Neuroinflammation and schizophrenia: The role of Toxoplasma gondii infection and astrocytic dysfunction
Journal of Neuroimmunology,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
unknown, С. 578588 - 578588
Опубликована: Март 1, 2025
Obligate
intracellular
pathogens
such
as
the
protozoan
Toxoplasma
gondii
exploit
host
cell
mechanisms
to
facilitate
their
survival
and
replication.
While
T.
can
infect
any
nucleated
mammalian
cell,
it
exhibits
a
particular
affinity
for
central
nervous
system
cells,
including
neurons,
astrocytes,
microglia.
Among
these,
astrocytes
play
pivotal
role
in
maintaining
neuroimmune
balance,
infection
by
induces
structural
functional
alterations.
Emerging
evidence
suggests
that
these
changes
may
contribute
pathophysiology
of
schizophrenia
(SCZ).
Although
direct
causal
link
between
gondii-induced
astrocytic
dysfunction
SCZ
remains
unproven,
has
been
associated
with
increased
kynurenic
acid
production,
elevated
dopamine
levels,
heightened
inflammatory
cytokines-all
which
are
implicated
pathology.
Additionally,
disrupts
crucial
neurobiological
processes,
N-methyl-d-aspartate
receptor
signaling,
blood-brain
barrier
integrity,
gray
matter
volume,
further
aligning
SCZ-associated
neuropathology.
This
review
underscores
need
targeted
research
into
gondii-mediated
potential
factor
development.
Understanding
mechanistic
links
infection,
alterations,
psychiatric
disorders
open
new
avenues
therapeutic
interventions.
Язык: Английский
Reactive Astrocytosis—A Potential Contributor to Increased Suicide in Long COVID-19 Patients?
Brain Sciences,
Год журнала:
2024,
Номер
14(10), С. 973 - 973
Опубликована: Сен. 27, 2024
Background:
Long
COVID-19
is
an
emerging
chronic
illness
of
significant
public
health
concern
due
to
a
myriad
neuropsychiatric
sequelae,
including
increased
suicidal
ideation
(SI)
and
behavior
(SB).
Methods:
This
review
provides
concise
synthesis
clinical
evidence
that
points
toward
the
dysfunction
astrocytes,
most
abundant
glial
cell
type
in
central
nervous
system,
as
potential
shared
pathology
between
SI/SB
COVID-19.
Results:
Depression,
suicide
risk
factor,
were
both
associated
with
reduced
frequencies
various
astrocyte
subsets
complex
proteomic/transcriptional
changes
astrocyte-related
markers
brain-region-specific
manner.
Astrocyte-related
circulating
depressed
subjects
and,
less
consistent
extent,
patients.
Furthermore,
reactive
astrocytosis
was
observed
those
Conclusions:
Astrocyte
dysfunctions
occurred
depression,
SI/SB,
Reactive-astrocyte-mediated
loss
blood–brain
barrier
(BBB)
integrity
subsequent
neuroinflammation—a
factor
previously
linked
development—might
contribute
individuals
long
As
such,
formulation
new
therapeutic
strategies
restore
homeostasis,
enhance
BBB
integrity,
mitigate
neuroinflammation
may
reduce
SI/SB-associated
manifestations
among
Язык: Английский