Relations of heart-type and brain-type fatty acid-binding proteins with postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery

Role of astrocytes in sleep deprivation: accomplices, resisters, or bystanders?

Sleep plays an essential role in all studied animals with a nervous system. However, sleep deprivation leads to various pathological changes and neurobehavioral problems. Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the brain and are involved in various important functions, including neurotransmitter and ion homeostasis, synaptic and neuronal modulation, and blood-brain barrier maintenance; furthermore, they are associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases, pain, and mood disorders. Moreover, astrocytes are increasingly being recognized as vital contributors to the regulation of sleep-wake cycles, both locally and in specific neural circuits. In this review, we begin by describing the role of astrocytes in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms, focusing on: (i) neuronal activity; (ii) metabolism; (iii) the glymphatic system; (iv) neuroinflammation; and (v) astrocyte-microglia cross-talk. Moreover, we review the role of astrocytes in sleep deprivation comorbidities and sleep deprivation-related brain disorders. Finally, we discuss potential interventions targeting astrocytes to prevent or treat sleep deprivation-related brain disorders. Pursuing these questions would pave the way for a deeper understanding of the cellular and neural mechanisms underlying sleep deprivation-comorbid brain disorders.

Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins in Psoriasis-A Review

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases in dermatological practice. It affects about 1–3% of the general population and is associated with different comorbidities, especially metabolic syndrome. Fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are a family of cytosolic proteins which are an important link in lipid metabolism and transport; moreover, they have different tissue specificity and properties. So far, ten FABPs have been discovered and seven have been investigated in psoriasis. In this review, we discuss the nature of all FABPs and their role in psoriasis. FABPs have different organ and tissue expression, and hence various functions, and may be markers of different disorders. Considering the concentration of a few of them tends to be elevated in psoriasis, it confirms the current perception of psoriasis as a multiorgan disorder associated with plenty of comorbidities. Some FABPs may be also further investigated as biomarkers of psoriasis organ complications. FABP-1 and FABP-5 may become potential markers of metabolic complications and inflammation in psoriasis. FABP-7 could perhaps be further investigated as an indicator of the neurodegenerative processes in psoriatic patients.