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Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease
Published on: December 26, 2016
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Infectious agents and Alzheimer's disease
Thomas Piekut1, Mikołaj Hurła1, Natalia Banaszek1
1Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland.
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
|April 1, 2022
Summary
Infectious agents like viruses and bacteria may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) development. This review explores how pathogens can trigger brain changes, promoting AD pathology and cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, characterized by cognitive decline due to neuronal loss.
- Its pathogenesis is complex, involving genetic, environmental factors, and molecular hallmarks like amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles.
- The role of infectious agents in AD development is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of how various infectious agents may influence Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
- To highlight the potential mechanisms by which microbes can trigger or exacerbate AD-related brain pathology.
- To inspire novel research directions focusing on pathogens as potential contributors to dementia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the association between infectious agents and Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms linking microbial presence to AD hallmarks like amyloid-beta accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding the role of inflammation and cellular damage induced by pathogens.
Main Results:
- Numerous viruses, bacteria, and parasites have been implicated in contributing to cognitive decline associated with AD.
- Infectious agents may initiate pathological brain changes, including amyloid-beta peptide accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation.
- Pathogen presence can induce inflammatory responses, leading to cellular damage and neuronal loss.
Conclusions:
- Infectious agents represent a potential, under-explored factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
- Understanding the interplay between microbes and AD pathology could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into specific pathogens and their mechanisms in the brain is warranted to combat dementia.
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