Published by De Gruyter

Volume 29 Issue 7

Issue of Reviews in the Neurosciences

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Contents
Journal Overview

Publicly Available September 25, 2018

Frontmatter

Page range: i-iii

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Publicly Available February 21, 2018

G protein-coupled receptor-receptor interactions give integrative dynamics to intercellular communication

Diego Guidolin, Manuela Marcoli, Cinzia Tortorella, Guido Maura, Luigi F. Agnati

Page range: 703-726

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Abstract

The proposal of receptor-receptor interactions (RRIs) in the early 1980s broadened the view on the role of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) in the dynamics of the intercellular communication. RRIs, indeed, allow GPCR to operate not only as monomers but also as receptor complexes, in which the integration of the incoming signals depends on the number, spatial arrangement, and order of activation of the protomers forming the complex. The main biochemical mechanisms controlling the functional interplay of GPCR in the receptor complexes are direct allosteric interactions between protomer domains. The formation of these macromolecular assemblies has several physiologic implications in terms of the modulation of the signaling pathways and interaction with other membrane proteins. It also impacts on the emerging field of connectomics, as it contributes to set and tune the synaptic strength. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that the transfer of GPCR and GPCR complexes between cells via the exosome pathway could enable the target cells to recognize/decode transmitters and/or modulators for which they did not express the pertinent receptors. Thus, this process may also open the possibility of a new type of redeployment of neural circuits. The fundamental aspects of GPCR complex formation and function are the focus of the present review article.

March 24, 2018

Dopamine dysregulation hypothesis: the common basis for motivational anhedonia in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia?

Jan Józef Szczypiński, Mateusz Gola

Page range: 727-744

Abstract

Abnormalities in reward processing are crucial symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCH). Recent neuroscientific findings regarding MDD have led to conclusions about two different symptoms related to reward processing: motivational and consummatory anhedonia, corresponding, respectively, to impaired motivation to obtain rewards (‘wanting’), and diminished satisfaction from consuming them (‘liking’). One can ask: which of these is common for MDD and SCH. In our review of the latest neuroscientific studies, we show that MDD and SCH do not share consummatory anhedonia, as SCH patients usually have unaltered liking. Therefore, we investigated whether motivational anhedonia is the common symptom across MDD and SCH. With regard to the similarities and differences between the neural mechanisms of MDD and SCH, here we expand the current knowledge of motivation deficits and present the common underlying mechanism of motivational anhedonia – the dopamine dysregulation hypothesis – stating that any prolonged dysregulation in tonic dopamine signaling that exceeds the given equilibrium can lead to striatal dysfunction and motivational anhedonia. The implications for further research and treatment of MDD and SCH are also discussed.

March 21, 2018

Paraneoplastic movement disorders

Karolina Popławska-Domaszewicz, Jolanta Florczak-Wyspiańska, Wojciech Kozubski, Sławomir Michalak

Page range: 745-755

Abstract

Paraneoplastic movement disorders are rare, autoimmune-mediated, nonmetastatic complications of malignant neoplasms. Common paraneoplastic movement disorders include paraneoplastic chorea, dystonia, cerebellar degeneration, different types of encephalitis, opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, stiff person syndrome, and neuromyotonia. Syndromes usually develop before tumor diagnosis, have subacute onset, and are associated with serum or cerebrospinal fluid antibodies. Two types of antibodies can be distinguished: antibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic neuronal antigens (anti-Hu, anti-Ri, anti-Yo, anti-Ma, anti-CV2/CRMP5, anti-Gephrin, and anti-GABATRAP) and antibodies recently identified against cell surface and synaptic proteins (anti-NMDAR, anti-LGI1, and anti-Caspr2). These two types differ from each other in a few important aspects. Antibodies against cell surface and synaptic protein disrupt cell-surface antigens. Clinical symptoms are related to the disruption of antigens and potentially can be reversed by immunotherapy. The association between these antibodies and malignancy is much less consistent. On the other hand, antibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic neuronal antigens seem to be not pathogenic; however, they most likely indicate a T-cell-mediated immune response against neurons. Due to T-cell-mediated neuronal loss, response to immunotherapy is generally disappointing. Early recognition of all these diseases is crucial because it may lead to the disclosure of occult cancer. This review is focused on paraneoplastic movement disorders with emphasis on clinical presentations, investigational findings, and therapeutic results.

March 22, 2018

Animal models of status epilepticus and temporal lobe epilepsy: a narrative review

Nikita Nirwan, Preeti Vyas, Divya Vohora

Page range: 757-770

Abstract

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the chronic and pharmacoresistant form of epilepsy observed in humans. The current literature is insufficient in explicating the comprehensive mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and advancement. Consequently, the development of a suitable animal model mimicking the clinical characteristics is required. Further, the relevance of status epilepticus (SE) to animal models is dubious. SE occurs rarely in people; most epilepsy patients never experience it. The present review summarizes the established animal models of SE and TLE, along with a brief discussion of the animal models that have the distinctiveness and carries the possibility to be developed as effective models for TLE. The review not only covers the basic requirements, mechanisms, and methods of induction of each model but also focuses upon their major limitations and possible modifications for their future use. A detailed discussion on chemical, electrical, and hypoxic/ischemic models as well as a brief explanation on the genetic models, most of which are characterized by development of SE followed by neurodegeneration, is presented.

February 21, 2018

Biomarkers for detection, prognosis and therapeutic assessment of neurological disorders

Sarita Singh, Sunil Kumar Gupta, Prahlad Kishore Seth

Page range: 771-789

Abstract

Neurological disorders have aroused a significant concern among the health scientists globally, as diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia lead to disability and people have to live with them throughout the life. Recent evidence suggests that a number of environmental chemicals such as pesticides (paraquat) and metals (lead and aluminum) are also the cause of these diseases and other neurological disorders. Biomarkers can help in detecting the disorder at the preclinical stage, progression of the disease and key metabolomic alterations permitting identification of potential targets for intervention. A number of biomarkers have been proposed for some neurological disorders based on laboratory and clinical studies. In silico approaches have also been used by some investigators. Yet the ideal biomarker, which can help in early detection and follow-up on treatment and identifying the susceptible populations, is not available. An attempt has therefore been made to review the recent advancements of in silico approaches for discovery of biomarkers and their validation. In silico techniques implemented with multi-omics approaches have potential to provide a fast and accurate approach to identify novel biomarkers.

February 21, 2018

Mindfulness and meditation: treating cognitive impairment and reducing stress in dementia

Jesse Russell-Williams, Wafa Jaroudi, Tania Perich, Siobhan Hoscheidt, Mohamad El Haj, Ahmed A. Moustafa

Page range: 791-804

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between mindfulness, meditation, cognition and stress in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia, mild cognitive impairment and subjective cognitive decline. Accordingly, we explore how the use of meditation as a behavioural intervention can reduce stress and enhance cognition, which in turn ameliorates some dementia symptoms. A narrative review of the literature was conducted with any studies using meditation as an intervention for dementia or dementia-related memory conditions meeting inclusion criteria. Studies where moving meditation was the main intervention were excluded due to the possible confounding of exercise. Ten papers were identified and reviewed. There was a broad use of measures across all studies, with cognitive assessment, quality of life and perceived stress being the most common. Three studies used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure functional changes to brain regions during meditation. The interventions fell into the following three categories: mindfulness, most commonly mindfulness-based stress reduction (six studies); Kirtan Kriya meditation (three studies); and mindfulness-based Alzheimer’s stimulation (one study). Three of these studies were randomised controlled trials. All studies reported significant findings or trends towards significance in a broad range of measures, including a reduction of cognitive decline, reduction in perceived stress, increase in quality of life, as well as increases in functional connectivity, percent volume brain change and cerebral blood flow in areas of the cortex. Limitations and directions for future studies on meditation-based treatment for AD and stress management are suggested.

March 6, 2018

Neurological and psychiatric disorders in psoriasis

Man Amanat, Mona Salehi, Nima Rezaei

Page range: 805-813

Abstract

Psoriasis used to be known as a skin disorder; however, it can now be considered as a systemic disease with the involvement of multiple organs. Neurological and psychiatric disorders are some of the associated problems that can be observed in patients with psoriasis. Stroke, multiple sclerosis, seizure, migraine, restless leg syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and myasthenia gravis are the reported neurological diseases, while depression, bipolar mood disorder, anxiety, psychosis, cognitive impairment, personality disorders, sexual disorders, sleep disturbance, and eating disorders are the recognized psychiatric presentations in patients with psoriasis. Herein, the neurological and psychiatric disorders of psoriasis are described.

Corrigendum

Publicly Available September 4, 2018

Corrigendum to: Genetic underpinnings in Alzheimer’s disease – a review

Ahmed A. Moustafa, Mubashir Hassan, Doaa H. Hewedi, Iman Hewedi, Julia K. Garami, Hany Al Ashwal, Nazar Zaki, Sung-Yum Seo, Vassilis Cutsuridis, Sergio L. Angulo, Joman Y. Natsheh, Mohammad M. Herzallah, Dorota Frydecka, Błażej Misiak, Mohamed Salama, Wael Mohamed, Mohamad El Haj, Michael Hornberger

Page range: 815-815

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About this journal

Reviews in the Neurosciences provides a forum for reviews, critical evaluations and theoretical treatment of selective topics in the neurosciences. The journal is meant to provide an authoritative reference work for those interested in the structure and functions of the nervous system at all levels of analysis, including the genetic, molecular, cellular, behavioral, cognitive and clinical neurosciences. Contributions should contain a critical appraisal of specific areas and not simply a compilation of published articles.

Previously published by Freund Publishing House Ltd.

Topics

Neurology
Psychiatry
Neuropharmacology
Neurochemistry
Neurophysiology
Behavioral Psychology
Pharmacology
Neuroanatomy

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