Novel Therapies for Neurodegenerative Disorders

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
Interests: neuroprotective agents; neurodegeneration; stroke; cerebrovascular diseases; polyphenolic compound

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
Interests: neurodegeneration; stroke; Alzheimer's disease; molecular biology; molecular genetics; immunogenetics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neurodegenerative diseases, a collective term for progressive conditions affecting neurons and other supporting cells in the brain, manifest as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD) and stroke. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and related dementia is a major concern faced by the elderly population. AD is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of dementia cases. As per the World Health Organization, dementia is the 7th leading cause of death and a major cause of disability among the elderly population. The underlying pathological mechanism is complex, eluding the successful development of a drug therapy. Therapies aimed at controlling amyloid beta and tau phosphorylation have resulted in limited success. Similarly, the complicated but common pathological mechanisms underlying PD, HD and stroke have impeded the success of finding a novel drug therapy. With the rise in neurodegenerative diseases, it has become apparent that novel therapeutic targets should be pursued, as conventional ones yield limited results.    

The aim of the current Special Issue is to present recent findings withing the broad field of neurodegenerative disease research on drug discovery to provide new mechanistic insights that could help researchers broaden the horizon of neurodegenerative disease drug discovery and development.

Authors are invited to submit relevant original research articles, as well as opinion and review papers.

Dr. Zahoor Shah
Dr. Faheem Shehjar
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • novel drug therapies
  • gene therapy
  • small-molecule drug therapy
  • pathology of neurodegenerative diseases
  • available drug therapies and limitations
  • antibody-based drug therapies

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Review

17 pages, 523 KiB  
Review
Neural Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: A-State-of-the-Art Review
by Abdul Jalil Shah, Mohammad Younis Dar, Bisma Jan, Insha Qadir, Reyaz Hassan Mir, Jasreen Uppal, Noor Zaheer Ahmad and Mubashir Hussain Masoodi
J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2024, 1(2), 109-125; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad1020008 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1148
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a brain disorder that is more prevalent in developed nations and remains one of most intractable conditions so far. It is characterized by a gradual onset, a prolonged progression, and an unclear pathophysiology. At the present time, there are [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a brain disorder that is more prevalent in developed nations and remains one of most intractable conditions so far. It is characterized by a gradual onset, a prolonged progression, and an unclear pathophysiology. At the present time, there are no effective treatments available for the disease. However, human neural stem cells (hNSCs) have the capacity to substitute lost neurons in a functional manner, strengthen synaptic networks that have been compromised, and repair the damaged brain. Due to the unavailability of restorative therapeutics, there is a significant global burden on the economy. When it comes to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, NSCs provide a potentially game-changing approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease. Through the delivery of trophic factors that promote the viability and regeneration of lost neurons in experimental animals suffering from neurodegenerative disorders, these treatments have the potential to facilitate beneficial recuperation. Positive restorative outcomes may be achieved in a variety of ways, including the replacement of lost cells, the combining of cells, the secretion of neurotrophic factors, the formation of endogenous stem cells, and transdifferentiation. Conversely, there are obstacles that need to be overcome before NSC-based treatments can be used in clinical settings. This review article discusses current developments in the use of neural stem cells (NSCs) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, we highlight the difficulties and opportunities that are involved with the use of neural stem cell transplant treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapies for Neurodegenerative Disorders)
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24 pages, 405 KiB  
Review
Aging, Age-Related Diseases, and the Zebrafish Model
by Mariam Sami Abou-Dahech and Frederick E. Williams
J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2024, 1(1), 48-71; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad1010004 - 30 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1676
Abstract
The entrance of cells into a permanent state of cell cycle arrest with the ability to resist apoptosis is termed “cellular senescence”. The accumulation of senescent cells within the body can lead to tissue aging and the dysfunction of organs. Whether due to [...] Read more.
The entrance of cells into a permanent state of cell cycle arrest with the ability to resist apoptosis is termed “cellular senescence”. The accumulation of senescent cells within the body can lead to tissue aging and the dysfunction of organs. Whether due to external stressors or the passage of time, aging is an inevitable process that afflicts every living being. Current studies that investigate aging rely on the use of cells or rodent models. Although cells present a cost-effective and quick way to analyze aging, they lack the complexity of whole-body systems and therefore require the use of an in vivo model post-in vitro assays. The zebrafish, Danio rerio, presents a cost-effective model with quick development and large numbers of offspring. These fish share 70% similarity of their genes with humans, including genes known to be associated with human diseases, such as those diseases of aging and/or senescence, like Alzheimer’s disease. Major tissues and organs of humans are also found in these fish, and therefore, zebrafish can serve as a useful model when studying diseases, aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and other disorders. In this review, we will discuss some of the major senescence biomarkers and detection methods, as well as discuss how zebrafish models can be used for the study of aging and age-related disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapies for Neurodegenerative Disorders)
25 pages, 1121 KiB  
Review
Unraveling Alzheimer’s: Exploring the Gut Microbiota–Brain Axis as a New Frontier in Understanding
by Shahzada Mudasir Rashid, Rahil Razak, Aabid Khaliq Tantray, Antonisamy William James, Nuzhat Showkat, Faheem Shehjar, Fatimah Jan, Sheikh Bilal Ahmad, Andleeb Khan and Zahoor A. Shah
J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2024, 1(1), 22-47; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad1010003 - 23 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1374
Abstract
The gut microbiota (GM) communicates with the brain via biochemical signaling constituting the gut–brain axis, which significantly regulates the body’s physiological processes. The GM dysbiosis can impact the digestive system and the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) linked to the onset [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota (GM) communicates with the brain via biochemical signaling constituting the gut–brain axis, which significantly regulates the body’s physiological processes. The GM dysbiosis can impact the digestive system and the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) linked to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the scientific data compiled from diverse sources primarily emphasize the neuropathological characteristics linked to the accumulation of modified insoluble proteins (such as β-amyloid peptides and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the potential impact of gut microbiota (GM) on AD susceptibility or resilience. The specific GM profile of human beings may serve as an essential tool for preventing or progressing neurodegenerative diseases like AD. This review focuses mainly on the effect of gut microfauna on the gut–brain axis in the onset and progression of AD. The GM produces various bioactive molecules that may serve as proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory signaling, contributing directly or indirectly to the repression or progression of neurodegenerative disorders by modulating the response of the brain axis. Human studies must focus on further understanding the gut–brain axis and venture to clarify microbiota-based therapeutic strategies for AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapies for Neurodegenerative Disorders)
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19 pages, 17923 KiB  
Review
Tiny Carriers, Tremendous Hope: Nanomedicine in the Fight against Parkinson’s
by Nitu Dogra, Ruchi Jakhmola Mani and Deepshikha Pande Katare
J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2024, 1(1), 3-21; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad1010002 - 22 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1419
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain. While current treatments such as dopamine replacement with levodopa and deep brain stimulation [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain. While current treatments such as dopamine replacement with levodopa and deep brain stimulation mainly manage symptoms and do not stop disease progression, recent advancements in nanomedicine provide promising new therapy options. These include drug-loaded nanocarriers that improve drug delivery to the brain, enhancing effectiveness and reducing side effects. This review explores novel nanomedical approaches like solid lipid nanocarriers (SLNs), which could improve drug profiles and decrease the adverse effects seen with traditional PD treatments. Additionally, it discusses the challenge of crossing the blood–brain barrier, which is crucial for treating central nervous system disorders, and how nanocarriers facilitate targeted brain delivery. Despite these advancements, the review emphasizes more research into the safety and long-term impacts of nanomedicine in PD, highlighting the challenge of moving these treatments from lab to clinical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapies for Neurodegenerative Disorders)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Unraveling Alzheimer’s: Exploring the Gut Microbiota-Brain Axis as a New Frontier in Understanding
Authors: Shahzada Mudasir Rashid; Rahil Razak; Aabid Khaliq Tantra; Antonisamy William James; Nuzhat Showkat; Faheem Shehjar; Fatimah Jan; Sheikh Bilal Ahmad; Andleeb Khan; Zahoor A. Shah
Affiliation: Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, Collage of Pharmacy and pharmaceutical science, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States-43614.
Abstract: The gut microbiota (GM) communicates with the brain via biochemical signaling constituting the gut-brain axis, which significantly regulates the body's physiological processes. The GM dysbiosis can impact the digestive system and the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) linked to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the scientific data compiled from diverse sources primarily emphasizes the neuropathological characteristics linked to the accumulation of modified insoluble proteins (such as β-Amyloid peptides and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins) in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and the potential impact of gut microbiota (GM) on AD susceptibility or resilience. The specific GM profile of human beings may serve as an essential tool for preventing or progressing neurodegenerative diseases like AD. This review focuses mainly on the effect of gut microfauna on the gut-brain axis in the onset and progression of AD. The GM produces various bioactive molecules that may serve as proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory signaling, contributing directly or indirectly to the repression or progression of neurodegenerative disorders by modulating the response of the brain axis. Human studies must focus on further understanding the gut-brain axis and venture to clarify microbiota-based therapeutic strategies for AD.

Title: Unraveling Alzheimer’s: Exploring the Gut Microbiota-Brain Axis as a New Frontier in Understanding
Authors: Shahzada Mudasir Rashid
Affiliation: Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (SKUAST-K) Shuhama, Alusteng, Srinagar Kashmir -190006

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