Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)-TrkB Signaling in Inflammation-related Depression and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Author(s): Ji-chun Zhang, Wei Yao and Kenji HashimotoPages 1-10 (10) Abstract: Depression is the most prevalent and among the most debilitating of psychiatric disorders. The precise neurobiology of this illness is unknown. Several lines of evidence suggest that peripheral and central inflammation plays a role in depressive symptoms, and that anti-inflammatory drugs canimprove depressive symptoms in patients with inflammation-related depression. Signaling via brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomycin receptor kinase...

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Animal Models of Maternal Immune Activation in Depression Research

Author(s): Marianne Ronovsky, Stefanie Berger, Barbara Molz, Angelika Berger and Daniela D. PollakPages 1-16 (16) Abstract: Background: Depression and schizophrenia are debilitating mental illnesses with significant socio-economic impact. The high degree of comorbidity between the two disorders, shared symptoms and risk factors, suggest partly common pathogenic mechanisms. Supported by human and animal studies, maternal immune activation (MIA) has been intimately associated with the development of schizophrenia. However, the link between MIA...

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Freezing of Gait in Parkinsonism and its Potential Drug Treatment

Author(s): Li-Li Zhang, S. Duff Canning and Xiao-Ping WangPages 302-306 (5) Abstract: Freezing of gait (FOG) is a heterogeneous symptom. Studies of treatment for FOG are scarce. Levodopa and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (rasagiline and selegiline) have shown effective improvement for FOG. Other drugs, such as L-threo-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylserine, amantadine, and botulinum toxin have exhibited some beneficial effects. The present review summarizes...

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Drug Therapy for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Author(s): Feng Wang, Ting-Yi Feng, Shilin Yang, Maurice Preter, Jiang-Ning Zhou and Xiao-Ping WangPages 307-313 (7) Abstract: Dementia, which can be induced by diverse factors, is a clinical syndrome characterized by the decline of cognitive function. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) include depression, agitation, and aggression. Dementia causes a heavy burden on patients and their caregivers. Patients with BPSD should...

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Current Therapy of Drugs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Author(s): Haiyan Lu, Wei Dong Le, Ya-Ying Xie and Xiao-Ping WangPages 314-321 (8) Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly termed as motor neuron disease (MND) in UK, is a chronically lethal disorder among the neurodegenerative diseases, meanwhile. ALS is basically irreversible and progressive deterioration of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brain stem and medulla spinalis. Riluzole, used for the treatment of...

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