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Safi K, Sobieraj J, Błaszkiewicz M, Żyła J, Salata B, Dzierżanowski T. Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment-An Update on the Evidence. Biomedicines 2024; 12:307. [PMID: 38397910 PMCID: PMC10886939 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In light of the current International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines, the topic of cannabinoids in relation to pain remains controversial, with insufficient research presently available. Cannabinoids are an attractive pain management option due to their synergistic effects when administered with opioids, thereby also limiting the extent of respiratory depression. On their own, however, cannabinoids have been shown to have the potential to relieve specific subtypes of chronic pain in adults, although controversies remain. Among these subtypes are neuropathic, musculoskeletal, cancer, and geriatric pain. Another interesting feature is their effectiveness in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Analgesic benefits are hypothesized to extend to HIV-associated neuropathic pain, as well as to lower back pain in the elderly. The aim of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of the existing preclinical as well as clinical studies, along with relevant systematic reviews addressing the roles of various types of cannabinoids in neuropathic pain settings. The impact of cannabinoids in chronic cancer pain and in non-cancer conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and headaches, are all discussed, as well as novel techniques of administration and relevant mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tomasz Dzierżanowski
- Palliative Medicine Clinic, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
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Williams A, Khatkar P, Branscome H, Kim Y, Erickson J, Jenabian MA, Costiniuk CT, Kashanchi F. The Use of CBD and Its Synthetic Analog HU308 in HIV-1-Infected Myeloid Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1147. [PMID: 37631062 PMCID: PMC10458222 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is no cure for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) aids in viral latency and prevents the progression of HIV-1 infection into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). cART has extended many lives, but people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) face lifelong ailments such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) that range from asymptomatic HAND to HIV-1-associated dementia. HAND has been attributed to chronic inflammation and low-level infection within the central nervous system (CNS) caused by proinflammatory cytokines and viral products. These molecules are shuttled into the CNS within extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid bound nanoparticles, and are released from cells as a form of intercellular communication. This study investigates the impact of cannabidiol (CBD), as a promising and potential therapeutic for HAND patients, and a similar synthetic molecule, HU308, on the EVs released from HIV-1-infected myeloid cells as well as HIV-1-infected 3D neurospheres. The data shows that both CBD and HU308 decrease non-coding and coding viral RNA (TAR and env) as well as proinflammatory cytokines as IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA. This decrease in viral RNA occurs in in vitro differentiated primary macrophages, in EVs released from HIV-1-infected cells monocytes, and infected neurospheres. Furthermore, a 3D neurosphere model shows an overall decrease in proinflammatory mRNA with HU308. Finally, using a humanized mouse model of HIV-1 infection, plasma viral RNA was shown to significantly decrease with HU308 alone and was most effective in combination with cART, even when compared to the typical cART treatment. Overall, CBD or HU308 may be a viable option to decrease EV release and associated cytokines which would dampen the virus spread and may be used in effective treatment of HAND in combination with cART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Williams
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 182, 10900 University Blvd., Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Pooja Khatkar
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 182, 10900 University Blvd., Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Heather Branscome
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 182, 10900 University Blvd., Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Yuriy Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 182, 10900 University Blvd., Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - James Erickson
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 182, 10900 University Blvd., Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Mohammad-Ali Jenabian
- Department of Biological Sciences and CERMO-FC Research Center, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, QC H2L 2C4, Canada
| | - Cecilia T. Costiniuk
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Fatah Kashanchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Discovery Hall Room 182, 10900 University Blvd., Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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Panizzutti B, Skvarc D, Lin S, Croce S, Meehan A, Bortolasci CC, Marx W, Walker AJ, Hasebe K, Kavanagh BE, Morris MJ, Mohebbi M, Turner A, Gray L, Berk L, Walder K, Berk M, Dean OM. Minocycline as Treatment for Psychiatric and Neurological Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065250. [PMID: 36982324 PMCID: PMC10049047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Minocycline has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties that explain the renewed interest in its use as an adjunctive treatment for psychiatric and neurological conditions. Following the completion of several new clinical trials using minocycline, we proposed an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of the data available. The PICO (patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcomes) framework was used to search 5 databases aiming to identify randomized controlled trials that used minocycline as an adjunctive treatment for psychiatric and neurological conditions. Search results, data extraction, and risk of bias were performed by two independent authors for each publication. Quantitative meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software. Literature search and review resulted in 32 studies being included in this review: 10 in schizophrenia, 3 studies in depression, and 7 in stroke, with the benefit of minocycline being used in some of the core symptoms evaluated; 2 in bipolar disorder and 2 in substance use, without demonstrating a benefit for using minocycline; 1 in obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2 in brain and spinal injuries, 2 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 1 in Alzheimer’s disease, 1 in multiple systems atrophy, and 1 in pain, with mixes results. For most of the conditions included in this review the data is still limited and difficult to interpret, warranting more well-designed and powered studies. On the other hand, the studies available for schizophrenia seem to suggest an overall benefit favoring the use of minocycline as an adjunctive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Panizzutti
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - David Skvarc
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Sylvia Lin
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Sarah Croce
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Alcy Meehan
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Chiara Cristina Bortolasci
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Adam J. Walker
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Kyoko Hasebe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Bianca E. Kavanagh
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Margaret J. Morris
- School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mohammadreza Mohebbi
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Alyna Turner
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Laura Gray
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Lesley Berk
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Olivia M. Dean
- IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-03-4215-3300
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Martinez Ramirez CE, Ruiz-Pérez G, Stollenwerk TM, Behlke C, Doherty A, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. Glia 2023; 71:5-35. [PMID: 36308424 PMCID: PMC10167744 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is hard to overestimate the influence of the endocannabinoid signaling (ECS) system on central nervous system (CNS) function. In the 40 years since cannabinoids were found to trigger specific cell signaling cascades, studies of the ECS system continue to cause amazement, surprise, and confusion! CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed widely in the CNS and regulate cell-cell communication via effects on the release of both neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters. CB2 cannabinoid receptors are difficult to detect in the CNS but seem to "punch above their weight" as compounds targeting these receptors have significant effects on inflammatory state and behavior. Positive and negative allosteric modulators for both receptors have been identified and examined in preclinical studies. Concentrations of the endocannabinoid ligands, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are regulated by a combination of enzymatic synthesis and degradation and inhibitors of these processes are available and making their way into clinical trials. Importantly, ECS regulates many essential brain functions, including regulation of reward, anxiety, inflammation, motor control, and cellular development. While the field is on the cusp of preclinical discoveries providing impactful clinical and therapeutic insights into many CNS disorders, there is still much to be learned about this remarkable and versatile modulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- César E Martinez Ramirez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gonzalo Ruiz-Pérez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Todd M Stollenwerk
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christina Behlke
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley Doherty
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Clouse G, Penman S, Hadjiargyrou M, Komatsu DE, Thanos PK. Examining the role of cannabinoids on osteoporosis: a review. Arch Osteoporos 2022; 17:146. [PMID: 36401719 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-022-01190-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prior research studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system, influenced by CBD and THC, plays a role in bone remodeling. As both the research on cannabis and use of cannabis continue to grow, novel medicinal uses of both its constituents as well as the whole plant are being discovered. This review examines the role of cannabinoids on osteoporosis, more specifically, the endocannabinoid system and its role in bone remodeling and the involvement of the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 in bone health, as well as the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and synthetic cannabinoids on bone. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of online databases including PUBMED was utilized. RESULTS A total of 29 studies investigating the effects of cannabis and/or its constituents as well as the activation or inactivation of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 were included and discussed. CONCLUSION While many of the mechanisms are still not yet fully understood, both preclinical and clinical studies show that the effects of cannabis mediated through the endocannabinoid system may prove to be an effective treatment option for individuals with osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Clouse
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory On Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute On Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Samantha Penman
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory On Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute On Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Michael Hadjiargyrou
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - David E Komatsu
- Department of Orthopedics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory On Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute On Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA. .,Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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Poli P, Carnevale S, Scocca A, Davolio PL, Busi S, Meneghin M, Petrangolini G, Riva A. Promising Health Benefits of Adjuvant Acmella and Zingiber Extracts Combined with Coenzyme Q10 Phytosomes, Supplementation in Chronic Pain Treated with Medical Cannabis: A Prospective and Open-Label Clinical Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2022; 2022:1-6. [PMID: 35733629 PMCID: PMC9208939 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7099161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Chronic pain is a condition where pain persists for months or even years. Nowadays, several drugs comprising of medical cannabis are utilized for chronic pain relief. Even if there are some associated side effects, the use of supplements can widen the reliable tools available for improving an individual's quality of life. Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy in terms of pain intensity, psychological well-being, and quality of life of a new dietary supplement in chronic pain subjects under current treatment with medical cannabis. Methods In this pilot study, 48 medical cannabis-treated subjects were supplemented with a dietary supplement containing a combination of standardized Zingiber officinalis and Acmella oleracea extracts in phytosome (Mitidol), coenzyme Q10 phytosome (Ubiqsome), and group B vitamins (B1, B6, and B12), twice daily for 90 days. In order to explore the benefits of the product as an adjuvant supplementation for pain relief, the pain intensity, measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), the pain type, and quality, evaluated by the Italian Pain Questionnaire (QUID) and the possible reduction of therapeutic and/or painkiller doses were recorded. Results After 90 days, significant pain relief was detected in almost 70% of the subjects receiving the new dietary supplement, with sensory, emotional, and pain amelioration in one-third of them. A reduction in both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) doses was also observed after 3 months of supplementation. These findings demonstrate new perspectives for the use of an innovative dietary supplement that combines Acmella and Zingiber extracts, Coenzyme Q10, and group B vitamins resulting in a beneficial long-term adjuvant in cannabis-treated pain subjects.
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Morales P, Muller C, Jagerovic N, Reggio PH. Targeting CB2 and TRPV1: Computational Approaches for the Identification of Dual Modulators. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:841190. [PMID: 35281260 PMCID: PMC8914543 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.841190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Both metabotropic (CBRs) and ionotropic cannabinoid receptors (ICRs) have implications in a range of neurological disorders. The metabotropic canonical CBRs CB1 and CB2 are highly implicated in these pathological events. However, selective targeting at CB2 versus CB1 offers optimized pharmacology due to the absence of psychoactive outcomes. The ICR transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) has also been reported to play a role in CNS disorders. Thus, activation of both targets, CB2 and TRPV1, offers a promising polypharmacological strategy for the treatment of neurological events including analgesia and neuroprotection. This brief research report aims to identify chemotypes with a potential dual CB2/TRPV1 profile. For this purpose, we have rationalized key structural features for activation and performed virtual screening at both targets using curated chemical libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Morales
- Medicinal Chemistry Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Chanté Muller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Medicinal Chemistry Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia H. Reggio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
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Ngarka L, Siewe Fodjo JN, Aly E, Masocha W, Njamnshi AK. The Interplay Between Neuroinfections, the Immune System and Neurological Disorders: A Focus on Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 12:803475. [PMID: 35095888 PMCID: PMC8792387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.803475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders related to neuroinfections are highly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), constituting a major cause of disability and economic burden for patients and society. These include epilepsy, dementia, motor neuron diseases, headache disorders, sleep disorders, and peripheral neuropathy. The highest prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is in SSA. Consequently, there is a high prevalence of neurological disorders associated with HIV infection such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, motor disorders, chronic headaches, and peripheral neuropathy in the region. The pathogenesis of these neurological disorders involves the direct role of the virus, some antiretroviral treatments, and the dysregulated immune system. Furthermore, the high prevalence of epilepsy in SSA (mainly due to perinatal causes) is exacerbated by infections such as toxoplasmosis, neurocysticercosis, onchocerciasis, malaria, bacterial meningitis, tuberculosis, and the immune reactions they elicit. Sleep disorders are another common problem in the region and have been associated with infectious diseases such as human African trypanosomiasis and HIV and involve the activation of the immune system. While most headache disorders are due to benign primary headaches, some secondary headaches are caused by infections (meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess). HIV and neurosyphilis, both common in SSA, can trigger long-standing immune activation in the central nervous system (CNS) potentially resulting in dementia. Despite the progress achieved in preventing diseases from the poliovirus and retroviruses, these microbes may cause motor neuron diseases in SSA. The immune mechanisms involved in these neurological disorders include increased cytokine levels, immune cells infiltration into the CNS, and autoantibodies. This review focuses on the major neurological disorders relevant to Africa and neuroinfections highly prevalent in SSA, describes the interplay between neuroinfections, immune system, neuroinflammation, and neurological disorders, and how understanding this can be exploited for the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Ngarka
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Neurology, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Esraa Aly
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Alfred K. Njamnshi
- Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Neuroscience Lab, Faculty of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Neurology, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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