Natural Products and Neuroprotection
Cristina Angeloni1, David Vauzour2
1School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 10, 2019
Summary
Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing global health concern, impacting millions and increasing with longer lifespans. Research aims to understand and combat these debilitating neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Neurodegenerative diseases represent a significant and escalating global health challenge.
- The increasing incidence is linked to a growing elderly population and extended lifespans worldwide.
- These conditions pose a substantial burden on healthcare systems and impact patient quality of life.
Discussion:
- The growing prevalence necessitates urgent research into prevention and treatment strategies.
- Interdisciplinary approaches are vital for tackling the complexity of neurodegenerative disorders.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing disease progression.
Key Insights:
- Neurodegeneration affects millions globally, with incidence rising.
- Lifespan increases are linked to the growing burden of these diseases.
- Further investigation into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative conditions is critical.
Outlook:
- Future research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets.
- Developing effective interventions for neurodegenerative diseases is a priority.
- Improving quality of life for patients with neurodegenerative conditions is the ultimate goal.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
1.5K
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
1.5K
00:49The Blood-brain Barrier
52.0K
Overview
52.0K
01:01Neuroplasticity
1.4K
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
1.4K
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
485
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
485
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
2.1K
Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase,...
2.1K
01:26Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
3.4K
Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...
3.4K