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Vol 110, No 11 (2024)
REVIEW
Neurosteroid hormone vitamin D: modern prospects
Abstract
Vitamin D (calciferol) is a key vitamin, playing an important role in the regulation of the musculoskeletal, immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for multiple brain disorders. Data are also accumulating on the neuroprotective properties of vitamin D, its ability to improve neuronal function and reduce brain disorders. Here, we focus on the latest clinical and preclinical (rodents and zebrafish) data on the role of vitamin D as a neurosteroid hormone, its role in regulating the synthesis and functions of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors. A better understanding of the role of vitamin D in brain function may lead to new approaches to the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency-related brain disorders.
1801–1823
On functional heterogeneity of micro- and astroglia
Abstract
Neuroglia is an important component of the nervous system, and its role in the brain has recently been actively reconsidered. In addition to maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS), glial cells are involved in the pathogenesis of many brain diseases, which makes their further study highly relevant translationally. With the development of novel research methods, data on greater heterogeneity of glia cells are becoming available, calling for revising the existing classification of microglia and astroglia, as some of them do not fit into the current binary paradigm. Here, we discuss cross-taxon features of microglia and astrocyte cells in mammals and zebrafish, and recent data on glia in normal and pathological conditions, which may form the basis for a new systematics of neuroglia and, eventually, help identify novel therapeutic targets.
1824-1845
Endothelium, aging and vascular diseases
Abstract
Aging of the organism is inextricably linked with endothelial dysfunction and the development of vascular diseases. However, age per se is only one of the factors of vascular aging. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the mechanisms of aging and death of endothelial cells (EC). Senescence of EC can be associated with endothelial reprogramming, when cells acquire an immunological phenotype or are transformed into myofibroblasts (endothelial-immune or endothelial-mesenchymal transition, respectively). Atherosclerosis is perhaps the most well-known vascular pathology that initiates other diseases. Atherosclerosis is one of the most well-known vascular diseases, which initiates other, more severe diseases. The mechanisms of atherosclerosis development are associated not only with an increased level of "bad" cholesterol, but also with the desialylation of lipoproteins and the simultaneous desialylation of EC. Many factors related to heredity, lifestyle, frequency and intensity of infectious diseases cause damage to the EC and early aging of blood vessels, which leads to secondary vascular diseases, accelerated aging of the body, cognitive impairment and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The review highlights some of these processes, their chronological and functional relationships.
1846–1874