New Therapies for CNS Diseases Targeting Biogenic Amines and Their Receptors

Dear Colleagues,

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases encompass a wide range of conditions, including vascular diseases (stroke, cerebral atherosclerosis), neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis), infectious diseases (meningitis, encephalitis), epilepsy, genetic disorders (spinal muscular atrophy), craniocerebral trauma, migraines and pain syndromes, and cancer. The causes of CNS diseases are diverse and include mechanical injuries (accidents, falls), strokes (ischaemic, haemorrhagic), infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), autoimmune causes (e.g., multiple sclerosis), neurodegenerative causes (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease), cancer, genetic factors, toxic substances (alcohol, drugs, heavy metals), vascular problems, and hypoxia. The effects encompass a broad spectrum of symptoms (impaired cognitive, motor, sensory, and consciousness functions, as well as behavioural and mood changes). They are associated with impaired neurotransmission resulting from abnormal synthesis, release, reuptake, or receptor dysfunction. Examples include dopamine deficiency in Parkinson's disease (movement problems), acetylcholine deficiency in Alzheimer's disease (cognitive problems), and serotonin deficiency in depression (mood changes/lowering). Treatment for CNS diseases focuses on normalising cerebral neurochemical processes. Current treatment options for CNS diseases remain largely unsatisfactory. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of CNS diseases can help identify early symptoms and guide appropriate therapy.

We encourage submissions of papers on neurotransmitters, including biogenic amines and related compounds, as well as their receptors and ligands. We particularly welcome papers exploring new active compounds, especially those with multi-targeted activity, and their pharmacological or pharmacokinetic evaluation. All preclinical studies (including in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) examining the effects on neurotransmitters, such as biogenic amines (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine), and other neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, GABA, glutamate, opioid peptides, endocannabinoids, and others) are also welcome.

Dr. Dorota Łażewska
Dr. Anna Stasiak
Guest Editors

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