Review
Cell Biology
Diana M. Carp, Yun Liang
Summary: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have great potential for treating autoimmune diseases due to their immunomodulatory properties. Choosing the best universal donor and comparing universal and personalized approaches is crucial. Factors such as MHC matching, age, sex, and biological sources of MSCs can impact therapy outcomes.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alessandra Alciati, Angelo Reggiani, Daniela Caldirola, Giampaolo Perna
Summary: Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology is an innovative tool for modeling psychiatric disorders, expanding pathophysiological knowledge, and providing treatment perspectives. iPSCs cultured under conditions that mimic brain tissue organization effectively reflect patient pathophysiology and pharmacological responsiveness. Gene editing offers a unique opportunity to repair disease-causing genetic lesions in patient-derived cells.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Pediatrics
Jiayang Qu, Zicai Liu, Lincai Li, Zhengwei Zou, Zhengyi He, Lin Zhou, Yaolin Luo, Minhong Zhang, Junsong Ye
Summary: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that stem cell therapy may be safe and effective for children with autism. However, the limited study size, lack of standardized injection routes and doses of stem cells, as well as shortages in diagnostic tools and long-term follow-up studies compromise the evidence. More studies are needed to systematically confirm the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Makoto Nabetani, Takeo Mukai, Akihiko Taguchi
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence worldwide. The relationship between ASD and neuroinflammation, microglia, and glucose metabolism has been extensively studied. Cell therapies have shown promising results in clinical studies for ASD treatment, suggesting a new paradigm for autism therapy.
CELL TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Justyna Paprocka, Konrad Kaminiow, Sylwia Kozak, Karolina Sztuba, Ewa Emich-Widera
Summary: ASD and CP are common neurodevelopmental diseases with multifactorial origin. Stem cell therapy shows promise as a potential treatment for these conditions, addressing symptoms such as social communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, motor disabilities, and cognitive impairments. Challenges remain due to existing gaps in knowledge and patient heterogeneity.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chiara Villa, Romina Combi, Donatella Conconi, Marialuisa Lavitrano
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder is a group of neurodevelopmental diseases with complex etiology, limited by a lack of relevant human disease models. The development of iPSCs technology provides a promising cellular tool for disease modeling and development of novel drug treatments.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carl Randall Harrell, Ana Volarevic, Valentin Djonov, Vladislav Volarevic
Summary: MSC-Exo, enriched with neuroprotective and immunomodulatory microRNAs, growth factors, and cytokines, have been shown to improve cognitive impairment in experimental animals by attenuating neuro-inflammation, promoting neo-vascularization, inducing neurogenesis and reducing apoptotic loss of neural cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xiao-Fei Zhang, Ting Wang, Zi-Xuan Wang, Kun-Peng Huang, Yun-Wei Zhang, Guo-Liang Wang, Hong-Ji Zhang, Zi-Han Chen, Chang-Yan Wang, Jin-Xiang Zhang, Hui Wang
Summary: In a hypoxic microenvironment, ucMSCs enhance endothelial cell proliferation and migration through exosome-mediated paracrine function, accelerating wound healing. miR-125b in hypoxic exosomes targets and suppresses TP53INP1, alleviating hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis and promoting cutaneous repair.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Stephanie Petty, Amelie Trickett, Kyra Thompson, Rebeka Garbutt, Mollie Saunders
Summary: Autistic adults have a higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression compared to their non-autistic peers. Clinicians need to better understand the emotional distress of autistic individuals and provide appropriate therapeutic interventions. A small sample study found that unexpected and overwhelming emotions in autistic patients were caused by fear of the unknown, loss of control, sensory demands, injustices, and everyday stressors. Autistic patients cope with these emotions by withdrawing and seeking practical help to remove the causes of distress.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Showkat Ul Nabi, Muneeb U. Rehman, Azher Arafah, Syed Taifa, Iqra Shafi Khan, Andleeb Khan, Summya Rashid, Fatimah Jan, Hilal Ahmad Wani, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad
Summary: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Recent epidemiological studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of autism, with mitochondrial dysfunction playing a potential role in the progression of the disease. Limited research has focused on the association between mitochondrial dysfunction and autism, despite accumulating evidence suggesting its significance. This review aims to discuss the risk factors, role of mitochondria, genetic determinants, possible pathogenic pathways, and current therapeutic regimens for autism, as well as novel treatments being investigated in clinical trials.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John Lenon de Souza Santos, Cecilia de Almeida Araujo, Clarissa Araujo Gurgel Rocha, Zaquer Suzana Munhoz Costa-Ferro, Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
Summary: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders that affect communication and social interactions. The understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying ASD is still limited. Recent advancements in cellular reprogramming technology have allowed the generation of patient-specific cell models for mechanistic studies. Brain organoids derived from these cells have provided significant advances in the reproducibility of early human brain development, contributing to the study of ASD.
Article
Psychiatry
Narges Sharifzadeh, Ali Ghasemi, Jalil Tavakol Afshari, Fatemeh Moharari, Atefeh Soltanifar, Ali Talaei, Hamid Reza Pouryousof, Mahsa Nahidi, Mohammad Reza Fayyazi Bordbar, Maliheh Ziaee
Summary: This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of treatment with autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSCs) compared with the routine treatment in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results showed that intrathecal injection of autologous BMMSCs seems to be safe and feasible, but has limited clinical efficacy in the treatment of children with ASD.
ASIA-PACIFIC PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
George T. Chen, Daniel H. Geschwind
Summary: Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) encompass a wide range of disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), which are linked to brain developmental processes. The clinical treatment of these disorders has traditionally focused on symptom management due to the variability in developmental disruption and limited knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms. With the identification of several hundred genes associated with ASD and SCZ, there is potential for new therapeutic approaches and the opportunity for precision medicine. This review discusses the progress in research technologies that enhance our understanding of disease progression and highlights advances in targeted clinical treatment and ongoing preclinical efforts in NDD precision medicine.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Maryam Ghasemi, Elham Roshandel, Mozhdeh Mohammadian, Behrouz Farhadihosseinabadi, Parvin Akbarzadehlaleh, Karim Shamsasenjan
Summary: In recent years, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have gained scientific attention for their potential in treating incurable diseases. However, concerns about side effects and limitations of direct cell transplantation have led to the exploration of MSC secretome, which consists of bioactive molecules involved in neuro-regeneration. This study reviews the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of MSC secretome in central nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease, with the aim of discovering new treatment options.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Petty Stephanie, Charlotte Donaldson, Whetton Jesse, Baxter Natasha
Summary: Autistic adults often receive comorbid mental health diagnoses, but the recommended therapies for their difficulties often fail to meet their diverse needs. This qualitative study sought specialist opinion on achievable adaptations to therapy and service design for autistic clients. Clinicians described the changes implemented within therapy and by the service as a whole, including increasing understanding of clients' needs and reducing sensory demands.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Priscila Medeiros, Ieda Regina dos Santos, Ivair Matias Junior, Enza Palazzo, Jose Aparecido da Silva, Helio Rubens Machado, Sergio Henrique Ferreira, Sabatino Maione, Norberto Cysne Coimbra, Renato Leonardo de Freitas
Summary: This study investigated the effects of an adapted CCI model with a single ligature around the sciatic nerve on sensory, affective, cognitive, and motor functions. The results showed that this adaptation induced symptoms comparable to the traditional CCI model with four ligatures, such as mechanical allodynia and emotional behavior changes, without causing autotomy.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Reinier Cardentey Sanchez, Amado Diaz de la Fe, Alejandro Pelaez Suarez, Dayme Grass, Teresa Morgado Vega, Armando Sanchez Canal, Dario Siniscalco, Maria de los Angeles Robinson Agramonte
Summary: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease that lacks a curative treatment. The use of interferon beta 1a has shown safety and efficacy in treating relapsing remitting MS patients, with significant reductions in attacks, disability scale scores, and lesions observed.
DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monica Iannotta, Carmela Belardo, Maria Consiglia Trotta, Fabio Arturo Iannotti, Rosa Maria Vitale, Rosa Maisto, Serena Boccella, Rosmara Infantino, Flavia Ricciardi, Benito Fabio Mirto, Franca Ferraraccio, Iacopo Panarese, Pietro Amodeo, Lea Tunisi, Luigia Cristino, Michele D'Amico, Vincenzo di Marzo, Livio Luongo, Sabatino Maione, Francesca Guida
Summary: The study demonstrates that N-palmitoyl-D-glucosamine (PGA) acts as a TLR4 antagonist, effectively inhibiting inflammatory response and showing beneficial effects in various experimental settings, including prevention and alleviation of keratitis and peripheral neuropathy. PGA stands out for its high stability and anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool for the development of new TLR4 modulating drugs targeting the cytokine storm and chronic inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Serena Boccella, Francesca Guida, Monica Iannotta, Fabio Arturo Iannotti, Rosmara Infantino, Flavia Ricciardi, Claudia Cristiano, Rosa Maria Vitale, Pietro Amodeo, Ida Marabese, Carmela Belardo, Vito de Novellis, Salvatore Paino, Enza Palazzo, Antonio Calignano, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Sabatino Maione, Livio Luongo
Summary: Neuropathic pain, a complex disease involving the whole pain neuraxis, remains untreatable; however, treatment with PEA-OXA shows promise in alleviating symptoms associated with neuropathic pain.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephen Schultz, Georgianna G. Gould, Nicola Antonucci, Anna Lisa Brigida, Dario Siniscalco
Summary: Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, are core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Strong inflammation has been associated with ASD, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may play a role in ASD pathophysiology. Acetaminophen use has been linked to an increased risk of ASD.
Review
Psychiatry
Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte, Carlos-Alberto Goncalves, Elena Noris-Garcia, Naybi Prendes Rivero, Anna Lisa Brigida, Stephen Schultz, Dario Siniscalco, Ramiro Jorge Garcia Garcia
Summary: There is a variable expression of clinical neurological manifestations in patients with COVID-19, including symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, impaired consciousness, ageusia, anosmia, radicular pain, and headache. Neuropsychiatric disorders associated with COVID-19 show exacerbation with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, mood alterations, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, delirium, and cognitive impairment. The involvement of the immune system in the pathological mechanism of COVID-19 and its impact on mental health disorders is suggested.
WORLD JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte, Elena Noris Garcia, Jarasca Fraga Guerra, Yamile Vega Hurtado, Nicola Antonucci, Neomar Semprun-Hernandez, Stephen Schultz, Dario Siniscalco
Summary: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. The immune hypothesis plays a major role in ASD pathogenesis and explains the variability in clinical phenotypes and comorbidities. Evidence suggests a link between immune dysfunction and behavioral traits in ASD. This review summarizes current understanding of immune dysfunction in ASD, particularly the impact of maternal immune factors, comorbidities, and other relevant factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Psychiatry
Francesca Bonomini, Dario Siniscalco, Stephen Schultz, Carla Carnovale, Catherine Barthelemy, Elisa Maria Fazzi
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Hari Shanker Sharma, Michael Chopp, Lin Chen, Anna Sarnowska, Mengzhou Xue, Qiang Ao, Dario Siniscalco, Lukui Chen, Ziad Hawamdeh, Hongyun Huang
Summary: Breakthroughs in Neurorestoratology in 2021 include important findings on the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, neurorestorative mechanisms, and clinical therapeutic achievements. The pathogenesis and risk factors of Alzheimer's disease have been a prominent research topic. The presence of neural stem cells in the adult human brain and their role in neurogenesis remain controversial. Cell-based therapies and brain-computer interfaces show promise in neurorestorative treatments. The approval of Aducanumab and Sodium Oligomannate for Alzheimer's disease treatment has faced controversy.
JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte, Teresa Serrano Sanchez, Elena Noris Garcia, Orlando Rafael Serrano Barrera, Dario Siniscalco
Summary: The neuropsychiatric manifestations of viral infections are mainly attributed to immunological reactions. The pathogenesis is still not fully understood, but new therapeutic strategies, such as vaccination, are emerging and showing promise in recovery and reducing death. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has a profound impact on the nervous system, although the mechanisms of neuroinvasion, brain injury, and long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae are not fully understood. Therefore, understanding the post-infectious manifestations of COVID-19 is crucial for managing neuropsychiatric diseases. This review summarizes papers published by Cuban authors on COVID-19 and the nervous system, focusing on cognitive and affective emotional states, pathogenesis, biomarkers, clinical manifestations, and intervention strategies.
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Javier Curi de Bardet, Celeste Ramirez Cardentey, Belkis Lopez Gonzalez, Deanira Patrone, Idania Lores Mulet, Dario Siniscalco, Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte
Summary: Somatic human cells have a finite number of divisions called the Hayflick limit, due to the progressive erosion of telomeres. Researchers have developed cell immortalization technology by studying the cellular and molecular bases and controlling genes of the cell cycle, which allows the generation of cells with infinite replicative capacity.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Narjara Castillo-Ferran, Juan Mario Junco-Rodriguez, Zurina Lestayo-O'Farrill, Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte, Zoilo Camejo-Leon, Hector Jesus Gomez-Suarez, Mercedes Salinas-Olivares, Evelyn Antiguas-Valdez, Elizabeth Falcon-Lamazares, Dario Siniscalco
Summary: Congenital myopathies (CMs) are a group of diseases characterized by muscle weakness and hypotonia. Centronuclear CM, characterized by centrally located nuclei in muscle fibers, was diagnosed in a 22-year-old male patient with muscle weakness since childhood. Neurogenic patterns were observed in electromyography and neuroconduction studies showed motor nerve involvement. The presence of fibers with central nuclei confirmed the diagnosis of CM. Understanding the pathological findings in CM is important for early treatment.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Deanira Patrone, Nicola Alessio, Nicola Antonucci, Anna Lisa Brigida, Gianfranco Peluso, Umberto Galderisi, Dario Siniscalco
Summary: Managing medical procedures for children with problematic disorders, particularly in cases requiring blood withdrawal for those with autism spectrum disorder, poses challenges. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are crucial for studying immune responses and drug toxicity. Monocytic cells within PBMC play significant roles in pathophysiological processes like inflammation and immune system alterations. This study introduces a simple and reliable protocol for isolating PBMC from small volumes of blood, facilitating research in these areas.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Hongyun Huang, Lin Chen, Michael Chopp, Wise Young, John Robert Bach, Xijing He, Anna Sarnowaska, Mengzhou Xue, Robert Chunhua Zhao, Ashok Shetty, Dario Siniscalco, Xiaoling Guo, Alireza Khoshnevisan, Ziad Hawamdeh
Summary: The field of Neurorestoratology made significant achievements and progress in 2020, including research findings, clinical therapeutic advancements, and the publication of four clinical guidelines. Therapeutic modalities such as cell therapies, neurostimulation, brain-computer interfaces, and pharmaceutical treatments improved neurological functions and quality of life for patients.
JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Amado Diaz de la Fe, Alejandro Armando Pelaez Suarez, Marinet Fuentes Campos, Maivis Noemi Cabrera Hernandez, Carlos-Alberto Goncalves, Stephen Schultz, Dario Siniscalco, Maria Angeles Robinson-Agramonte
Summary: Neurologists are focusing on early signs of neurological impact in COVID-19 pandemic, while also exploring the relationship between chronic diseases and symptoms of COVID-19 infection. The review summarizes evidence on managing risks of multiple sclerosis with SARS-CoV-2 infection and discusses general comorbidities associated with COVID-19.
