Dear colleagues,
I am delighted to introduce to you our last issue of 2016 featuring up-to-date research on neuroinflammation in suicide, neuroplasticity in neurodegenerative diseases as well as treatment options and biomarkers in euthymic cancer patients, anorexia nervosa and dementia.
At the outset, a review by Courtet and colleagues presents literature on the possible role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of suicide. Post mortem studies reveal associations between suicide and cytokines that are detected in the orbitofrontal cortex. Additionally, microgliosis and monocytemacrophage system activation may be a potential biomarker for suicidal neurobiology. Further translational research is needed in order to identify a specific marker in suicidal behaviour.
Schaefers and Teuchert-Noodt discuss whether neuroplasticity may indicate a link between early life challenges and neurodegeneration. They do find significant overlaps between neuroplasticity and neurodegenerative processes later in life. The authors propose that a deeper understanding into these processes is needed in order to design strategies to mitigate or hopefully prevent neurodegeneration.
Loganovsky and associates assessed the bioelectric activity and cognitive functions in workers of the project shelter object (SO) in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It emerged that bioelectrical disturbances were detected in the frontotemporal and temporal areas. In addition, neurocognitive tests revealed the presence of mild cognitive disorders. As a conclusion, the abnormalities observed may represent cognitive symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resulting from ionizing radiation exposure.
Saligan et al, investigated the plasma concentrations of neurotrophic factors and initial fatigue during external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in euthymic non-metastatic prostate cancer patients. Significant decrease in BDNF levels was detected in fatigued patients during EBRT while neurotrophic SNAPIN levels were associated with fatigue scores at baseline. These neurotrophics may influence worsening of fatigue during EBRT.
Paszynska and colleagues measured the salivary and serum free insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) concentrations in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients in comparison to healthy controls. Results revealed reductions in salivary unstimulated flow rate (UFR), pH and free IGF-1 levels in the saliva and serum of AN patients. The results indicate that salivary and IGF-1 level analyses may serve as a biochemical indicator of malnutrition in AN patients.
Von Gunten and co-workers reviewed the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) in four published trials, involving 1628 outpatients with mild to moderate dementia. Their pooled analysis revealed that BPSD, activites of daily living, clinical global impression and quality of life favoured EGb 761®. Their results provide evidence that a daily dose of 240 mg in the treatment of outpatients with Alzheimer’s, vascular or mixed dementia is efficacious.
In their brief report, Regen and associates discuss and assess the effect of minocycline on the retinoic acid (RA) homeostasis in murine and human neuronal cells. They detected that minocycline blocks RA degradation even at low micromolar levels. The results suggest enhanced RA signalling to be involved in minocycline’s pleiotropic mode of action in the CNS. As a conclusion, this mode of action may help in developing more specific and effective methods for the treatment of neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative disorders.
Yours sincerely,
Siegfried Kasper, MD
Chief Editor