Management Of Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Articles

Protective Effects of Lemna minor Linn. On Hepatic and Cognitive Impairments in Acetaminophen Induced Hepatic Encephalopathy in Rats

Aim: Lemna minor Linn., an aquatic plant, is a promising novel therapeutic agent that has been traditionally used in ethnobotanical practices as an ecofriendly supplement for the management of various ailments. This study involves the evaluation of ethanolic extract of Lemna minor Linn. against Paracetamol-induced Hepatic Encephalopathy using in vitro and in vivo Models. Methods: The acute oral toxicity study of the ethanolic extract of Lemna minor (EELM) was conducted following the OECD-425 guidelines over a 14-day period. A total of nine animals were used for this toxicity assessment. The EELM was tested in Paracetamol(PCM)-induced bioactivation animal model at two different dosages 200 and in comparison with silymarin as a standard compound. The In vivo experimental study was conducted using Sprague Dawley rats which was divided into 5 groups each group containing 6 animals so the total no of animals used in the study was 30 animals. The treatment groups included: normal control ( ), 100mg/kg silymarin (standard) and the EELM of two different doses of 200 and , p.o were administered to rats 10 hr before paracetamol ( ) treatment. Rats were orally administered their respective doses every day for total 30days. Paracetamol-induced oxidative liver damage disrupted normal levels of liver enzymes, total protein, and bilirubin, while also depleting antioxidant reserves. This oxidative stress was strongly associated with paracetamol toxicity, leading to a marked depletion of glutathione (GSH) and impairing both memory and cognitive function in the animals. Behavioral parameters are performed to evaluate the effect of drugs on cognitive behaviour of animals. Morris water maze test was performed to study how animals learn and remembers the spatial information relying on distal cues to locate the hidden platform in an opaque water. Additionally, elevated plus maze was performed to measures the anxious behaviour of rats, the criterion was tested based on the conflict between rats innate instincts to explore new environment and avoid open, well-lit areas. The potential protective effects of EELM was evaluated by measuring serum enzyme levels and antioxidants status in the liver and brain, further histopathological analysis was performed respectively. Results: The acute toxicity study did not report any mortality or toxicity signs in animals. PCM toxicity led to a statistically increase in the liver and body weight, along with brain water content. The PCM-intoxicated group exhibited a marked reduction in the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in the brain and liver, as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation and serum biomarkers (AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin). EELM significantly ( ) reduced liver injury by inhibiting ALT, AST and ALP levels in serum. SOD, GSH and MDA liver content were significantly ( ) elevated by EELM, compared to PCM treated rats. Comparing the treatment and induced group, the treated group successfully recovered the activity of antioxidant levels and also been acknowledged for restored liver functioning by alleviating oxidative stress and also GSH level in brain was significantly increased by EELM and preserved the histology of brain, which was chronically produced over a period of 30 days. Conclusion: The findings of this investigation indicate the traditional use of Lemna minor in hepatoprotection and neuroprotection by regulating oxidative stress and mitigating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The insights gained from this research contribute to the development of novel therapeutic agents and paves the way for further studies on Lemna minor to enhance health outcomes, particularly in the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Navigating into the Paradigm of Nose-to-brain Delivery of Nanotherapeutics and their Repurposing as Nanotheranostics for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Repurposing drugs for neurodegenerative diseases using the nose-to-brain route of administration is an intriguing concept with potential benefits. The nose-to-brain route involves delivering drugs directly to the brain via the olfactory or trigeminal pathways, bypassing the blood-brain barrier, which can improve drug efficacy and reduce systemic side effects. Treatment of numerous neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple sclerosis, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases has been attempted using this route of administration. These drugs may include neuroprotective agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, antioxidants, or diseasemodifying therapies. Nanotheranostics, which integrates therapeutic and diagnostic functions in a nanosystem, improves treatment precision and efficacy. Repurposing nanotherapeutics as nanotheranostics for neurodegenerative diseases through the nose-to-brain route of administration holds great potential for both diagnosis and treatment. This review highlights the various mechanisms engaged in transporting nanocarriers from nose-to-brain and the proposed fate of these nanocarriers using different live imaging techniques. Additionally, the discussion covers the recent combinatorial therapeutic approaches and theranostic applications of various nanocarriers used for neurodegenerative diseases through the nose-to-brain. Toxicity to the CNS and nasal mucosa and regulatory considerations about these delivery systems are also deliberated. Overall, repurposed nanoparticles designed as nanotheranostic agents offer a versatile platform for precise diagnosis, targeted therapy, and personalized management of neurodegenerative diseases, holding great promise for improving patient care and advancing our understanding of these complex disorders.

Indole Derivatives: A Versatile Scaffold in Modern Drug Discovery-An Updated Review on Their Multifaceted Therapeutic Applications (2020-2024).

Indole derivatives have become an important class of compounds in medicinal chemistry, recognized for their wide-ranging biological activities and therapeutic potential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the evaluation of indole-based compounds in the last five years, highlighting their roles in cancer treatment, infectious disease management, anti-inflammatory therapies, metabolic disorder interventions, and neurodegenerative disease management. Indole derivatives have shown significant efficacy in targeting diverse biological pathways, making them valuable scaffolds in designing new drugs. Notably, these compounds have demonstrated the ability to combat drug-resistant cancer cells and pathogens, a significant breakthrough in the field, and offer promising therapeutic options for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. By summarizing recent key findings and exploring the underlying biological mechanisms, this review underscores the potential of indole derivatives in addressing major healthcare challenges, thereby instilling hope and optimism in the field of modern medicine.

Therapeutic Potential of Capsaicin in Various Neurodegenerative Diseases with Special Focus on Nrf2 Signaling.

Neurodegenerative disease is mainly characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins, contributing to mitochondrial impairments, increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, and neuroinflammation resulting in synaptic loss and neuronal loss. These pathophysiological factors are a serious concern in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Based on the symptoms of various neurodegenerative diseases, different treatments are available, but they have serious side effects and fail in clinical trials, too. Therefore, treatments for neurodegenerative diseases are still a challenge at present. Thus, it is important to study an alternative option. Capsaicin is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in capsicum. Besides the TRPV1 receptor activator in nociception, capsaicin showed a protective effect in brain-related disorders. Capsaicin also reduces the aggregation of misfolded proteins, improves mitochondrial function, and decreases ROS generation. Its antioxidant role is due to increased expression of an nrf2-mediated signaling pathway. Nrf2 is a nuclear erythroid 2-related factor, a transcription factor, which has a crucial role in maintaining the normal function of mitochondria and the cellular defense system against oxidative stress. Intriguingly, Nrf2 mediated pathway improved the upregulation of antioxidant genes and inhibition of microglial-induced inflammation, improved mitochondrial resilience and functions, leading to decreased ROS in neurodegenerative conditions, suggesting that Nrf2 activation could be a better therapeutic approach to target pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, the present review has evaluated the potential role of capsaicin as a pharmacological agent for the treatment and management of various neurodegenerative diseases via the Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway.

DEVELOPMENT AND DATA ANALYSIS OF A ROBO-PEN FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE DIAGNOSIS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) poses a significant challenge in contemporary medicine, necessitating early and accurate diagnostic methods to manage its progression effectively. This study explores the development and application of the Robo-pen, an innovative diagnostic tool designed to detect early signs of cognitive decline through detailed handwriting analysis. The Robo-pen, equipped with an MPU-9250 sensor, captures three-dimensional coordinates, velocity, and acceleration of handwriting movements, crucial for assessing spatial control, movement consistency, speed variations, and the ability to modulate movement speed and force–parameters often disrupted in cognitive impairments like AD. Participants included 20 patients diagnosed with AD and 18 healthy controls, matched in age and educational levels. Data collection involved tasks such as sentence rewriting, figure redrawing, and digit rewriting, processed using CoolTerm software at a sampling rate of 18 Hz. Descriptive statistics revealed that the AD group exhibited lower mean values for gyroscope and acceleration data, indicating slower and less variable movements compared to the control group. T-tests confirmed significant differences (p < 0.001) across all measured parameters between the AD and control groups. The results support the potential of the Robo-pen as a non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic tool for early detection of AD. By capturing subtle neuromotor changes, the Robo-pen facilitates earlier diagnosis and timely intervention, potentially altering the disease trajectory and improving patient outcomes. This study marks a significant advancement in the early detection of AD, highlighting the Robo-pen’s promise as a transformative tool in neurodegenerative disease diagnosis and management.

Phytochemicals as substances that affect astrogliosis and their implications for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Astrocytes are a multifunctional subset of glial cells that are important in maintaining the health and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Reactive astrocytes may release inflammatory mediators, chemokines, and cytokines, as well as neurotrophic factors. There may be neuroprotective (e.g., cytokines, like IL-6 and TGF-b) and neurotoxic effects (e.g., IL-1β and TNF-a) associated with these molecules. In response to CNS pathologies, astrocytes go to a state called astrogliosis which produces diverse and heterogenic functions specific to the pathology. Astrogliosis has been linked to the progression of many neurodegenerative disorders. Phytochemicals are a large group of compounds derived from natural herbs with health benefits. This review will summarize how several phytochemicals affect neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease) in basic medical and clinical studies and how they might affect astrogliosis in the process.

Neuroprotective Activity of GLP-1 Analogues: General Understanding of Implementation Mechanisms

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone possessing extensive pharmacologic potential. Additionally, to its multiple metabolic effects, GLP-1 also exhibits cardiac and neuroprotective effects. Native GLP-1 is not used as a medicinal agent, however, now GLP-1 analogues structurally similar to it and having a long-lasting effect have been developed and used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The review focuses on the neuroprotective effect of these drugs and discusses possible mechanisms of this effect. Aim: To identify information about experimental and clinical evidence about the role of GLP-1 analogues in brain protection in neurodegenerative dis[1]eases. Materials and Methods: The review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement; publications were searched for in the PubMed, MedLine, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases covering the period from 2014 to 2024. Results: The publications provide strong evidence of the association between T2DM and cognitive impairment, as well as information on the effectiveness of GLP-1 analogues in the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Possible mechanisms are discussed. Conclusion: This review shows that GLP-1 can prevent cognitive and motor disorders. There is sufficient experimental evidence of the neurotropic activity of the drugs, and clinical trials are ongoing.

Saffron and its major constituents against neurodegenerative diseases: A mechanistic review

BackgroundNeurodegeneration has been recognized as the main pathophysiological alteration in the majority of brain-related diseases. Despite contemporary attempts to provide acceptable medicinal therapies, the conclusion has not been much beneficial. Besides, the complex pathophysiological mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) urge the needs for finding novel multi-target agents. Accordingly, saffron with major active constituents and as multi-targeting agents have shown beneficial effects in modulating NDDs with higher efficacy and lower side effects. PurposeThe present study provides a systematic and comprehensive review of the existing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical data on the effectiveness, and signaling pathways of saffron and its key phytochemical components in the management of NDDs. The need to develop novel saffron delivery systems is also considered. MethodsStudies were identified through systematic and comprehensive searches in Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus databases through April 30, 2024. The whole saffron major constituents (e.g., saffron, crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal) and NDDs (e.g., neuro*, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington*, Parkinson*, Alzheimer*, and brain) were selected as keywords to find related studies. In the systematic analysis, 64 articles were directly included in the current study. Additional reports were added within a comprehensive review. ResultsSaffron and its active metabolites crocin, crocetin, safranal, and picrocrocin have shown acceptable efficacy in managing NDDs like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, and other NDDs via modulating apoptotic (e.g., caspases, Bax/Bcl-2, cytochrome c, and death receptors), inflammatory (e.g., NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2), and oxidative strass (e.g., Nrf2, GSH, GPx, CAT, SOD, MDA, ROS, and nitrite) signaling pathways. The presented in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidences showed us a better future of controlling NDDs with higher efficacy, while decreasing associated side effects with no significant toxicity. Additionally, employing novel delivery systems could increase the efficacy of saffron phytoconstituents to resolve the issues pharmacokinetic limitations. ConclusionSaffron and its major constituents employ anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant mechanisms in modulating several dysregulated-signaling pathways in NDDs. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise underlying mechanisms in exploring the feasibility of using saffron active compounds against NDDs. More studies should focus on dose-response relationships, long-term effects, highlighting key mechanisms, and designing more well-controlled clinical trials. Additionally, developing stable and cost-benefit novel delivery systems in future works helps to remove the pharmacokinetic limitations of saffron major constituents.

Advancing the early detection of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome with machine learning-enhanced blood-based biomarkers.

Up to half of the senior dogs suffer from canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), the diagnosis method relies on subjective questionnaires such as canine cognitive dysfunction rating (CCDR) scores. Therefore, the necessity of objective diagnosis is emerging. Here, we developed blood-based biomarkers for CCDS early detection. Blood samples from dogs with CCDR scores above 25 were analyzed, and the biomarkers retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), C-X-C-motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) were validated against neurodegenerative models. Lower biomarker levels were correlated with higher CCDR scores, indicating cognitive decline. Machine-learning analysis revealed the highest predictive accuracy when analyzing the combination of RBP4 and NOX4 using the support vector machine algorithm and confirmed potential diagnostic biomarkers. These results suggest that blood-based biomarkers can notably improve CCDS early detection and treatment, with implications for neurodegenerative disease management in both animals and humans.

Interplay of Large Neutral Amino Acids, Metabolic Syndrome, and Apolipoprotein E ε4 on Brain Integrity at Midlife.

Large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) tryptophan and phenylalanine have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Given limited research on the effects of LNAA on brain health across different life stages, vascular risk, and genetic backgrounds, our study aimed to explore the interaction of LNAA levels, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and the presence of the apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) allele brain integrity at midlife. Sixty-eight adults aged 40-61 underwent a health assessment to calculate the number of MetS components, quantify LNAA, measure white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, and genotype ApoE ε4. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to test the joint effect of LNAA, MetS, and ApoE ε4 on WMH while adjusting for sex, age, and education. Significant 3-way interactions were observed between serum tryptophan (β = 0.042, SE = 0.018, p < 0.05) and phenylalanine (β = 0.044, SE = 0.013, p < 0.01) levels, number of MetS components, and ApoE ε4 alleles status on WMH volume. Neither individual LNAA levels nor MetS components alone predicted WMH volume. The study highlights significant 3-way interactions between LNAA, MetS, and genetic risk factors in the pathology of WMH, particularly in individuals genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease. These interactions suggest differential impacts of LNAA on WMH volume dependent on both genetic and metabolic factors. Results emphasize the need for personalized metabolic and genetic profile assessments in neurodegenerative disease management.

[18F]F-AraG imaging reveals association between neuroinflammation and brown- and bone marrow adipose tissue

Brown and brown-like adipose tissues have attracted significant attention for their role in metabolism and therapeutic potential in diabetes and obesity. Despite compelling evidence of an interplay between adipocytes and lymphocytes, the involvement of these tissues in immune responses remains largely unexplored. This study explicates a newfound connection between neuroinflammation and brown- and bone marrow adipose tissue. Leveraging the use of [18F]F-AraG, a mitochondrial metabolic tracer capable of tracking activated lymphocytes and adipocytes simultaneously, we demonstrate, in models of glioblastoma and multiple sclerosis, the correlation between intracerebral immune infiltration and changes in brown- and bone marrow adipose tissue. Significantly, we show initial evidence that a neuroinflammation-adipose tissue link may also exist in humans. This study proposes the concept of an intricate immuno-neuro-adipose circuit, and highlights brown- and bone marrow adipose tissue as an intermediary in the communication between the immune and nervous systems. Understanding the interconnectedness within this circuitry may lead to advancements in the treatment and management of various conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders.

Role of Amyloidogenic and Non-Amyloidogenic Protein Spaces in Neurodegenerative Diseases and their Mitigation Using Theranostic Agents.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) refer to a complex heterogeneous group of diseases which are associated with the accumulation of amyloid fibrils or plaques in the brain leading to progressive loss of neuronal functions. Alzheimer's disease is one of the major NDD responsible for 60-80 % of all dementia cases. Currently, there are no curative or disease-reversing/modifying molecules for many of the NDDs except a few such as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, carbidopa and levodopa which treat the disease-associated symptoms. Similarly, there are very few FDA-approved tracers such as flortaucipir (Tauvid) for tau fibril imaging and florbetaben (Neuraceq), flutemetamol (Vizamyl), and florbetapir (Amyvid) for amyloid imaging available for diagnosis. Recent advances in the cryogenic electron microscopy reported distinctly different microstructures for tau fibrils associated with different tauopathies highlighting the possibility to develop tauopathy-specific imaging agents and therapeutics. In addition, it is important to identify the proteins that are associated with disease development and progression to know about their 3D structure to develop various diagnostics, therapeutics and theranostic agents. The current article discusses in detail the disease-associated amyloid and non-amyloid proteins along with their structural insights. We comprehensively discussed various novel proteins associated with NDDs and their implications in disease pathology. In addition, we document various emerging chemical compounds developed for diagnosis and therapy of different NDDs with special emphasis on theranostic agents for better management of NDDs.

A Framework for the Administration of Anti-amyloid Monoclonal Antibody Treatments in Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of lecanemab for early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents an exciting new chapter in the management of neurodegenerative disease, but likewise presents numerous clinical, technical, and financial logistical challenges for both academic and non-academic medical institutions hoping to administer this drug. Minimal resources exist that provide guidance for establishing and maintaining a lecanemab treatment program at the institutional level. The current report aims to provide healthcare institutions a framework for the planning, onboarding, and longitudinal treatment of AD with anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatments. We present an implementation study involving three stages: (1) feasibility assessment, (2) operations and going live, and (3) monitoring assessment. We found that implementation of lecanemab in clinical practice was feasible due to the assignment of an enterprise-wide project manager to facilitate the planning phase, a cost analysis showing that lecanemab was financially sustainable, and the development of electronic medical record tools to support operational efficiency.

Alleviating Neurodegenerative Diseases Associated with Mitochondrial Defects by Therapeutic Biomolecules.

Neurodegenerative diseases are emerging as a global health concern in the current scenario, and their association with mitochondrial defects has been a potential area of research. Mitochondria, one of the essential organelles of the cell, serve as the cell's powerhouse, producing energy and ensuring cellular health. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease have been found to be primarily triggered by mitochondrial malfunction. One of the key byproducts of mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species, also contributes significantly to mitochondrial DNA mutations that eventually cause mitochondrial breakdown. This review paper comprehensively examines the potential of therapeutic biomolecules, specifically mitochondria-specific antioxidants, in mitigating the impact of mitochondrial defects on neurodegenerative diseases. It provides a detailed analysis of the mechanisms involved in mitochondrial dysfunction, the potential therapeutic targets of these biomolecules, and their structureactivity relationship information are also discussed in this review. Various research articles and publications were used extensively in compiling the data, and the structures of biomolecules were prepared using software such as ChemDraw and ChemSketch. Crucial elements triggering mitochondrial abnormalities were identified and a tabular compilation of bioactive antioxidant compounds along with their therapeutic targets, was presented. Mitochondria-specific antioxidant therapy is an innovative and promising strategy for the management of neurodegenerative diseases associated with mitochondrial defects. This review provides a thorough summary of the current state of research and promising avenues of research and development in this field, emphasizing the importance of further investigations and clinical trials to elucidate their therapeutic benefits.

Update on the pharmacological management of neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer’s disease

Update on the pharmacological management of neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer’s disease

The Role of Physical Activity in Adjunctive Nursing Management of Neuro-Degenerative Diseases among Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Interventional Studies.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease pose significant challenges to older adults globally. While pharmacological treatments remain primary, increasing evidence supports the role of non-pharmacological strategies like physical activity in managing these conditions. This systematic review critically evaluates the effectiveness of Nursing based physical activity interventions in improving cognitive function, physical functioning, mobility, and overall quality of life among older adults with neurodegenerative diseases. We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and other relevant databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials and observational studies that examined the impact of structured physical activity. Our findings from nineteen studies involving 1673 participants indicate that interventions ranging from aerobic exercises, resistance training, to mind-body exercises like Tai Chi and yoga have beneficial effects. Specifically, physical activity was consistently found to enhance cognitive performance, increase mobility, and improve balance and daily living activities, contributing to a better quality of life. However, these benefits vary depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the activity performed. Despite promising results, limitations such as small sample sizes, study heterogeneity, and short-term follow-up periods call for more robust, long-term studies to solidify these findings. This review underscores the potential of tailored physical activity programs as adjunctive therapy in the comprehensive management of neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly population.

Sercocephalous latifolius fruit attenuates aluminum chloride-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster via Drn1 regulation of the IMD signaling pathway

IntroductionAlzheimer disease (AD) is a form of dementia that is a heterogeneous dysfunction of various pathophysiological features. Its morphological characteristics consist of tau aggregates and amyloid plaques. The need for novel therapy in the treatment of AD is required. Hence use of antioxidant, natural products are widely employed for the management and treatment of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are still a lot of limitations. Sercocephalous latifolius fruit (SLF) is also known as the African peach and has numerous well-being-endorsing advantages. The Chinese name of SLF is Feizhou hong tao, while the Nigeria (Yoruba) name is Eso Gberesi. It can be grown all over the world. SLF has anti-neurodegenerative properties, however, there is a lack of evidence on their probable molecular mechanism for novel therapeutic properties. Investigations have been conducted on the SFL which shows its medicinal capability, but its ability to attenuate neurodegenerative diseases such as AD is yet to be fully elucidated, and the molecular signally pathways whichmay serve as a therapeutic target. MethodsThe modulatory effect of SLF on aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster via Defense repressor-1 (Drn1) regulation of immune deficiency (Imd) signaling pathway which may be a useful therapeutic target. D. melanogaster was divided into nine groups. Group 1 served as the basal control as they were fed with a normal basal diet, group 2 served as the negative control as they were fed with Basal Diet and 0.5 ml of aluminum/100 ml distilled water, group 3 served as the positive control as they were fed with basal diet 0.5 ml aluminum chloride/100 ml distilled water and Garlic acid, group 4 and 5 were fed with basal diet and 0.1 and 1 % SLF respectively, group 6 and 7 were fed with basal diet, aluminum chloride and 0.1 and 1.0 % respectively, group 8 and 9 were fed with basal diet, garlic acid, aluminum chloride and 0.1 and 1.0 % SLF respectively. All the groups were left for seven days. The experiment was conducted for 3 months, and the fruit flies were changed every 5 days. ResultsSuperoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide enzymatic enzymes were assayed. However, the relative expression of Defense repressor-1 was also determined both in vitro and on aluminum-induced neurodegenerative D. melanogaster tissue. A significant increase was observed in the catalase when 0.1 % and 1 % were compared, it could be inferred that the extract proved effective at low concentrations, since its highest antioxidant potential was observed at low concentrations. The results revealed decrease in the activity of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide biological enzymes in the test groups. There was upregulation of Defense repressor -1 in groups 3, 4, 5, and 6, when compared with the positive and negative control, respectively. DiscussionThe result provides evidence that SLF has the potential of upregulating defense repressor genes and modulating biological antioxidant enzymes, which could be further exploited to fully understand the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the attenuation of neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. The results suggest that SLF may be useful as a therapeutic target in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases

Acetyl-L-carnitine and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Evidence and Potential use.

The management of neurodegenerative diseases can be frustrating for clinicians, given the limited progress of conventional medicine in this context. For this reason, a more comprehensive, integrative approach is urgently needed. Among various emerging focuses for intervention, the modulation of central nervous system energetics, oxidative stress, and inflammation is becoming more and more promising. In particular, electrons leakage involved in the mitochondrial energetics can generate reactive oxygen-free radical-related mitochondrial dysfunction that would contribute to the etiopathology of many disorders, such as Alzheimer's and other dementias, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this context, using agents, like acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR), provides mitochondrial support, reduces oxidative stress, and improves synaptic transmission. This narrative review aims to update the existing literature on ALCAR molecular profile, tolerability, and translational clinical potential use in neurodegeneration, focusing on ALS.

Advancing the Frontier: Neuroimaging Techniques in the Early Detection and Management of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are among the most prevalent neurodegenerative conditions affecting aging populations globally, presenting significant challenges in early diagnosis and management. This narrative review explores the pivotal role of advanced neuroimaging techniques in detecting and managing these diseases at early stages, potentially slowing their progression through timely interventions. Recent advancements in MRI, such as ultra-high-field systems and functional MRI, have enhanced the sensitivity for detecting subtle structural and functional changes. Additionally, the development of novel amyloid-beta tracers and other emerging modalities like optical imaging and transcranial ultrasonography have improved the diagnostic accuracy and capability of existing methods. This review highlights the clinical applications of these technologies in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, where they have shown improved diagnostic performance, enabling earlier intervention and better prognostic outcomes. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and longitudinal research is emerging as a promising enhancement to refine early detection strategies further. However, this review also addresses the technical, ethical, and accessibility challenges in the field, advocating for the more extensive use of advanced imaging technologies to overcome these barriers. Finally, we emphasize the need for a holistic approach that incorporates both neurological and psychiatric perspectives, which is crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes in the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Correlation between depression, physical exercise and neurodegenerative diseases

Introduction: Depression is the most common mental disorder, affecting a significant percentage of the adult population. The disease is associated with many negative health consequences and is one of the leading causes of disability and inability to work worldwide. This neurological condition is commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD). In recent decades, advancements have uncovered certain pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders. These revelations suggest that, although they exhibit unique characteristics, there are notable parallels in the neurobiological changes associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and the neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. In this article the relevance of non-pharmacological therapies in the management of neurodegenerative diseases have been rising. Almost absent from side effects, non-pharmacological alternatives, including physical exercise have shown promising benefits. Aim of the study: The study aims to evaluate the association between depression symptoms and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, we indicate sport as a way to preserve and improve cognitive function, and to maintain a proper quality of life. Material and methods: We conducted a review of scientific publications published in the years 1998-2024 in English and Polish in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We used keywords such as "depression", "neurodegeneration” and “physical exercise”. Conclusions: Depression has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and suggested to be a possible prodrome for them. However, sport can alleviate behavioral symptoms in neurodevelopmental disorders, like anxiety, depression, indifference and sleep disruptions.