Search results for "CNS"

Neurodegenerative disorders: from molecules to man (part 1)

2007

Neurons are typically post-mitotic cells. This means that they are expected to have a life span comparable to that of their carriers. Unfortunately, sometimes, they die prematurely as a result of complex processes known as “neurodegeneration”. Neurodegenerative diseases are now generally considered a group of disorders that seriously and progressively impair the functions of the nervous system through causing the selective neuronal vulnerability of specific brain regions. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer Disease (AD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and prion disease represent several distinct categories of disease and each manifests its own unique symptoms. …

Whole-brain radiotherapy or autologous stem-cell transplantation as consolidation strategies after high-dose methotrexate-based chemoimmunotherapy in…

2017

Background The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group-32 (IELSG32) trial is an international randomised phase 2 study that addresses two key clinical questions in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma. Results of the first randomisation have demonstrated that methotrexate, cytarabine, thiotepa, and rituximab (called the MATRix regimen) is the induction combination associated with significantly better outcome compared with the other induction combinations tested. Here, we report the results of the second randomisation that addresses the efficacy of myeloablative chemotherapy supported by autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT), as an alternative to wh…

Deciphering Multiple Sclerosis Progression

2021

Esclerosi múltiple; Neurodegeneració Esclerosis múltiple; Neurodegeneración Multiple sclerosis; Nneurodegeneration Multiple sclerosis (MS) is primarily an inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system, triggered by unknown environmental factors in patients with predisposing genetic risk profiles. The prevention of neurological disability is one of the essential goals to be achieved in a patient with MS. However, the pathogenic mechanisms driving the progressive phase of the disease remain unknown. It was described that the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with disease progression are present from disease onset. In daily practice, there is a lack of clinical, ra…

The potential of serum neurofilament as biomarker for multiple sclerosis

2021

Abstract Multiple sclerosis is a highly heterogeneous disease, and the detection of neuroaxonal damage as well as its quantification is a critical step for patients. Blood-based serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is currently under close investigation as an easily accessible biomarker of prognosis and treatment response in patients with multiple sclerosis. There is abundant evidence that sNfL levels reflect ongoing inflammatory-driven neuroaxonal damage (e.g. relapses or MRI disease activity) and that sNfL levels predict disease activity over the next few years. In contrast, the association of sNfL with long-term clinical outcomes or its ability to reflect slow, diffuse neurodegenerativ…

Identification and functional expression of HCx31.9, a novel gap junction gene

2002

By combining in silico and bench molecular biology methods we have identified a novel human gap junction gene that encodes a protein designated HCx31.9. We have determined its human chromosomal location and gene structure, and we have identified a putative mouse ortholog, mCx30.2. We have observed the presence of HCx31.9 in human cerebral cortex, liver, heart, spleen, lung, and kidney and the presence of mCx30.2 in mouse cerebral cortex, liver and lung. Moreover, preliminary data on the electrophysiological properties of HCx31.9 have been obtained by functional expression in paired Xenopus oocytes and in transfected N2A cells.

Evaluation of the analgesic and CNS actions of different fractions from the methanol extract ofTeucrium flavum L.

1998

Different fractions (F.1, F-3, F-5, F-6, F-7, F-8) of the methanol extract from Teucrium flavum L. have been tested for their central nervous system and analgesic activities at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Fractions F-1, F-3 and F-7 showed CNS depressant activity, while fractions F-5, F-6 and F-8 had a slight CNS stimulant action. Fractions F-5, F-6, F-7 and F-8 were responsible for the analgesic activity of the extract.

Evaluation of the acute toxicity, analgesic and CNS activities of different species ofTeucrium genus

1995

Methanol and dichloromethanol extracts of the leaves and stems of four Teucrium species (T. cartaginenses, T. flavum, T. pumillum and T. buxifolium) have been tested for their toxicity, analgesic and central depressor effects. The intraperitoneal administration of the different extracts showed a CNS depressant activity in mice, but they lacked anticonvulsive effects. When tested for analgesic activity none of the extracts increased the threshold of pain thermal stimulus. However, the methanol and dichloromethanol extracts of T. cartaginenses and T. buxifolium species showed a significant analgesic effect in models of pain induced by chemical or mechanical stimulation.

Cell cycle independent role of Cyclin E during neural cell fate specification in Drosophila is mediated by its regulation of Prospero function

2009

AbstractDuring development, neural progenitor cells or neuroblasts generate a great intra- and inter-segmental diversity of neuronal and glial cell types in the nervous system. In thoracic segments of the embryonic central nervous system of Drosophila, the neuroblast NB6-4t undergoes an asymmetric first division to generate a neuronal and a glial sublineage, while abdominal NB6-4a divides once symmetrically to generate only 2 glial cells. We had earlier reported a critical function for the G1 cyclin, CyclinE (CycE) in regulating asymmetric cell division in NB6-4t. Here we show that (i) this function of CycE is independent of its role in cell cycle regulation and (ii) the two functions are m…

Genetic and protein polymorphism at CSN1S1 locus in two goat breeds.

2006

Genetic polymorphisms of casein have received a considerable research effort for many years because of its potential effect on milk composition. Milk composition, specifically protein content, differs quantitatively and qualitatively among species and also among breeds and individuals. Sicilian goat breeds seem to be an interesting model since they have never been under a selection program, and therefore may carry unique casein polymorphisms. Moreover, the importance of goat milk in infant diets is growing probably because goat milk in some cases is less allergenic than cow milk. It is important to evaluate the genetic polymorphisms at the CSN1S1 locus in the populations of interest, like t…

ADIPOSE TISSUE-TARGETED STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION FOR INSULIN RESISTANCE-RELATED CNS DEFICITS

Compelling evidence indicates that Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) may possibly share a common pathological origin, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. T2D is a known risk factor for AD and insulin resistance (hallmark of T2D) has been extensively documented in AD patients. Notably, insulin is important for learning and memory due to its role in LTP and LTD modulation. Adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction is a risk factor for T2D, in fact elevated levels of free fatty acids are prodromal to insulin resistance and have been reported in AD brains, as well. In this study, I used a mouse model (AtENPP1Tg mouse) that recapitulates typical characteristics of huma…