Neuroscience
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Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are neurodegenerative disorders that significantly impact well-being. Hyperoside (HYP), a flavonoid found in various plant species, particularly within the genus Hypericin, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the anti-AD and anti-PD effects of HYP remain unclear. ⋯ We systematically assessed the neuroprotective potential of HYP in in vivo and in vitro models of AD and PD. Our findings indicated that HYP can mitigate, intervene in, and treat AD and PD animal models and associated cells through various mechanisms, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-Aβ aggregation, and cholinesterase inhibitory activities. Therefore, HYP potentially exerts anti-AD and anti-PD effects through diverse mechanisms, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention in both AD and PD.
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Multicenter Study
Plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 and risk of cognitive impairment among patients with ischemic stroke.
Previous study reported that plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) was associated with poor prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke. The purpose of present study was to prospectively investigate the relationship between plasma FGF-21 and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). ⋯ Elevated plasma FGF-21 level was associated with PSCI at 3 months after stroke independently of established conventional risk factors, suggesting that plasma FGF-21 may have potential prognostic value in risk stratification of PSCI.
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Numerous studies linking environmental pollutants to oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxicity have assigned pollutants to several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Heavy metals, pesticides, air pollutants, and endocrine disruptor chemicals have been shown to play important roles in AD development, with some traditional functions in amyloid-β formation, tau kinase action, and neuronal degeneration. However, pharmacological management and supplementation have resulted in limited improvement. ⋯ Furthermore, they contribute to positive changes in the composition of the human gut microbiota and thus encourage interactions in the Gut-Brain Axis, reducing inflammation caused by pollutants. This review emphasizes a multi-professional approach with reference to nutritional activities that would lower the neurotoxic load in populations with a high level of exposure to pollutants. Future studies focusing on diet and environment association plans may help identify preventive measures aimed at enhancing current disease deceleration.
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The intercellular communication within the central nervous system (CNS) is of great importance for in maintaining brain function, homeostasis, and CNS regulation. When the equilibrium of CNS is disrupted or injured, microglia are immediately activated and respond to CNS injury. Microglia-derived exosomes are capable of participating in intercellular communication within the CNS by transporting various bioactive substances, including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, amino acids, and metabolites. ⋯ Meanwhile, we summarized the molecular mechanisms by which the relevant exosomes exert regulatory effects. Exosomes, derived from microglia stimulated by different environments, regulate other nerve cells during the repair of CNS injury, having beneficial or detrimental effects on CNS repair. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their role can provide a robust foundation for the clinical treatment of CNS injury.
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent multifactorial disorder characterized by social deficits and stereotypies. Despite extensive research efforts, the etiology of ASD remains poorly understood. However, studies using preclinical models have identified the mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) signaling pathway as a key player in ASD-related features. ⋯ The review also discusses the therapeutic potential of mTOR pathway inhibitors, such as rapamycin, in mitigating ASD characteristics. These insights underscore the importance of the mTOR pathway as a target for future research and therapeutic intervention in ASD. This review innovates by bringing the convergence of disrupted mTOR signaling in preclinical models and clinical data associated with ASD.