Journal of Neurobiology and Physiology

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are two of the most prominent and complex progressive neurological disorders that have a profound global impact [1,2]. These diseases affect millions of individuals worldwide, causing significant morbidity and placing a substantial burden on healthcare systems and society [3,6]. Despite considerable advancements in understanding these disorders over the years, developing effective treatments remains a complex and multifaceted challenge [7,8].

This editorial is a trial to open future research in the importance of neurobiology of diseases. We think that the potential of having links between some diseases and brain has been previously indicated, but it may be still underestimated.Previous studies reported the axis of brain and heart, brain and intestine. The reality of the problem is not well addressed on molecular basis. In other words, it is not enough to think or point out to possible existence of such a link.

While much of research progress has been achieved in last century on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the conclusive therapy for the same is still unachieved. Several lines of therapeutic regimes have been introduced, which basically act on slowing down the disease progression.

During an action observation (AO) and action execution, specific group of neural substrates are activated. They provide a neural mechanism for understanding the actions of others called as mirror neurons (MNs). They also carry out motor grounding, motion ersatz, language and emotion appreciation. Mirror neurons discharge not only throughout the self-experience of pain but also during the perception of other people’s pain.

Different computational models and new devices are under development, aiming to better comprehend and alter brain function. Ternary computating offers new approach by considering a third physiological state of the neuronal membrane: the refractory period (-1), in addition to resting potential state (0) and the action potential.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, manifesting as a characteristic movement disorder with a number of additional non-motor features. The pathological hallmark of PD is the presence of intra-neuronal aggregates of a-synuclein (Lewy bodies). The movement disorder of PD occurs largely due to loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, resulting in striatal dopamine depletion.

Stroke is among the leading causes of disability and mortality in many countries of the world. The pathogenic mechanisms of ischemic stroke are very complex and have not been completely understood. The aim of this study was to estimate the amino acid (AA) pool in the brain hemisphere cortex of rats during Subtotal Cerebral Ischemia (SCI).

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a global health crisis currently afflicting ~6 million Americans (and ~40 million people worldwide). By the middle of the century, these numbers will stagger by ~16 million Americans (and ~152 million people worldwide) suffering from AD, if breakthrough disease-modifying treatments are not discovered.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive extranodal Non Hodgkin Lymphoma. Combined modality treatment with high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) followed by whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) has been a commonly used treatment approach.

The human brain is a complex network of billions of neurons accompanied by astrocytes and microglia among others [1]. Neurons communicate via specialized sites of cell-cell contacts called synapses, where information is transmitted via the presynaptic release of neurotransmitter from synaptic vesicles (SVs) [2]. Through the integration of information transmitted via large networks of neurons, complex tasks, such as learning, memory and various behaviors, are regulated.

The article entitled “N,N-Dimethyltryptamine [DMT] attenuates spreading depolarization and restrains neurodegeneration by sigma-1 receptor activation in the ischemic rat brain” by Szabo et al. published recently in Neuropharmacology [1] is the last one in the series of studies on the potential benefits of DMT administration in different clinical forms of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The larger scope of the project – initiated and organized by Ede Frecska – is to collect support for a hypothesized biological function of this and related endogenous hallucinogen compounds such as 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), 5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-tryptamine (bufotenine) [2].

Parkinson’s disease is a multifaceted illness that requires interdisciplinary approach to be fully addressed. The etiology of the disease is not completely understood, but genetic and environmental cues play important roles. Histological hallmarks of the disease are the accumulation of alpha-synuclein aggregates, mitochondrial changes and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.

The HLbC model, as proposed by the author, has been utilized to interpret the varied behaviors manifested by individuals with split-brains. This paper initially provides a succinct overview of the function of the corpus callosum, pivotal to discussions concerning split-brains, along with the distinctive behaviors demonstrated by subjects with split-brains. Subsequently, it elucidates the application of the HLbC model in interpreting the behavior of such individuals. Comparative analyses with normal brain function are then conducted.

Brain metastases are a feared complication of breast cancer, occurring in 15-25% of patients and being associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced technique that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed three-dimensional (3D) images of the brain's neuroanatomy and any potential pathology, especially in the management of brain metastases. The review article by Mohammadi et al. provides a timely and comprehensive overview of the utility of MRI for detecting and characterizing brain metastases from breast cancer. 

The design of safe drug delivery systems that locally allow efficacious concentration of curative molecules has become the latest frontier in nanomedicine. It usually relies on the entrapment of drugs into micro/nano carriers guaranteeing for the controlled release of the drugs while protecting them from degradation and fast clearance.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly debilitating psychiatric condition that develops in a subset of individuals following a traumatic event, such as a threat of death, serious injury or sexual assault. Over the past two decades, substantial body of research has focused on key neural regions and circuits that play a role in pathogenesis and maintenance of PTSD symptoms. More specifically, hyper-activation of amygdala, insula, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, as well as hypo-activation in ventral medial prefrontal cortex and altered function of hippocampus have been repeatedly reported.

The continuous increase in the elderly population and chronic health conditions present significant challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries. Among these conditions, dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), is one of the most concerning, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and progressive dependence on family caregivers.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the ErbB family. It is involved in biological processes such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, inhibition of apoptosis, adhesion, metastasis, and is associated with the progression of lung cancer [1-3].

Cardiac hypertrophy is one of the most common manifestations of Fabry disease (FD) [1] and it can be the only clinical expression, in the so called cardiac variant, as result of specific mutation of
alpha-galactosidase-A gene (GLA), as the N215S one [2].

Vitamin B12 is one of the most complex non-protein compounds as described by Dorothy Hodgkin, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist, who discovered the molecular crystal structure of B12. Cobalamins (vitamin B12 derivatives) contain the rare transition metal, cobalt (Co), positioned in the center of a corrin ring and weakly bound to carbon.  While cobalamins are synthesized only in certain bacteria and archaea, not in mice or humans, they are co-enzymes essential for all life except for plants. For example, in higher vertebrates, methyl-cobalamin and 5’-deoxyadenosyl-cobalamin are essential for the function of methionine synthase and methylmalonyl CoA mutase, respectively.