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Neuropharmacology and Brain Physiology: From Molecular Mechanisms to Medicines Application

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 4060

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA)—Pharmacology and Toxicology Session, University of Florence (UNIFI), 50139 Florence, Italy
Interests: neuropharmacology; neuroscience; drug discovery; brain histamine; brain carbonic anhydrases; oxytocin
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neuropharmacology is a dynamic field that has seen significant advancements in recent years. Research has uncovered intricate details about the neurotransmitter systems, receptor dynamics, and intracellular signaling pathways that regulate neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity. For instance, studies on the dopaminergic system have elucidated its role in reward processing and motor control, while investigations into glutamatergic and GABAergic systems have shed light on excitatory and inhibitory balance in the brain. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, and schizophrenia, have been increasingly delineated, revealing potential targets for pharmacological intervention.

This Special Issue will highlight the translational aspect of neuropharmacology by presenting research on the development of novel pharmacological agents and therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating these molecular targets. Through this Special Issue, we will bridge the gap between basic molecular research and clinical application, fostering a deeper understanding of how molecular mechanisms can be harnessed to develop effective treatments for brain disorders. Researchers are invited to submit original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to this dynamic and evolving field.

Dr. Gustavo Provensi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • neuropsychopharmacology
  • neurotransmitters
  • neuropeptides
  • receptor proteins
  • agonist
  • competitive antagonist
  • non-competitive antagonist

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4715 KiB  
Article
Respiratory Muscle Injury Following Acute Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia) Envenoming: Histopathological Study in Rat Diaphragm
by Wanida Chuaikhongthong, Wipapan Khimmaktong, Natyamee Thipthong, Nissara Lorthong and Janeyuth Chaisakul
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47020086 - 29 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Clinical symptoms of monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) envenoming include the paralysis of extraocular muscles, local tissue necrosis and death through respiratory failure. These neurotoxic outcomes are mainly due to the inhibitory action of postsynaptic neurotoxins to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, injuries [...] Read more.
Clinical symptoms of monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) envenoming include the paralysis of extraocular muscles, local tissue necrosis and death through respiratory failure. These neurotoxic outcomes are mainly due to the inhibitory action of postsynaptic neurotoxins to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, injuries involving respiratory muscles have rarely been investigated. In this study, we determined the effect of N. kaouthia envenoming on morphological changes in the rat diaphragm. The efficacy of cobra monovalent antivenom in neutralising the histopathological effects of N. kaouthia venom was also evaluated. The intramuscular (i.m.) administration of N. kaouthia venom (2 mg/kg) caused skeletal muscle fibre atrophy and ruptures of myofibrils shown via a light microscope study. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the zig-zagging of the Z-band, mitochondrial damages and degeneration of the synaptic fold of the neuromuscular junction following experimental cobra envenoming for 4 h. Intravenous administration of cobra antivenom at manufacturer-recommended doses diminished histopathological changes in the diaphragm following the administration of cobra venom. The expression of NF-kB and MuRF1 in the experimentally N. kaouthia-envenomed diaphragm indicated inflammation and tissue atrophy in the immunofluorescence analysis, respectively. In this study, we found that there were respiratory muscle injuries following N. kaouthia envenoming. The early administration of monovalent N. kaouthia antivenom is capable of neutralising neurotoxic outcomes following cobra envenoming. Full article
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15 pages, 3119 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Modified Citrus Pectin’s Effects on Dementia in the Scopolamine-Induced Alzheimer’s Model in Adult Male Wistar Rats
by Jale Akgöl, Özden Kutlay, Arzu Keskin Aktan and Fatma Fırat
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(12), 13922-13936; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46120832 - 11 Dec 2024
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Abstract
Modified citrus pectin (MCP) modulates galectin-3, a key player in neuroinflammation linked to Alzheimer’s disease. By inhibiting galectin-3, MCP reduces the brain’s inflammatory response and may alleviate cognitive decline. This study examines MCP’s impact on neuroinflammation, cognitive function, and its role in galectin-3 [...] Read more.
Modified citrus pectin (MCP) modulates galectin-3, a key player in neuroinflammation linked to Alzheimer’s disease. By inhibiting galectin-3, MCP reduces the brain’s inflammatory response and may alleviate cognitive decline. This study examines MCP’s impact on neuroinflammation, cognitive function, and its role in galectin-3 inhibition in a dementia model. Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: control (n = 6), scopolamine (SCP) (n = 7), SCP + MCP (n = 7), and MCP only (n = 7). MCP was administered orally at 100 mg/kg/day via drinking water for six weeks. SCP was injected intraperitoneally at 1 mg/kg for seven days to induce an Alzheimer’s-type dementia model. The researchers assessed cognitive performance through the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test. After behavioral tests, blood and brain tissues, including the hippocampus, were collected and stored at −80 °C for analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and galectin-3). The data were analyzed with SPSS 22. SCP treatment increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and elevated inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and galectin-3), while reducing BDNF and impairing spatial memory. Co-administering MCP with SCP significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and galectin-3 levels; increased BDNF; and improved memory performance. Although MCP did not lower MDA levels, it boosted SOD activity, suggesting antioxidant effects. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) alleviated cognitive impairments and reduced neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s-type dementia by inhibiting galectin-3. MCP also exhibited antioxidant potential, underscoring its therapeutic promise for neurodegenerative diseases. Full article
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Review

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27 pages, 3470 KiB  
Review
Towards Effective Treatment of Glioblastoma: The Role of Combination Therapies and the Potential of Phytotherapy and Micotherapy
by Ludovica Gaiaschi, Maria Grazia Bottone and Fabrizio De Luca
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(12), 14324-14350; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46120859 - 19 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1227
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumors, with a poor prognosis due to its high resistance to conventional therapies. Current treatment options, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have limited effectiveness in improving long-term survival. Despite the [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumors, with a poor prognosis due to its high resistance to conventional therapies. Current treatment options, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have limited effectiveness in improving long-term survival. Despite the emergence of new therapies, monotherapy approaches have not shown significant improvements, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Combination therapies appear to be the most promising solution, as they target multiple molecular pathways involved in GBM progression. One area of growing interest is the incorporation of phytotherapy and micotherapy as complementary treatments, which offer potential benefits due to their anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. This review examines the current challenges in GBM treatment, discusses the potential of combination therapies, and highlights the promising role of phytotherapy and micotherapy as integrative therapeutic options for GBM management. Full article
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