JUN-FENG ZHAO^1,†, YI-RAN JIANG^2,†, TIAN-LIN GUO¹, YONG-QING JIAO^1,*, XUN WANG^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.48, No.7, pp. 1011-1022, 2024, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2024.050120 - 03 July 2024

Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases constitute a broad category of diseases caused by the degeneration of the neurons. They are mainly manifested by the gradual loss of neuron structure and function and eventually can cause death or loss of neurons. As the global population ages rapidly, increased people are being diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases. It has been established that the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is closely linked with increasing age and its major pathological features include amyloid-beta plaques (Aβ), Tau hyperphosphorylation, Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), neuronal death as well as synaptic loss. The involvement of microglia is crucial… More >

MOHAMED AGHYAD AL KABBANI^1,2, GILBERT WUNDERLICH^3,4, CHRISTOPH KöHLER⁵, HANS ZEMPEL^1,2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 847-853, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018144 - 15 December 2021

Abstract Tauopathies comprise a spectrum of genetic and sporadic neurodegenerative diseases mainly characterized by the presence of hyperphosphorylated TAU protein aggregations in neurons or glia. Gene therapy, in particular adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based, is an effective medical approach for difficult-to-treat genetic diseases for which there are no convincing traditional therapies, such as tauopathies. Employing AAV-based gene therapy to treat, in particular, genetic tauopathies has many potential therapeutic benefits, but also drawbacks which need to be addressed in order to successfully and efficiently adapt this still unconventional therapy for the various types of tauopathies. In this Viewpoint, we More >

RUXIN ZHANG¹, CHENGGANG LI², RUOCHEN DU¹, YITONG YUAN¹, BICHUN ZHAO¹, YUJUAN ZHANG¹, CHUNFANG WANG^1,*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.3, pp. 583-592, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.017248 - 18 November 2021

Abstract Extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Studies have shown that aggregates of extracellular Aβ can induce neuroinflammation mediated neurotoxic signaling through microglial activation and release of pro-inflammatory factors. Thus, modulation of Aβ might be a potential therapeutic strategy for modifying disease progression. Recently, a large number of reports have confirmed the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on AD. It is believed to reduce neuroinflammation, reduce Aβ amyloid deposits and NFTs, increase acetylcholine levels, promote neurogenesis, reduce neuronal damage, and improve working memory and More >

VIRGINIA VILLALOBOS¹, ERNESTO BONILLA^2,4,*, ALAN CASTELLANO³, ERNESTO NOVO¹, RALPH CASPERSEN⁴, DEBORA GIRALDOTH¹, SHIRLEY MEDINA-LEENDERTZ⁴

BIOCELL, Vol.33, No.3, pp. 187-197, 2009, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2009.33.187

Abstract The effect of manganese toxicity on the ultrastructure of the olfactory bulb was evaluated. Male albino mice were injected intraperitoneally with MnCl₂ (5 mg/Kg/day) five days per week during nine weeks. The control group received NaCl (0.9%). The olfactory bulbs of five mice from each group were processed for transmission electron microscopy after 2, 4, 6 and 9 weeks of manganese treatment. On week 2, some disorganization of the myelin sheaths was observed. After 4 weeks, degenerated neurons with dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and swollen mitochondria appeared. A certain degree of gliosis with a… More >