[Neurodegeneration and inflammation: analysis of a FTDP-17 model mouse]

Animal Models of Metabolic Disorders in the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Overview

The incidence of metabolic disorders, as well as of neurodegenerative diseases—mainly the sporadic forms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease—are increasing worldwide. Notably, obesity, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia have been indicated as early risk factors for sporadic forms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. These conditions share a range of molecular and cellular features, including protein aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, all of which contribute to neuronal death and cognitive impairment. Rodent models of obesity, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia exhibit all the hallmarks of these degenerative diseases, and represent an interesting approach to the study of the phenotypic features and pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders. We review the main pathological aspects of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as summarized in rodent models of obesity, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia.

Interplaying factors that effect multiple sclerosis causation and sustenance

The author hypothesized that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a humoral autoimmune disease, caused by faulty interplay between myelin-specific, dimeric IgE, specifically competing non-IgE antibodies and IgE-triggered degranulating mast cells. The principal fault was believed to be insufficient quantity of protective, specific non-IgE antibodies. Also conjectured was the possibility of an unexpected and adverse immune suppression caused by none-MS pharmaceuticals being consumed by patients for their MS or for other conditions. To test both hypotheses, a mimotopic, peptide antigen-based, serum immunoassay was developed to measure dimer-bound IgE excess among MS patients, wherein the IgE specifically complexes with two or more myelin surface epitopes at an interval of 40–100 Angstroms, a separation critical for mast cell degranulation and cell damaging effect. MS test sensitivity and specificity, when analyzing five previously untreated patients for dimeric IgE presence, was 100%. In direct comparison, twenty age- and gender-matched female and male control subjects were test negative. Analysis of 35 multiple sclerosis patients, who were concomitantly being treated with potentially immunosuppressive pharmaceuticals, appeared to show the substances' negative effect upon MS causation, progression, or specific immunoassay performance. Therefore, MS is likely an autoimmune disease caused by IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation possibly in conjunction with immunosuppressive agents.

Early molecular and synaptic dysfunctions in the prodromal stages of Alzheimer’s disease: focus on TNF-α and IL-1β

Alterations in cytokine expression as well as deficits in synaptic activity are two features observed in early, prodromal stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β are not only mediators of immune responses, but are also involved in regulating synaptic activity through their effects on neuronal excitability and Hebbian plasticity. We propose that early changes occurring in the AD brain, such as increases in soluble amyloid-β oligomers, may increase the expression of certain cytokines and subsequently cause alterations in cytokine-mediated synaptic activity. A shift of focus towards the prodromal stages of AD, which incorporate the earliest detectable molecular, electrophysiological and behavioral alterations, may provide novel therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers for this currently incurable neurodegenerative disease.