NeuroprotectionPub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-02-27DOI: 10.1002/nep3.70000
Tobiloba S Olajide, Omamuyovwi M Ijomone
{"title":"Targeting gut microbiota as a therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases.","authors":"Tobiloba S Olajide, Omamuyovwi M Ijomone","doi":"10.1002/nep3.70000","DOIUrl":"10.1002/nep3.70000","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent evidence suggests a more important role of the gut microbiota in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) given its relationship through the microbiota-gut-brain as an active communication system aiding in maintaining homeostasis between the brain and the gut. This review focuses on how modulation of gut microbiota can serves as a therapeutic strategy for NDDs, emphasizing the neuroprotective effects of probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits, and their interaction with gut-microbiota influences neurogenesis, neurotransmitter regulation, and neuroinflammation. Recent advancements, including germ-free animal models, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and diverse probiotic strains, have revealed the underlying mechanisms linking gut health to brain function. Notably, several <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium</i> species have been shown to exert neuroprotective effects via the upregulation of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and enhancing mitochondrial function through reducing the impacts of oxidative stress. Interestingly, FMT has exhibited a degree of success in overcoming cognitive impairment and motor deficits in preclinical studies and clinical trials. However, further research is warranted to explore its therapeutic potential in humans. Overall, this review highlights the significant role of gut microbiota in NDDs and advocates for gut-targeted interventions as innovative approaches to mitigate these diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":"3 2","pages":"120-130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12208687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144531466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeuroprotectionPub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2025-03-31DOI: 10.1002/nep3.70003
Piotr Walczak, Xunming Ji, Shen Li, Johannes Boltze
{"title":"Protecting the brain from multifaceted damage and promoting recovery.","authors":"Piotr Walczak, Xunming Ji, Shen Li, Johannes Boltze","doi":"10.1002/nep3.70003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/nep3.70003","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":"3 1","pages":"1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12020454/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144046042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeuroprotectionPub Date : 2024-12-01Epub Date: 2024-12-16DOI: 10.1002/nep3.69
Piotr Walczak, Xunming Ji, Shen Li, Johannes Boltze
{"title":"Neurodegeneration in acute and chronic central nervous system disorders: Novel ideas and approaches.","authors":"Piotr Walczak, Xunming Ji, Shen Li, Johannes Boltze","doi":"10.1002/nep3.69","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/nep3.69","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":"2 4","pages":"243-245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12020453/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144065336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Piotr Walczak, Xunming Ji, Shen Li, Johannes Boltze
{"title":"Effects of immunological processes and mild ambient atmosphere alterations on the brain in health and disease.","authors":"Piotr Walczak, Xunming Ji, Shen Li, Johannes Boltze","doi":"10.1002/nep3.57","DOIUrl":"10.1002/nep3.57","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":" ","pages":"179-181"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7616641/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142333951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeuroprotectionPub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-09-15DOI: 10.1002/nep3.56
Tobiloba Samuel Olajide, Toheeb O Oyerinde, Omolabake I Omotosho, Oritoke M Okeowo, Olayemi J Olajide, Omamuyouwi M Ijomone
{"title":"Microglial senescence in neurodegeneration: Insights, implications, and therapeutic opportunities.","authors":"Tobiloba Samuel Olajide, Toheeb O Oyerinde, Omolabake I Omotosho, Oritoke M Okeowo, Olayemi J Olajide, Omamuyouwi M Ijomone","doi":"10.1002/nep3.56","DOIUrl":"10.1002/nep3.56","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The existing literature on neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) reveals a common pathological feature: the accumulation of misfolded proteins. However, the heterogeneity in disease onset mechanisms and the specific brain regions affected complicates the understanding of the diverse clinical manifestations of individual NDDs. Dementia, a hallmark symptom across various NDDs, serves as a multifaceted denominator, contributing to the clinical manifestations of these disorders. There is a compelling hypothesis that therapeutic strategies capable of mitigating misfolded protein accumulation and disrupting ongoing pathogenic processes may slow or even halt disease progression. Recent research has linked disease-associated microglia to their transition into a senescent state-characterized by irreversible cell cycle arrest-in aging populations and NDDs. Although senescent microglia are consistently observed in NDDs, few studies have utilized animal models to explore their role in disease pathology. Emerging evidence from experimental rat models suggests that disease-associated microglia exhibit characteristics of senescence, indicating that deeper exploration of microglial senescence could enhance our understanding of NDD pathogenesis and reveal novel therapeutic targets. This review underscores the importance of investigating microglial senescence and its potential contributions to the pathophysiology of NDDs, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Additionally, it highlights the potential of targeting microglial senescence through iron chelation and senolytic therapies as innovative approaches for treating age-related NDDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":"2 3","pages":"182-195"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11449118/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142373733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Svea‐Solveig Mennen, Maren Franta, M. Begemann, Justus B. H. Wilke, Roman Schröder, Umer Javed Butt, Jonathan‐Alexis Cortés‐Silva, Umut Çakır, Marie Güra, Markus de Marées, Vinicius Daguano Gastaldi, J. Burtscher, Julie Schanz, Matthias Bohn, M. Burtscher, Andreas Fischer, Luise Poustka, Peter Hammermann, Markus Stadler, Fred Lühder, Manvendra Singh, K. Nave, K. Miskowiak, H. Ehrenreich
{"title":"Tolerability and first hints for potential efficacy of motor‐cognitive training under inspiratory hypoxia in health and neuropsychiatric disorders: A translational viewpoint","authors":"Svea‐Solveig Mennen, Maren Franta, M. Begemann, Justus B. H. Wilke, Roman Schröder, Umer Javed Butt, Jonathan‐Alexis Cortés‐Silva, Umut Çakır, Marie Güra, Markus de Marées, Vinicius Daguano Gastaldi, J. Burtscher, Julie Schanz, Matthias Bohn, M. Burtscher, Andreas Fischer, Luise Poustka, Peter Hammermann, Markus Stadler, Fred Lühder, Manvendra Singh, K. Nave, K. Miskowiak, H. Ehrenreich","doi":"10.1002/nep3.47","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/nep3.47","url":null,"abstract":"Hypoxia is more and more perceived as pivotal physiological driving force, allowing cells in the brain and elsewhere to acclimate to lowered oxygen (O2), and abridged metabolism. The mediating transcription program is induced by inspiratory hypoxia but also by intensive motor‐cognitive tasks, provoking a relative decrease in O2 in relation to the acutely augmented requirement. We termed this fundamental, demand‐dependent drop in O2 availability “functional hypoxia.” Major players in the hypoxia response are hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) and associated prolyl‐hydroxylases. HIFs are transcription factors, stabilized by low O2 accessibility, and control expression of a multitude of genes. Changes in oxygen, however, can also be sensed via other pathways, among them the thiol‐oxidase (2‐aminoethanethiol) dioxygenase. Considering the far‐reaching biological response to hypoxia, hitherto mostly observed in rodents, we initiated a translational project, combining mild to moderate inspiratory with functional hypoxia. We had identified this combination earlier to benefit motor‐cognitive attainment in mice. A total of 20 subjects were included: 13 healthy individuals and 7 patients with depression and/or autism spectrum disorder. Here, we show that motor‐cognitive training under inspiratory hypoxia (12% O2) for 3.5 h daily over 3 weeks is optimally tolerated. We present first signals of beneficial effects on general well‐being, cognitive performance, physical fitness and psychopathology. Erythropoietin in serum increases under hypoxia and flow cytometry analysis of blood reveals several immune cell types to be mildly modulated by hypoxia. To obtain reliable information regarding the “add‐on” value of inspiratory on top of functional hypoxia, induced by motor‐cognitive training, a single‐blind study—with versus without inspiratory hypoxia—is essential and outlined here.","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":"2 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141266792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aravind Parthasarathy, Ramesha Hanumanthappa, Sarojini R. Bulbule, Kiran P.C., Hemalatha Nanjaiah, Gopinath G., Siddaiah B.M., David Muniswamy, Devaraju Kuramkote Shivanna
{"title":"Stress enhances expression of calcium‐binding proteins and NMDAR subunit genes in the rat hippocampus","authors":"Aravind Parthasarathy, Ramesha Hanumanthappa, Sarojini R. Bulbule, Kiran P.C., Hemalatha Nanjaiah, Gopinath G., Siddaiah B.M., David Muniswamy, Devaraju Kuramkote Shivanna","doi":"10.1002/nep3.35","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/nep3.35","url":null,"abstract":"Oxidative stress impairs the function of calcium‐binding proteins and deregulates calcium signaling in living organisms. We have previously explored the overexpression of calcium‐binding protein genes in a reactive oxygen and nitrogen species‐induced in vitro cell model of stress that leads to apoptosis. However, in in vivo models, low levels of stress leads to depressive‐like behavior. Here, we aimed to analyze gene expression of major calcium‐binding proteins (calcineurin, calmodulin, calsyntenin, synaptotagmin, and calreticulin) and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subunits (glutamate receptor ionotropic [GluN] GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B) in the hippocampus of stress‐induced rats.Six‐week‐old male Wistar rats were assigned to two stress induction groups and a control group without stress (n = 6). Stress was induced by using H2O2 (3% in water) or by immobilization (using a sticky mat) over a period of 30 days. Expression of calcium‐binding protein genes in the hippocampus, antioxidant assays, structural alterations in hippocampal neurons, and depressive‐like behavior were determined.Expression of genes encoding calcium‐binding proteins calcineurin, calsyntenin, synaptotagmin and NMDA receptor subunit GluN1 was enhanced in both chemical and physical stress‐induced rats compared with control rats (4.25 ± 0.05 vs. 1.03 ± 0.02, p < 0.05, 2.05 ± 0.08 vs. 1.03 ± 0.02, p < 0.005; 2.2 ± 0.4 vs. 1.02 ± 0.03, p < 0.05, 1.98 ± 0.07 vs. 1.02 ± 0.03, p < 0.005; 1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.15 ± 0.09, p < 0.05, 1.39 ± 0.05 vs. 1.15 ± 0.09, p < 0.005), respectively. In stress‐induced rats, neurons in the CA2 region of the hippocampus were fewer and appeared disorganized compared with control rats. Furthermore, stress‐induced rats showed decreased mobility and lower sucrose preference in behavioral studies compared with control rats.Lower levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) can also lead to stress in rats by affecting their calcium signaling, buffering capacity in the neurons leading to depressive symptoms.","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":"46 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141274035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yang Zhu, L.M. Liao, Shihao Gao, Yong Tao, Hao Huang, Xiangqin Fang, Changyan Yuan, C. Gao
{"title":"Neuroprotective effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on Alzheimer's disease: Undetermined therapeutic protocols and mechanisms","authors":"Yang Zhu, L.M. Liao, Shihao Gao, Yong Tao, Hao Huang, Xiangqin Fang, Changyan Yuan, C. Gao","doi":"10.1002/nep3.40","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/nep3.40","url":null,"abstract":"Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of cognitive functions, for which an effective treatment is currently unavailable. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a well‐established noninvasive brain stimulation method, is utilized in clinical settings to address various neuropsychiatric conditions, such as depression, neuropathic pain, and poststroke dysfunction. Increasing evidence suggests that rTMS may enhance cognitive abilities in individuals with AD. However, its optimal therapeutic protocols and precise mechanisms are currently unknown, impeding its clinical implementation. In the present review, we aimed to summarize and discuss the efficacy‐related parameters in rTMS treatment, encompassing stimulus frequency, stimulus pattern, stimulus intensity, and the configuration of the stimulus coil. Furthermore, we reviewed promising rTMS therapeutic protocols involving various combinations of these factors, that were examined in clinical studies. Based on our analysis, we propose that a multisite high‐frequency rTMS (HF‐rTMS) regimen has value in AD therapy, and that promising single‐site protocols, such as HF‐rTMS, applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, precuneus, or cerebellum are required to be validated in larger clinical studies. Lastly, we provide a comprehensive review of the potential mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of rTMS on cognition in AD in terms of brain network modulation as well as cellular and molecular reactions. In conclusion, the interaction of diverse mechanisms may be responsible for the total therapeutic effect of rTMS on AD. This review provides theoretical and practical evidence for the future clinical application and scientific research of rTMS in AD.","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":"101 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140079934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring novel experimental treatments for major neurodegenerative disorders","authors":"Xunming Ji, Piotr Walczak, Johannes Boltze","doi":"10.1002/nep3.31","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/nep3.31","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":"4 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138966425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Talhada, Robert Nilsson, Severin Walser, Georgios Michalettos, K. Ruscher
{"title":"Activation of dopamine 2 receptors modulates glutamate decarboxylases 65 and 67 during stroke recovery in mice","authors":"D. Talhada, Robert Nilsson, Severin Walser, Georgios Michalettos, K. Ruscher","doi":"10.1002/nep3.28","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/nep3.28","url":null,"abstract":"Treatment with levodopa enhances recovery of lost neurological functions in preclinical stroke models and patients. Here, we studied whether dopamine signaling modulates GABAergic neurotransmission in parvalbumin‐positive interneurons after experimental stroke.Following block randomization, mice were subjected to experimental stroke induced by photothrombosis (PT). Two days after the insult, mice were treated either with the D1 receptor antagonist by R(+)‐SCH‐23390 (0.1 mg/kg), the selective D1 receptor agonist (R)‐(+)‐SKF‐38393 hydrochloride (1 mg/kg), the D2 receptor agonist R(−)‐2,10,11‐trihydroxy‐N‐propyl‐noraporphine hydrobromide hydrate (TNPA) (1 mg/kg), the D2 receptor antagonist S‐(−)‐eticlopride hydrochloride (0.3 mg/kg), or vehicle (saline) by daily intraperitoneal injection for five consecutive days, respectively. Recovery of function was assessed by paw placement and foot fault test before and on Days 2 and 7 after surgery.Mice treated with TNPA showed a statistically significant improvement of recovery compared to all other treatment conditions. Synthesis of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) was quantified by levels of full‐length and cleaved glutamate acid decarboxylase 67 and 65 (GAD65 and GAD67) in the peri‐infarct area and homotypic regions of the contralateral cortex. Compared to the other treatments, TNPA significantly reduced the level of the GAD67 isoform both in the ischemic and contralateral hemispheres. Levels of GAD65 were found significantly higher in the contralateral hemisphere in TNPA‐treated mice after PT accompanied by an increase in the 58 kDa‐truncated form.Our results point toward reduced GABA synthesis in a D2 receptor‐mediated mechanism possibly contributing to counteract functional inhibition after stroke.","PeriodicalId":74291,"journal":{"name":"Neuroprotection","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139001845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}