Latest Publications
Better understanding complex pathomechanisms in central nervous system disorders as a prerequisite for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches
Piotr Walczak, Shen Li, Xumming Ji, Johannes Boltze
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders are usually characterized by a complex pathophysiology. The last issue of Neuroprotection featured reviews and research articles looking at peripheral factors such as the gut microbiome or a history of pre-eclampsia and their impact on CNS conditions. Articles presented in the current issue of Neuroprotection will shift the focus back to the CNS but will continue to provide insights from recent research that help to better understand the pathophysiological complexity of CNS conditions.
Neuroinflammation is known to be a hallmark and major contributor to many CNS diseases. It comprises both peripheral and central immune cells and can be modulated by frequent comorbidities such as hypertension. Moreover, neuroinflammatory processes can involve cell populations not primarily characterized as immune cells. Psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorders (MDD), are increasingly recognized to be linked to neuroinflammation but also to systemic comorbidities, stress and aging. A better understanding of neuroinflammatory processes in the context of psychiatric conditions may help to identify novel therapeutic targets for better and potentially causal treatment strategies.