Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders represent a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Despite extensive research, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these disorders remain inadequately understood. Neuroinflammation, characterized by elevated ...
Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders represent a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Despite extensive research, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these disorders remain inadequately understood. Neuroinflammation, characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory molecules within the Central Nervous System (CNS), is a double-edged sword; it is crucial for recovery from various conditions but can also exacerbate neurodegenerative processes. The triggers for neuroinflammation are diverse, including protein aggregates, mediators from injured neurons, and the accumulation of abnormally modified cellular components. Recent studies in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Vascular Dementia have highlighted the pivotal role of chronic inflammation in neurodegeneration. Although alterations in signaling pathways across different nervous system cells have been implicated, a comprehensive understanding remains elusive. The limited success of current treatments underscores the potential of targeting inflammatory signaling pathways as a therapeutic strategy. Promising results from animal models and clinical trials suggest that addressing inflammation could be key to managing neurodegenerative diseases. However, the interplay between chronic infections, metabolic diseases, and vascular dysfunction in neurodegeneration necessitates further exploration.
This research topic aims to elucidate the cellular, tissue, and systemic mechanisms by which inflammatory processes contribute to neurodegeneration. The primary objectives include identifying specific inflammatory pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases, understanding the role of neuroinflammation in disease progression, and exploring potential pharmacological targets for therapeutic intervention. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to bridge existing knowledge gaps and pave the way for innovative treatment strategies.
To gather further insights into the complex interplay between inflammation and neurodegeneration, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Neuroinflammation related to chronic infections, metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes), vascular diseases, ischemic stroke, and brain tumors.
- The role of the microbiota and gut-brain axis in neurodegeneration.
- The concept of inflammaging in neurodegenerative disorders.
- Identification and validation of blood or other biomarkers of neuroinflammation.
- Development and evaluation of drug therapies targeting chronic inflammation in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases
Keywords:
neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, inflammatory pathways, biomarkers, immune response, inflammaging
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.