28 September 2023
Amsterdam, the Netherlands – A special supplement to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, published by IOS Press, presents insights and new directions in both basic and clinical research into neurodegenerative diseases. Because by 2050, the number of people suffering from brain disorders is estimated to reach 155 million, now is the time to think innovatively to discover new pathways for future brain studies.
Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are currently affecting 55 million people worldwide. With no cure in sight, it is of vital importance to understand more of our brain's biology to alleviate the burden of brain disorders.
Co-Guest Editor of the supplement, Jagannatha Rao Kosagisharaf, PhD, Pro-Chancellor, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF) Deemed to be University, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India; and SNI, INDICASAT AIP, Panama, explains: "One of the key issues is the increased incidence of neurodegenerative disorders in the world population, primarily due to an increase in life expectancy. Despite an enormous upsurge in our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways associated with cell death, the key molecular determinants to modulate these processes in human diseases are still not revealed, hindering the development of effective treatments and prevention avenues for aging and neurodegeneration. In the near future, many new innovative approaches are needed to understand novel molecular pathways and therapeutics in neurodegenerative diseases."
This supplement is a topical collection of curated thematic reviews and research papers on novel molecular pathways and therapeutic challenges in neurodegenerative diseases. It explores the following themes:
- Novel small molecules with neuroprotection properties
- Novel therapeutic approaches other than chemical molecules
- Role of gut microbiota in neurodegeneration therapeutics
- New and novel metabolic pathways in neuronal cell death including novel biomarkers
Caption: Necroptosis is a form of programmed necrosis that promotes cell death and neuroinflammation, and it is suggested that necroptosis is activated in Alzheimer disease (AD) brains, resulting in neuronal death and cognitive impairment. One of the supplement’s articles provides further insight into clinical perspectives and challenges for the future treatment of AD by targeting the necroptosis pathway. Credit: R. Zhang, Y. Song, X. Su, “Necroptosis and Alzheimer’s Disease: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities,” https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-220809, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The supplement encompasses several pioneering approaches to understanding neurodegenerative diseases. "With a series of studies, it explores novel molecular pathways, potential therapeutic targets, non-chemical treatments, and the role of gut microbiota and metabolic pathways in neurodegeneration. Each study makes a unique contribution to our understanding, offering fresh perspectives on neuroprotection properties, disease-modifying strategies, and potential biomarkers in neurodegenerative conditions," says co-Guest Editor Muralidhar L. Hegde, PhD, Division of DNA Repair Research, Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute and Weill Cornell Medical College.
One of the articles explores the benefits of acupuncture therapy (AT) in improving dementia. Previous studies have shown AT positively improves the cognitive function of dementia patients, but systematic multi-target and multi-mechanism studies of AT on dementia patients remain limited and need further exploration.
Lead investigator Yaogang Wang, PhD, School of Integrative Medicine, Public Health Science and Engineering College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, China, notes, "We conducted an integrated analysis of AT in treating Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia to identify shared and mutually independent therapeutic targets and biological mechanisms to provide a comprehensive perspective on the potential therapeutic effects of AT. We conclude that acupuncture as an effective and safe treatment holds additional and considerable benefits in avoiding or mitigating the possible long-term side effects of pharmacological therapy, assisting the current management strategy, as well as improving the patients’ quality of life and relieving the pressure on health systems."
Caption: Functional enrichment analysis of acupuncture therapeutic targets associated with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Credit: D. Li et al., “Acupuncture Therapy on Dementia: Explained with an Integrated Analysis on Therapeutic Targets and Associated Mechanisms,” https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-221018, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Dr. Jagannatha Rao concludes: "This supplement represents the significant progress in the ongoing exploration of neurodegenerative diseases. It delivers a wealth of insights that enhance our comprehension of these conditions, providing hope for a brighter future in neurotherapeutics. The promising developments presented underscore the urgency and potential in neurodegenerative research and illuminate our path towards overcoming these challenging health issues by 2050."
“Families of those with Alzheimer’s disease are waiting for novel insights that can lead to effective therapeutics and an eventual cure. This issue brings together ideas from some of the brightest minds to move the field forward,” adds George Perry, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, and Semmes Foundation Distinguished University Chair in Neurobiology at The University of Texas at San Antonio.
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NOTES FOR EDITORS
The supplement is Novel Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic Challenges in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Guest Editors:
Dr. Jagannatha Rao KS, Panama and India
Dr. Lezanne Ooi, Australia
Dr. Muralidhar L Hegde, USA
Dr. Yan Zhang, China
Dr. Nancy Y. Ip, Hong Kong
Dr. Mohammad Nami, Dubai and Iran
Dr. Mikko Hiltunen, Finland
Dr. John Jia En Chua, Singapore
Dr. Cecilia Bouzat, Argentina
Dr. Samuel J.K. Abraham, Japan
The supplement is published as Volume 94, Supplement 1 of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. All articles are openly available at https://content.iospress.com/journals/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/94/s...
The featured article is "Acupuncture Therapy on Dementia: Explained with an Integrated Analysis on Therapeutic Targets and Associated Mechanisms," by Dun Li, Hongxi Yang, Mingqian Lyu, Ju Wang, Weili Xu and Yaogang Wang (https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-221018).
For further information contact Diana Murray, IOS Press, at +1 718-640-5678 or d.murray@iospress.com. Journalists wishing to interview the Guest Editors or authors should contact Jagannatha Rao KS at kjr5n2009@gmail.com or Muralidhar L. Hegde at mlhegde@houstonmethodist.org.
The Guest Editors wish to acknowledge the National Secretariat of Science and Technology (SENACYT), Republic of Panama, for the financial support through a grant to cover the cost of the issue.
ABOUT THE JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE (JAD)
The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (JAD) is an international multidisciplinary journal to facilitate progress in understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics, behavior, treatment, and psychology of Alzheimer's disease. The journal publishes research reports, reviews, short communications, book reviews, and letters-to-the-editor. Groundbreaking research that has appeared in the journal includes novel therapeutic targets, mechanisms of disease, and clinical trial outcomes. JAD has a Journal Impact Factor of 4.0 according to Journal Citation Reports™ (Clarivate, 2023). www.j-alz.com
ABOUT IOS PRESS
IOS Press is an independent international scientific, technical, medical (STM) publishing house established in 1987 in Amsterdam. We produce around 90 journals and 70 books annually in a broad range of subject categories, primarily specializing in health and life sciences (including neurosciences, medical informatics, cancer research, and rehabilitation) and computer sciences (including artificial intelligence, data science, and semantic web). In addition, we offer specialized services that support scientific advancement. www.iospress.com
