Brain Iron Cross Talk

This book explores the molecular mechanisms of iron hemostasis in the brain and discusses the cognitive and behavioral implications of iron deficiency. It presents the effect of iron dysregulation on neurophysiological mechanisms. The book provides an overview of iron metabolism and homeostasis at the cellular level and its regulation at the mRNA translation level. It emphasizes the importance of iron for brain development in fetal and early life in preterm infants. Further, it presents iron metabolism as a therapeutic target for novel pharmacological treatment against neurodevelopmental diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. It discusses the role of iron deficiency in sleep disorders and offers diagnosis and treatment of iron-related CNS diseases. Finally, it relates dysregulated expression of iron-related genes in brain tumors. ​​

This book reviews the role of trace elements in brain development, function, metabolism, and neurodegenerative disorders. It explores the molecular mechanisms of the effects of trace elements on metabolic pathways, mitochondrial nutrients, neurodegeneration, Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, cell signaling, and neuronal functions. The book also discusses transport mechanisms of trace elements within CNS and their impact on neurotransmitter biology. Further, it examines the deleterious effects due to dyshomeostasis of trace elements in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in damage to neurons and glial cells through the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress turn leading to neurodegeneration and neurological dysfunction. The book also explores the putative role of trace element deficiency in psychiatric disorders, including depression, and the imbalance of trace elements on neuronal genomic stability.

The functional anatomy of organisms is maintained by the coordination of different systems, that often rely on particular interactions between specialized cells and between macromolecules. The immune system works with the circulatory and the lymphatic systems to protect most of the organs. However, some organs are considered immune privileged due to the presence of highly selective and regulated barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) within the brain. The BBB controls periphery-brain molecule exchange and prevents immune effector cells from entering the homeostatic brain. BBB-associated elements, such as endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, and microglia, potentially can function as antigen-presenting cells (APC). Pathological scenarios that induce dysfunction of the BBB and its associated cells may lead to the infiltration of lymphocytes crossing over from the blood to brain. Similarly, traumas can also enable B and T lymphocytes to pass bidirectionally between the CNS and the periphery, via the meningeal lymphatic vessels which drain into the cervical lymph nodes. Research in animals and in humans has revealed that B and T cells are involved in the progression of neurological diseases. It has been showed that under particular conditions, T cells establish themselves and become resident in the brain (T RM cells), from where they can either exert beneficial or detrimental effects on brain function. Amazing efforts have been made to further comprehend interactions between brain-specific cells and peripheral immune cells, and especially their roles and impact on the onset, progression, and eventual resolution of diverse brain pathologies.

Iron is an essential element for almost all organisms, a cofactor playing a crucial role in a number of vital functions, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and respiration. However, its ability to exchange electrons renders excess iron potentially toxic, since it is capable of catalyzing the formation of highly poisonous free radicals. As a consequence, iron homeostasis is tightly controlled by sophisticated mechanisms that have been partially elucidated. Because of its biological importance, numerous disorders have been recently linked to the deregulation of iron homeostasis, which include not only the typical disorders of iron overload and deficiency but also cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This leads iron metabolism to become an interesting therapeutic target for novel pharmacological treatments against these diseases. Several therapies are currently under development for hematological disorders, while other are being considered for different pathologies. The therapeutic targeting under study includes the hepcidin/ferroportin axis for the regulation of systemic iron homeostasis, complex cytosolic machineries for the regulation of the intracellular iron status and its association with oxidative damage, and reagents exploiting proteins of iron metabolism such as ferritin and transferrin receptor. A promising potential target is a recently described form of programmed cell death named ferroptosis, in which the role of iron is essential but not completely clarified. This Special Issue has the aim to summarize the state-of-the-art, and the latest findings published in the iron field, as well as to elucidate future directions.

Imaging Neuroinflammation provides an overview of the molecular and cellular basis of inflammation and its effects on neuroanatomy, reviews state-of-the-art imaging tools available to measure neuroinflammation, and describes the application of those tools to both preclinical animal disease models and human disease.This book is an authoritative reference on imaging neuroinflammation, MRI, neuroinflammation, MR Spectroscopy of inflammation, Iron imaging in inflammation, and more. Explains how inflammation in the central nervous system impacts tissue microstructure Presents imaging methods that are useful for assessing neuroinflammation Describes preclinical models of neuroinflammation Reviews the role of neuroinflammation in human injury and disease states

This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.

Welcome to the world of Oxytocin and Social Function, an in-depth exploration of the powerful role of this neuropeptide in shaping our social behaviors and interactions. The book delves into the rich and complex relationship between oxytocin and our social functions. Featuring contributions from leading experts in the field, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of oxytocin’s role in our social lives. It goes beyond the laboratory to explore the hormone’s potential in real-world applications. The book also highlights recent research on oxytocin’s role in enhancing empathy, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. With this book, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of oxytocin and how it shapes our social behaviors and relationships. Oxytocin and Social Function is a must-read for anyone interested in human behavior, psychology, neuroscience, or the ever-growing field of oxytocin research. Turn the page and embark on a captivating journey into the hidden potentials of oxytocin and its transformative effects on our social function.

This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.