Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its related enzymes and receptors play important roles after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) regulates many neurological functions and plays a vital role during the recovery from central nervous system injuries. However, the changes in BDNF expression and associated factors following hypoxia-ischemia induced neonatal brain damage, and the significance of these changes are not fully understood. In the present study, a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage was established through the occlusion of the right common carotid artery, followed by 2 hours in a hypoxic-ischemic environment. Rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage presented deficits in both sensory and motor functions, and obvious pathological changes could be detected in brain tissues. The m RNA expression levels of BDNF and its processing enzymes and receptors(Furin, matrix metallopeptidase 9, tissuetype plasminogen activator, tyrosine Kinase receptor B, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and Sortilin) were upregulated in the ipsilateral hippocampus and cerebral cortex 6 hours after injury;however, the expression levels of these m RNAs were found to be downregulated in the contralateral hippocampus and cerebral cortex. These findings suggest that BDNF and its processing enzymes and receptors may play important roles in the pathogenesis and recovery from neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the University of South Australia(approval No. U12-18) on July 30, 2018.

Preserving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease:The Alzheimer's disease neuroprotection research initiative(ADNRI)

The global trend toward aging populations has resulted in an increase in the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease(AD)and associated socioeconomic burdens.Abnormal metabolism of amyloid-β(Aβ)has been proposed as a significant pathomechanism in AD,supported by results of recent clinical trials using anti-Aβantibodies.Nonetheless,the cognitive benefits of the current treatments are limited.The etiology of AD is multifactorial,encompassing Aβand tau accumulation,neuroinflammation,demyelination,vascular dysfunction,and comorbidities,which collectively lead to widespread neurodegeneration in the brain and cognitive impairment.Hence,solely removing Aβfrom the brain may be insufficient to combat neurodegeneration and preserve cognition.To attain effective treatment for AD,it is necessary to(1)conduct extensive research on various mechanisms that cause neurodegeneration,including advances in neuroimaging techniques for earlier detection and a more precise characterization of molecular events at scales ranging from cellular to the full system level;(2)identify neuroprotective intervention targets against different neurodegeneration mechanisms;and(3)discover novel and optimal combinations of neuroprotective intervention strategies to maintain cognitive function in AD patients.The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroprotection Research Initiative's objective is to facilitate coordinated,multidisciplinary efforts to develop systemic neuroprotective strategies to combat AD.The aim is to achieve mitigation of the full spectrum of pathological processes underlying AD,with the goal of halting or even reversing cognitive decline.

ESCAPE-NA1 Trial Brings Hope of Neuroprotective Drugs for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Highlights of the Phase 3 Clinical Trial on Nerinetide

Stroke is a leading disease for morbidity and the second leading cause of mortality following ischemic heart disease. The health burden for stroke ranks the fourth of all diseases as measured in disability-adjusted life years[1]. Worldwide annual new stroke incidence is approximately 16 million with the increasing trend of an epidemic due to the aging population [2].