The Cross-talk between the Dopaminergic System and Innate Immunity: An Evolving Concept
Evolving Concept Dopamine (DA) is a well-known neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). An increasing body of evidence, however, indicates that DA is also an important communication mediator at the neural-immune interface [1-3]. Most research and studies to date have put the emphasis on DA and it’s regulation of adaptive immunity. Comparatively little is […]
Antibiotics through Effects on the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Inflammatory Monocytes May Reshape Brain Hippocampal Neurogenesis
A new Cell Reports study indicates that ‘inflammatory’ monocytes may represent the missing ‘pathogenic link’ between the antibiotics’ effects on gut microbiota, and the subsequent changes in the brain hippocampal neurogenesis and plasticity. Recent research suggests that antibiotics may exert some of their unsolicited side effects through effects on the gut-brain axis. Soon after birth, […]
Aducanumab Shows Promise and Impressive Effects in Reducing Alzheimer’s Amyloid-β Plaques
A study recently published in the journal Nature indicates that aducanumab shows promise, in both preclinical and clinical settings, in prevention and reduction of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in patients with Alzheimer’s. Aducanumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody targeting Aβ aggregates that are believed to play a critical role in the neurodegenerative Alzheimer’s process. Previous […]
New Evidence Linking Clusterin and Other Complement Proteins to Alzheimer’s Progression and Prediction
A study recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease gives hope in the search of Alzheimer’s biomarkers indicating that some complement factors such as clusterin may serve as reliable predictors of Alzheimer’s disease progression. It is well known that inflammation and pro-inflammatory mediators contribute to the pathogenesis of dementia and Alzheimer’s. The complement system, […]
Perispinal Delivery of CNS Drugs: From Corning to Perispinal Etanercept
Evolving Concepts Introduction Familiarity with the anatomy and physiology of the cerebrospinal venous system (CSVS) is necessary to understand the therapeutic potential of perispinal injection for treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders [1, 2]. The CSVS is composed of the confluence of the venous systems of the spine and the brain, which together constitute […]
Microglia and TREM2 Microglia-Specific Gene May Exert a Protective Role in Alzheimer´s Disease
A study published in the May issue of Neuron indicates that the brain microglia may exert a protective role in Alzheimer´s disease (AD) by tightly wrapping around the early amyloid fibrils and plaques endorsing their compaction and insulation. In Alzheimer´s disease two hallmark protein aggregates, amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the major players […]
Interleukin-33 Reverses Cognitive Deficits in Alzheimer’s Mouse Model Showing Promise as a Therapeutic Target
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (PNAS) indicates that interleukin-33 (IL-33) is able to improve memory deficits and reduce the accumulation of β-amyloid in APP/PS1 mice that exhibit Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like pathologies. IL-33 is a member of the IL-1 cytokine family and is considered an ‘alarm’ molecule […]
TLRs-Activated Microglia Polarizes γδ T Cells towards a Neurotoxic IL-17+ γδ T Cell Phenotype: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke and Alzheimer´s Disease
A recent PLoS One study indicates that the cross-talk between the brain microglia and T cells that follows a microglia’s activation via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) stimulation, results in a shift of the T cells’ profile towards a neurotoxic IL-17+ γδ T cells phenotype. After the discovery of T helper (Th)17 cells in 2005, their main […]
New Evidence that Stress May Increase the Risk of Developing Dementia and Alzheimer’s: the Einstein Aging Study
According to a recent report published in the journal Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders stress may increase up to 30% the risk of developing amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or dementia. Mild cognitive impairment is a significant risk factor for the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, among all MCI subtypes, patients with amnestic […]
New Evidence Suggests Targeting Neuroinflammation May Be One Key to Slowing Alzheimer’s Disease
Posted on August 16, 2016 By Edward Tobinick Commentaries
Commentary on the study by Richard Chou et al. CNS Drugs, 2016 Jul 28. [Epub ahead of print] Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Risk of Alzheimer’sDisease: A Nested Case-Control Analysis Compelling new data published online in the journal CNS Drugs documents a substantial and significant decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in individuals with […]