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Neurodegeneration and Inflammation-An Interesting Interplay in Parkinson's Disease
Chrysoula Marogianni1, Maria Sokratous1, Efthimios Dardiotis1
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece.
Abstract:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, caused by, so far, unknown pathogenetic mechanisms. There is no doubt that pro-inflammatory immune-mediated mechanisms are pivotal to the pathogenicity and progression of the disease. In this review, we highlight the binary role of microglia activation in the pathophysiology of the disorder, both neuroprotective and neuromodulatory. We present how the expression of several cytokines implicated in dopaminergic neurons (DA) degeneration could be used as biomarkers for PD. Viral infections have been studied and correlated to the disease progression, usually operating as trigger factors for the inflammatory process. The gut-brain axis and the possible contribution of the peripheral bowel inflammation to neuronal death, mainly dopaminergic neurons, seems to be a main contributor of brain neuroinflammation. The role of the immune system has also been analyzed implicating a-synuclein in the activation of innate and adaptive immunity. We also discuss therapeutic approaches concerning PD and neuroinflammation, which have been studied in experimental and in vitro models and data stemming from epidemiological studies.
Insights
Parkinson's disease (PD) involves immune-mediated inflammation. Microglia activation plays a dual role, and factors like gut inflammation and viral infections may trigger neuroinflammation, impacting dopaminergic neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis remains largely unknown, but neuroinflammation is central to its progression.
- Pro-inflammatory immune responses significantly contribute to the development and advancement of PD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of microglia activation in PD pathophysiology.
- To explore the potential of cytokine expression as biomarkers for PD.
- To examine the influence of viral infections and the gut-brain axis on PD neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental, in vitro, and epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of immune system involvement, including alpha-synuclein.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting neuroinflammation in PD.
Main Results:
- Microglia exhibit both neuroprotective and neuro-modulatory functions in PD.
- Cytokine expression patterns may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for PD.
- Gut inflammation and viral triggers are implicated in PD-related neuroinflammation.
Conclusions:
- Neuroinflammation, driven by microglia activation and influenced by external factors, is critical in PD.
- Targeting neuroinflammation presents a promising therapeutic avenue for Parkinson's disease.
- Understanding the gut-brain axis is crucial for managing PD progression.
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