The Role of Inflammation in Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Disorders

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Background

The pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, among others, has recently been related to the inflammatory response. Neuroinflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of these diseases and causes dysfunctions of the nervous system. Microglial cell activation-induced neuroinflammation in the central nervous system may contribute to the pathological development of neurodegenerative diseases that impair cognition and cause neuronal dysfunction. The pathology of neurodegeneration and long-term cognitive impairment may both be influenced by systemic inflammation. Some pathophysiological processes leading to psychosis, such as glutamatergic anomalies and oxidative damage, are associated with the pro-inflammatory response of the disease. In addition, psychological distress had been suspected to affect immunosurveillance, having an impact on autoimmune diseases, cancer progression, and anti-tumor therapies.

Neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, which are characterized by inflammation in specific brain regions and lead to clinical symptoms and brain dysfunction, impose a significant health burden, especially on older individuals. The association between neurodegenerative diseases that develop later in life and psychiatric issues that often arise during adolescence or middle age is supported by various lines of evidence. Additionally, the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders may be linked to the immune surveillance of the central nervous system (CNS).
Given the intricate biology underlying psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, there are still numerous critical questions that demand attention. It is vital to comprehend the pathogenic mechanisms involving inflammation in these diseases and to explore secure and effective treatment options. Therefore, the objective of this Research Topic is to delve into the role of inflammation in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, aiming to uncover novel therapeutic strategies capable of controlling the onset or progression of these conditions.

Potential topics included, but are not limited, to the following:
• The role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disorders;
• The role of neuroinflammation in neuropsychiatric disorders;
• Novel experimental models used to examine the role of neuroinflammation in degenerative and psychiatric illnesses;
• The effect of microglia activation in Alzheimer’s disease;
• Novel biomarkers for AD patients derived from cytokines or chemokines.
• Therapeutic approaches that could modulate neuroinflammation in these diseases
• The impacts of psychological distress on autoimmune diseases, cancer progression, and anti-tumor therapies.
• Novel biomarkers for modulating the crosstalk between psychological distress and immunosurveillance.
• Neuronal brain circuit alterations involved in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders

Keywords: Neuroinflammation, Neurodegenerative disorders, Psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, Glia cells, Immunosurveillance

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