach to stress management, which includes a variety of drugs such as beta-blockers, anxiolytics, and antidepressants that work by targeting different neurotransmitter systems to reduce anxiety and mood disorders. Even while these therapies work, they may have negative consequences and side effects that should be carefully considered in clinical settings. The chapter promotes a comprehensive approach to stress management that combines medication, lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and stress-reduction methods. Healthcare workers can improve patient care and ultimately the health and quality of life for people with stress-related disorders by knowing the complexity of pharmaceutical therapies and how they affect the stress response.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"291 ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144042299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Stress in specific population: Cognitive decline in aging, occupational challenges, strategies for medical professionals.","authors":"Gargi Gautam, Nasrollah Moradikor","doi":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding cognitive decline and its contributing causes, such as stress, which presents differently in different groups, is crucial given the aging population's rapid growth. This chapter looks at how stress affects older persons' cognitive decline, with a particular emphasis on the difficulties faced by medical professionals in their line of work and how to lessen the consequences. The severity and course of cognitive decline differ from person to person and are impacted by factors such as lifestyle, medical history, and stress at work. The COVID-19 pandemic has made medical practitioners' already high demands even more precarious. Stress in underprivileged areas and among veterans emphasizes the negative effects of work-related stress on mental health even more. Techniques that improve psychological well-being and lessen burnout include resilience training, digital tools, supportive leadership, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Enhancing work-life balance and promoting a healthier work environment can be achieved by combining these interventions with organizational changes. Aging-related cognitive impairment necessitates a multimodal strategy that includes targeted stress reduction methods and organizational adjustments. Setting mental health as a top priority in healthcare settings promotes the wellbeing of staff members, enhances patient care, and improves healthcare results.</p>","PeriodicalId":20598,"journal":{"name":"Progress in brain research","volume":"291 ","pages":"363-379"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144030602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}