{"title":"Altered Expression of MeCP2 and PTEN Genes in the Molecular Basis of Specific Learning Disorder.","authors":"Fatma Atasever, Nil Özbilüm Şahin, Cansu Mercan Işık","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02370-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02370-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Specific learning disorders (SLD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that affect cognitive abilities such as reading, writing, and mathematics. The molecular mechanisms underlying SLD remain unclear, though genetic and epigenetic factors are thought to play a significant role. MeCP2 is an epigenetic regulator that binds to methylated DNA, playing a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression and SP in neuronal cells. PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene, regulates cell growth, survival, and apoptosis, and is critical for maintaining synaptic integrity. In this study, we aimed to examine the expression of MeCP2 and PTEN in individuals with SLD. RNA was isolated from blood samples, and gene expression was assessed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). A total of 38 participants with SLD and 35 healthy controls were included in the study. Our results revealed a 15.44-fold upregulation of MeCP2 and a 13.66-fold downregulation of PTEN in the SLD group compared to controls, suggesting a disrupted balance of gene expression. There was no significant difference in gene expression between severe and non-severe SLD groups. These findings suggest that the dysregulation of MeCP2 and PTEN may be involved in the pathophysiology of SLD, influencing SP and neuronal function. In conclusion, the altered expression of these genes in individuals with SLD highlights potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic targets, opening avenues for future research and intervention strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":"74"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12144048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144232906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Virve Kärkkäinen, Toni Saari, Minna Rusanen, Hannu Uusitalo, Ville Leinonen, Bernd Thiede, Kai Kaarniranta, Anne M Koivisto, Tor P Utheim
{"title":"Neuroinflammation Markers in Tear Fluid of Mild Alzheimer's Disease.","authors":"Virve Kärkkäinen, Toni Saari, Minna Rusanen, Hannu Uusitalo, Ville Leinonen, Bernd Thiede, Kai Kaarniranta, Anne M Koivisto, Tor P Utheim","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02368-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02368-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The protein composition of tear fluid (TF) reflects the severity and progression of many age-related diseases. Here, we evaluated TF proteins from patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitively healthy controls (CO) to explore potential new biomarker molecules. The aim of this study was to explore potential new biomarker molecules by examining the expression of TF proteins whose function is related to neuroinflammation. We examined 53 participants (34 COs, mean age 71 years, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score 28.9 ± 1.4; 19 with AD, Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5-1, mean age 72 years, MMSE 23.8 ± 2.8). All participants underwent neurological status examination, cognitive testing, and ophthalmological examination. TF was collected using Schirmer strips, and TF protein content was evaluated using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and label-free quantification. We report 14 TF proteins that showed altered protein expression in the AD group compared to the CO group. Twelve proteins were significantly upregulated (SERPINA3, FGA, SIAS, ORM1, ANXA3, G6PI/NLK, CH3L2, MSLN, CPPED1, JCHAIN, IGHV5-51, SPARCL1) and two were downregulated (PIP, SCGB2A1) (p ≤ 0.05). Observed altered expression of TF proteins in the AD group may have potential in AD pathology. Since inflammation is one of the earliest signs of neurodegeneration in AD, these proteins are putative new biomarker candidates of early AD.</p>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":"73"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12141408/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144223896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Prabhakar Tiwari, Rekha Dwivedi, Meenakshi Kaushik, Manjari Tripathi, Rima Dada
{"title":"Genetics and Epigenetics of Alzheimer's Disease: Understanding Pathogenesis and Exploring Therapeutic Potential.","authors":"Prabhakar Tiwari, Rekha Dwivedi, Meenakshi Kaushik, Manjari Tripathi, Rima Dada","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02363-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02363-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of individuals globally. Despite extensive research efforts, effective treatments for AD remain elusive. AD pathogenesis is driven by a combination of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. However, challenges persist in AD genetic and epigenetic research, including the need for larger and more diverse cohorts, the integration of multi-omic data, and the development of advanced computational and experimental tools. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is crucial for the development of effective treatments and ultimately a cure for this debilitating condition. In this review, we summarize key regulatory pathways involved in AD pathogenesis, emphasizing genetic factors such as the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and high-impact genetic mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PSEN1). We also explore significant epigenetic regulators, including DNA methylation, histone deacetylases (HDACs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), which modulate gene expression and contribute to disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors, highlighting their combined impact on β-amyloid deposition, tau pathology, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction. Finally, we examine the potential of epigenetic modifications as promising therapeutic targets for AD, due to their reversible nature, and propose future research directions to address current knowledge gaps. This review offers an updated perspective on AD genetics and epigenetics, providing insights into novel avenues for therapeutic intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":"72"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144186196","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}
S Cilem Kizilpinar, F Bahar Atak-Akkus, Ozlem Dogan, Burcin Colak, M Cigdem Aydemir
{"title":"Exploring the Sensitivity of Peripheral ADA Levels Measurement in Establishing Psychosis Susceptibility.","authors":"S Cilem Kizilpinar, F Bahar Atak-Akkus, Ozlem Dogan, Burcin Colak, M Cigdem Aydemir","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02362-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02362-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Studies on the relationship between the adenosinergic system and schizophrenia have been released, but none has explored the relationship between adenosine deaminase and psychosis risk. Our primary objective is to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of peripheral adenosine deaminase enzyme levels regarding susceptibility to psychosis. In this cross-sectional case-control study, the serum levels of adenosine deaminase were compared among patients with schizophrenia, first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients, and healthy controls. The patient and relative groups were classified as high-risk groups and healthy controls as low-risk groups. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine whether serum ADA levels can distinguish the low-risk group from the high-risk group. Healthy controls had higher serum ADA levels than the patient and relative groups (p = 0.019; p = 0.027). There was no statistically significant difference between patients and relatives (p = 0.998). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum ADA levels were 62.2% accurate in predicting psychosis risk, with a sensitivity of 82%. The results showed that serum ADA levels were significantly different between individuals at relatively low genetic risk (healthy controls) for schizophrenia and those at relatively high genetic risk (patients and relatives). According to the risk model based on serum ADA level, measuring serum ADA level may help distinguish genetically high-risk individuals from genetically low-risk individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":"71"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12122566/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144172134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alejandrina Funes, Abraham I. Ramirez, Cintia N. Konjuh, Silvana B. Rosso, Santiago Cuesta, Alejandra M. Pacchioni
{"title":"Effects of Adolescent Social Isolation on PFC’s β-Catenin Levels and Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Male and Female Rats: Study of the Role of Dopaminergic D2 Receptors","authors":"Alejandrina Funes, Abraham I. Ramirez, Cintia N. Konjuh, Silvana B. Rosso, Santiago Cuesta, Alejandra M. Pacchioni","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02341-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02341-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Adolescence is a key period of development when major cognitive and neurobiological changes occur. Results from our lab showed that 5 days of social isolation in adolescent rats led to molecular changes in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and to higher cocaine responses during adulthood. We assessed whether 5 days of social isolation (SI) during adolescence would impact on β-catenin levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) as well as on anxiety-like behaviors in a sex- and time-dependent manner. We also investigated the role of dopaminergic neurotransmission on that impact, by using repeated administration of a D2 antagonist. Male and female Wistar rats were socially isolated between postnatal day (PND)30 to 35 or kept in their home cages (non-isolated), while they were treated with sulpiride (100 mg/kg, <i>ip</i>) or vehicle. Anxiety-like behaviors and exploratory activity were estimated by the open field test at 24 h (PND36) or 9 days (PND44) after isolation. Then, they were euthanized at PND36 or PND45, and β-catenin levels were analyzed by Western blot in PFC and NAcc. Our findings show that a brief SI during adolescence leads to a long-term impact on both β-catenin levels (10 days, PND45) and anxiety-like behaviors (9 days, PND44) with a significant increase and decrease, respectively, in female rats. In contrast, male rats show a rapid decrease in β-catenin levels in the PFC with no changes in anxiety-like behaviors (24 h, PND36). These suggest that adolescent SI induces mostly long-term changes in female while short term changes in male rats. Moreover, these changes seem to be modulated by dopaminergic neurotransmission since a sulpiride treatment during isolation prevented them.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144140144","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}
Ayad Babaee, Thea Overgaard Wichmann, Mikkel M. Rasmussen, Ole Brink, Dorte Aalund Olsen, Lars C. Borris, Maj Lesbo, Rikke Wehner Rasmussen, Carlos Salomon, Aase Handberg, Maiken Mellergaard, Claus V. B. Hviid
{"title":"Extracellular Vesicle Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein as a Circulating Biomarker of Traumatic Brain Injury Severity","authors":"Ayad Babaee, Thea Overgaard Wichmann, Mikkel M. Rasmussen, Ole Brink, Dorte Aalund Olsen, Lars C. Borris, Maj Lesbo, Rikke Wehner Rasmussen, Carlos Salomon, Aase Handberg, Maiken Mellergaard, Claus V. B. Hviid","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02360-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02360-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major global health challenge with a need for improved diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the biomarker potential of extracellular vesicle (EV)-encapsulated glial fibrillary acidic protein (EV-GFAP), neurofilament light chain (EV-NfL), total tau (EV-T-Tau), and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (EV-UCH-L1) in TBI. A cohort of 93 trauma patients (75 with TBI and 18 without TBI) was analyzed. Patients were sampled on admission, as well as 15 and 72 h post-injury. Following initial method validation, EVs were isolated from plasma using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and plasma levels and EV cargo levels of biomarkers were measured using an ultra-sensitive Single Molecule Array. EV-GFAP levels were significantly elevated in TBI patients compared to non-TBI trauma patients at admission and 15 h. A positive head CT was associated with 2.85 (95% CI: 1.18–6.91) fold increased EV-GFAP, whereas EV-NfL, EV-T-Tau, and EV-UCH-L1 levels were not affected. None of the tested EV biomarkers were associated with 1-year mortality or 6–12 months’ functional outcome. Plasma-GFAP levels increased 3.4 (95% CI: 1.72–6.70) fold with a positive head CT but were not associated with outcomes. EV-GFAP shows potential as an early biomarker of TBI, but plasma-GFAP remains a practical and reliable alternative. Future studies should explore the potential complementary roles of EV-based biomarkers on alternative aspects of TBI pathophysiology and prediction of long-term outcomes. Studies should refine methods to enhance reproducibility and clinical applicability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12031-025-02360-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144125584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fereshteh Golab, Pooya Hajimirzaei, Sam Zarbakhsh, Samira Zolfaghari, Parisa Hayat, Mohammad Taghi Joghataei, Fatemeh Bakhtiarzadeh, Nooshin Ahmadirad
{"title":"Interplay of Neuroinflammation and Epilepsy in Glioblastoma Multiforme: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications","authors":"Fereshteh Golab, Pooya Hajimirzaei, Sam Zarbakhsh, Samira Zolfaghari, Parisa Hayat, Mohammad Taghi Joghataei, Fatemeh Bakhtiarzadeh, Nooshin Ahmadirad","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02335-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02335-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer in adults and is characterized by poor prognosis and a high incidence of seizures due to tumor-induced alterations in cerebral physiology. This review explores the complex interactions between GBM-induced neuroinflammation and epilepsy, emphasizing the mechanisms of epileptogenesis influenced by blood–brain barrier dysfunction, ion homeostasis, and neurotransmitter dynamics. We discuss the roles of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in exacerbating excitatory synaptic activity while inhibiting inhibitory signaling, thus creating a milieu conducive to seizure activity. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of current anti-seizure medications and emerging therapeutic strategies, including the reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages, in managing GBM-related epilepsy and tumor growth. This study aimed to elucidate the critical pathways connecting GBM and epilepsy, thereby advancing our understanding of potential interventional approaches to improve patient outcomes.\u0000</p></div>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144091010","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":"From Genetics to Function: the Role of ABCA12 in Autism Neurobiology","authors":"Akansha Pal, Falguni Goel, Vipin Kumar Garg","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02357-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02357-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic, environmental, and molecular roots. Among the thousands of genes that have been associated with ASD, one critical factor has emerged as ABCA12, which plays an important role in lipid transport and metabolism. Traditionally, it has been related to skin disorders but has only recently been implicated in broader brain development and function. Some of the implicated effects include dysregulated lipid homeostasis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormalities in synaptic when the ABCA12 system is dysregulated. All the above processes are related to pathology in ASD. In this review, the emerging function of ABCA12 in autism neurobiology has been discussed; the core base is derived from in vivo models and preclinical studies. In vivo models such as mice and zebrafish that, in the previous studies had earlier shown impairments of ABCA12 which results in social deficiency behaviors but also perform repetitive actions. Based on the effects of the gene on molecular pathways, including neuronal signalling and membrane integrity, and identifying therapeutic approaches targeting ABCA12 or its downstream effects, preclinical studies have contributed to the integration of genetic, functional, and therapeutic perspectives for understanding the contribution of ABCA12 to ASD. These findings may unlock further investigations geared toward unravelling how lipid metabolism intricately influences neurodevelopment with regards to interventions available for use in ASD.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143949522","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}
Mahinaz A. Mashhour, Ibrahim Youssef, Manal Abdel Wahed, Mai S. Mabrouk
{"title":"The Intersection of Genetics and Neuroimaging: A Systematic Review of Imaging Genetics in Neurological Disease for Personalized Treatment","authors":"Mahinaz A. Mashhour, Ibrahim Youssef, Manal Abdel Wahed, Mai S. Mabrouk","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02350-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02350-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Imaging genetics is one of the important keys to precision medicine that leads to personalized treatment based on a patient’s genetics, phenotype, or psychosocial characteristics. It deepens the understanding of the mechanisms through which genetic variations contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review overviews the methods and applications of imaging genetics in the context of neurological diseases, mentioning its potential role in personalized medicine. Following PRISMA guidelines, this review systematically analyzes 28 studies integrating genetic and neuroimaging data to explore disease mechanisms and their implications for precision medicine. Selected research included multiple neurological disorders, including frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and others. Voxel-based morphometry was the most common imaging technique, while frequently examined genetic variants included APOE, C9orf72, MAPT, GRN, COMT, and BDNF. Associations between these variants and regional gray matter loss (e.g., frontal, temporal, or subcortical regions) suggest that genetic risk factors play a key role in disease pathophysiology. Integrating genetic and neuroimaging analyses enhances our understanding of disease mechanisms and supports advancements in precision medicine.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12031-025-02350-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143944321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jinan Han, Ying Xu, Yan Zhou, Ning Zhu, Jiazhen Gao, Li Huang
{"title":"Therapeutic Hypothermia and Recombinant Erythropoietin Mitigate Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cell Dysfunction via Modulating the Pentose Phosphate Pathway","authors":"Jinan Han, Ying Xu, Yan Zhou, Ning Zhu, Jiazhen Gao, Li Huang","doi":"10.1007/s12031-025-02356-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12031-025-02356-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Neonatal brains are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, making the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) pivotal in damage limitation. This study aimed to confirm the mechanism of erythropoietin combined with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). Neonatal HIBD rat models were employed and the impacts of erythropoietin and TH on behavior, cerebral infarction, pathology, and microvascular were evaluated. Following that, the assessments of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the level of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD, rate-limiting enzyme in the PPP) proceeded. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) underwent oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and were treated with TH and G6PD inhibitor RRx-001. The impacts of the G6PD inhibitor on HBMEC function and barrier were evaluated. Simultaneous administration of TH and EPO reduced pathological damage and attenuated microvascular loss. In addition, this combination therapy had anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties, and enhanced G6PD activity, both in vivo and in vitro. Inhibition of G6PD disrupted the protective effects of TH and EPO on the patency of the PPP and the function of HBMECs, and barrier integrity was further broken. This study reveals that the combination of TH and EPO mitigates microvascular endothelial cell dysfunction via partially modulating the PPP, thus preserving barrier integrity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":652,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Molecular Neuroscience","volume":"75 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143925641","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}