Evidence from both inherited and acquired forms of peripheral neuropathy strongly supports that the primary pathology is in the axons themselves and points to disruption of axonal

LB-100 research buy transport as an important disease mechanism. Recent studies in human genetics have further identified abnormalities in mitochondrial dynamics-the fusion, fission, and movement of mitochondria – as a player in the pathogenesis of inherited peripheral neuropathy. This review provides an update on the mechanisms of mitochondrial trafficking in axons and the emerging relationship between the disruption of mitochondrial dynamics and axonal degeneration. Evidence suggests mitochondria are a “”critical cargo”" whose transport is necessary for proper axonal and synaptic function. Importantly, understanding the regulation of mitochondrial movement and the consequences of decreased axonal mitochondrial function may define new paths for therapeutic agents in peripheral neuropathy

and other neurodegenerative diseases.”
“Many diverse hypotheses on aging are in play. All from “”aging genes”" over decreasing telomere length to increased CUDC-907 in vitro level of gene mutations has been suggested to determine an organism’s lifespan, but no unifying theory exists. As part of a growing interest toward more integrative approaches in the field we propose a simplistic model based on the “”use-it-or-lose-it”" concept: we hypothesize that biological aging is a systemic property and the down side of adaptation in complex biological networks at various levels of organization: from brain over the immune system to specialized tissues or organs. The simple dynamical model undergoes three phases during its lifetime: (1) general plasticity (childhood), (2) optimization/adaptation BV-6 solubility dmso to given conditions (youth and adolescence) and (3) steady state associated with high rigidity (aging). Furthermore, our model mimics recent data

on the dynamics of the immune system during aging and, although simplistic, thus captures essential characteristics of the aging process. Finally, we discuss the abstract model in relation to current knowledge on aging and propose experimental setups for testing some of the theoretical predictions. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Neuroimaging and electrophysiological investigations have demonstrated numerous differences in brain morphology and function of chronic schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls. Studying patients at the beginning of their disease without the confounding effects of chronicity, medication, and institutionalization may provide a better understanding of schizophrenia. Recently, at many institutions around the world, special projects have been launched for specialized treatment and research of this interesting patient group.