scholarly journals Molecular Effects of FDA-Approved Multiple Sclerosis Drugs on Glial Cells and Neurons of the Central Nervous System

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 4229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim M. A. De Kleijn ◽  
Gerard J. M. Martens

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by peripheral and central inflammatory features, as well as demyelination and neurodegeneration. The available Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for MS have been designed to suppress the peripheral immune system. In addition, however, the effects of these drugs may be partially attributed to their influence on glial cells and neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). We here describe the molecular effects of the traditional and more recent FDA-approved MS drugs Fingolimod, Dimethyl Fumarate, Glatiramer Acetate, Interferon-β, Teriflunomide, Laquinimod, Natalizumab, Alemtuzumab and Ocrelizumab on microglia, astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we point to a possible common molecular effect of these drugs, namely a key role for NFκB signaling, causing a switch from pro-inflammatory microglia and astrocytes to anti-inflammatory phenotypes of these CNS cell types that recently emerged as central players in MS pathogenesis. This notion argues for the need to further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying MS drug action.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mar Pacheco-Herrero ◽  
Luis O. Soto-Rojas ◽  
Charles R. Harrington ◽  
Yazmin M. Flores-Martinez ◽  
Marcos M. Villegas-Rojas ◽  
...  

The current pandemic caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a public health emergency. To date, March 1, 2021, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused about 114 million accumulated cases and 2.53 million deaths worldwide. Previous pieces of evidence suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may affect the central nervous system (CNS) and cause neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients. It is also known that angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, is expressed in different brain areas and cell types. Thus, it is hypothesized that infection by this virus could generate or exacerbate neuropathological alterations. However, the molecular mechanisms that link COVID-19 disease and nerve damage are unclear. In this review, we describe the routes of SARS-CoV-2 invasion into the central nervous system. We also analyze the neuropathologic mechanisms underlying this viral infection, and their potential relationship with the neurological manifestations described in patients with COVID-19, and the appearance or exacerbation of some neurodegenerative diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mami Noda

AbstractGlial cells play a significant role in the link between the endocrine and nervous systems. Among hormones, thyroid hormones (THs) are critical for the regulation of development and differentiation of neurons and glial cells, and hence for development and function of the central nervous system (CNS). THs are transported into the CNS, metabolized in astrocytes and affect various cell types in the CNS including astrocyte itself. Since 3,3’,5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) is apparently released from astrocytes in the CNS, it is a typical example of glia-endocrine system.The prevalence of thyroid disorders increases with age. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are reported to increase the risk of cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, understanding the neuroglial effects of THs may help to solve the problem why hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may cause mental disorders or become a risk factor for cognitive impairment. In this review, THs are focused among wide variety of hormones related to brain function, and recent advancement in glioendocrine system is described.


1992 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-27
Author(s):  
K Strange

The mammalian brain is composed of four distinct fluid compartments: blood, cerebral spinal fluid, interstitial fluid surrounding glial cells and neurons, and intracellular fluid. Maintenance of the ionic and osmotic composition and volume of these fluids is crucial for the normal functioning of the brain. Small changes in intracellular or extracellular solute composition can dramatically alter neuronal signaling and information processing. Because of the rigid confines of the skull and complex brain architecture, changes in total brain volume can cause devastating neurological damage. As a result, it is not surprising to find that the composition and volume of brain intracellular and extracellular fluids are controlled tightly under both normal conditions and in various disease states. Osmotic and ionic balance in the central nervous system is regulated by solute and water transport across the blood-brain barrier, the choroid plexus, and the plasma membrane of glial cells and neurons. Despite its clinical and physiological significance, however, little is known about the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the central nervous system's osmotic and ionic balance is maintained. In this review, the current understanding of osmoregulation in the mammalian brain and its role in various disease processes such as hyponatremia, renal failure, and hypernatremia will be summarized. A detailed understanding of brain osmoregulatory processes represents a fundamental physiological problem and is required for the treatment of numerous disease states, particularly those encountered in the practice of nephrology.


1997 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Milner

1. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by areas of demyelination spread throughout the central nervous system, in which the myelin sheaths surrounding axons are destroyed. While therapies aimed at suppressing the autoimmune response, such as β-interferon, may prevent further damage, they cannot repair or replace the lost myelin. To this end, an additional therapy has been proposed, which involves transplanting cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage into the central nervous system. 2. The cell of interest for transplantation is the oligodendrocyte precursor because, unlike the differentiated cell, it is an intrinsically migratory and proliferative cell. In order to optimize the transplant strategy we have investigated the molecular mechanisms that control migration in vitro, so that these mechanisms might be upregulated to maximize cell migration in vivo. We have focused on the integrin family of cell adhesion molecules, known to play a fundamental role in the regulation of migration in other cell types. 3. These studies show that oligodendrocytes express a limited repertoire of integrins consisting of α6β1 and three different αv integrins. α6β1 is expressed throughout development but αv integrins show developmental regulation; differentiation is accompanied by loss of αvβ1 and upregulation of αvβ5. 4. Function-blocking studies show that oligodendrocyte precursor migration in vitro is mediated primarily by the developmentally regulated αvβ1 integrin, but not α6β1 or αvβ3. Taken together with previous evidence that cell migration can be regulated by altering integrin expression, this work suggests that modifying expression levels of αvβ1 on oligodendrocyte precursors may increase the migratory capacity of these cells. If so, this would support a future therapeutic strategy aimed at transplanting genetically modified oligodendrocyte precursors to repair widespread demyelinated lesions.


1993 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 1067-1077 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Haegel ◽  
C Tölg ◽  
M Hofmann ◽  
R Ceredig

The CD44 adhesion molecule is expressed by astrocytes, glial-type cells which exhibit features of accessory cells for immune responses in the central nervous system. In primary cultures of mouse astrocytes, we have observed that surface expression and mRNA levels of CD44 are induced following stimulation with either PMA, or tumor necrosis factor alpha plus gamma interferon. Comparison of CD44 splice variants expressed by astrocytes and a T cell hybridoma shows that upon activation, both cell types express a similar pattern of CD44 transcripts. Thus, in both cell types, CD44 transcripts are produced which contain additional exons, including the exon v6 (known to be expressed by in vivo activated lymphocytes and by metastatic variants of tumor cells) as well as variants of larger size. In the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis, activated T cells cross the blood-brain barrier and lead to inflammation in the central nervous system. Analysis of mice with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, frequently used as an animal model of multiple sclerosis, shows that CD44 is induced in vivo on glial cells surrounding inflammatory lesions. Using an in vitro model for adhesion between T cells and astrocytes, we have found a correlation between the activation state of these cells and their adhesion potential. Dose-dependent inhibition of adhesion by hyaluronate and by anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody KM81 shows that CD44 is involved in the adhesive interactions between T cells and astrocytes.


Author(s):  
Prithiv K R Kumar

Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into any type of cell or organ. Stems cell originate from any part of the body, including the brain. Brain cells or rather neural stem cells have the capacitive advantage of differentiating into the central nervous system leading to the formation of neurons and glial cells. Neural stem cells should have a source by editing DNA, or by mixings chemical enzymes of iPSCs. By this method, a limitless number of neuron stem cells can be obtained. Increase in supply of NSCs help in repairing glial cells which in-turn heal the central nervous system. Generally, brain injuries cause motor and sensory deficits leading to stroke. With all trials from novel therapeutic methods to enhanced rehabilitation time, the economy and quality of life is suppressed. Only PSCs have proven effective for grafting cells into NSCs. Neurons derived from stem cells is the only challenge that limits in-vitro usage in the near future.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (03) ◽  
pp. 164-170
Author(s):  
Rachel Gottlieb-Smith ◽  
Amy Waldman

AbstractAcquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) present with acute or subacute monofocal or polyfocal neurologic deficits localizing to the central nervous system. The clinical features of distinct ADS have been carefully characterized including optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. These disorders may all be monophasic disorders. Alternatively, optic neuritis, partial transverse myelitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis may be first presentations of a relapsing or polyphasic neuroinflammatory disorder, such as multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica. The clinical features of these disorders and the differential diagnosis are discussed in this article.


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