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Molecular Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neuroprotective Agents

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 4151

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) affect various brain regions, causing a progressive decline in synapses, neurons, glial cells, and interconnected networks. These alterations result in a gradual decline in cognitive functions and motor skills. NDDs are intricate neurological conditions that consist of various processes, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Abnormal forms of regular proteins that have undergone physical and chemical changes in the nervous system play a crucial role in NDDs. Regardless of advancements in comprehending the disease mechanisms, creating specific and efficient medications for treating NDDs still presents challenges. As research on NDDs progresses, treatments involving multiple approaches and targets could offer a fresh treatment option for these disorders. Comprehending the molecular events linked to NDDs could help demarcate a timeline for effective therapeutic intervention.

This Special Issue is focused on the molecular pathology of NDDs and neuroprotective agents for treating various NDDs and/or combating aging.

Prof. Dr. Seong Soo A. An
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • oxidative stress
  • neuroinflammation
  • proteinopathy
  • mitochondrial dysfunction
  • molecular pathology
  • neuroprotection
  • ageing
  • misfolded proteins
  • neuroprotective agents

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

23 pages, 6538 KiB  
Review
Biofilm-Associated Amyloid Proteins Linked with the Progression of Neurodegenerative Diseases
by Alka Ashok Singh, Fazlurrahman Khan and Minseok Song
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062695 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 770
Abstract
Biofilm-associated amyloid proteins have emerged as significant contributors to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, representing a complex intersection of microorganisms and human health. The cross-beta sheet structure characteristic of amyloids produced by gut-colonizing bacteria remains intact, crucial for the resilience of biofilms. These [...] Read more.
Biofilm-associated amyloid proteins have emerged as significant contributors to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, representing a complex intersection of microorganisms and human health. The cross-beta sheet structure characteristic of amyloids produced by gut-colonizing bacteria remains intact, crucial for the resilience of biofilms. These amyloids exacerbate neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by cross-seeding human amyloidogenic proteins like amyloid-beta and α-synuclein, accelerating their misfolding and aggregation. Despite molecular chaperones and heat shock proteins maintaining protein homeostasis, bacterial amyloids can overwhelm them, worsening neuronal damage. Genetic variations in chaperone genes further influence amyloidogenesis and neurodegeneration. Persistent bacterial infections and inflammation compromise the blood-brain barrier, allowing inflammatory molecules and amyloids to enter the brain, perpetuating the cycle of neurodegeneration. The gut-brain axis underscores the impact of dysbiosis and gut microbiota on brain function, potentially contributing to neurodegeneration. The enhancement of biofilm resilience and antibiotic resistance by functional amyloid fibrils complicates the treatment landscape. The interplay among chaperone systems, microbial amyloids, and neurodegenerative diseases underscores the urgent need for advanced treatment strategies targeting these pathways to attenuate disease progression. Understanding the processes that relate biofilm-associated amyloids to the onset of neurological disorders is critical for diagnosing and developing novel treatment strategies. Full article
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33 pages, 3109 KiB  
Review
Medication Exposure and Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
by Niti Sharma, Seong Soo A. An and Sang Yun Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312850 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 3087
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a complex neurodegenerative disease (ND), is the most predominant cause of dementia among the elderly. Generally, elderly people have multiple chronic health conditions, like hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, insomnia, bowel problems, and depression. Although prescribed medications have beneficial therapeutic compositions, some [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a complex neurodegenerative disease (ND), is the most predominant cause of dementia among the elderly. Generally, elderly people have multiple chronic health conditions, like hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, insomnia, bowel problems, and depression. Although prescribed medications have beneficial therapeutic compositions, some may have side effects that could hinder cognitive function or worsen cognitive decline. Hence, we should evaluate those medications to guarantee their safety. In the present mechanistic review, we discussed frequently used categories of medication (analgesics, anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, proton pump inhibitors, and statins), concerning their possible involvement in increasing AD and dementia risks. This review summarized the results of various observational studies, meta-analyses, randomized case–control studies, and systematic reviews. As the results were contradictory, it was difficult to ascertain the clear associations between medication usage and increased risks of dementia or AD. The blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) offer a low-cost and accessible alternative for early diagnosis of AD. Systematic reviews combined with meta-analysis would be crucial tools for accurately assessing and summarizing the efficacy of health interventions, yet randomized clinical trials have always been the best way to help with clinical care decisions. Thus, an open discussion is necessary to help individuals determine whether the advantages of utilizing medications outweigh the possible drawbacks. Full article
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