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Vol 54, No 4 (2023)
Articles
Neurorehabilitation Based on Spinal Cord Stimulation and Motor Training
Abstract
Abstract
—The review presents recent data on the recovery of motor functions after spinal injuries: on spontaneous neuroplasticity; about plasticity, depending on physical activity; about the results of using epidural and transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to restore movement control; on neurophysiological changes and mechanisms initiated by spinal electrical stimulation that may contribute to functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
3-17
Cognitive Impairment under Prolonged Social Isolation: Insights from Human Studies and Animal Experiments
Abstract
Abstract
—Having close social connections is essential for mental and physical health and overall well-being, regardless of age. A considerable portion of the world’s population has experienced lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An increasing amount of scientific literature is emerging, focusing on the negative impact of social isolation on attention, memory, perception, executive functions, and other aspects of cognitive processes. These effects can significantly complicate people’s daily lives and diminish their quality of life. In this review, we aim to organize the existing scientific findings on the relationship between social isolation and the development of cognitive impairments in individuals, as observed in longitudinal population studies. Additionally, we analyze data from experimental research on animals to examine how different durations of social isolation impact learning and memory processes. We briefly address the potential links between these social isolation-induced impairments and alterations in the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, one of the stress-reactivity systems, and the immune-inflammatory response.
18-35
Role of LIM-Kinase 1 in Memory Processes
Abstract
Abstract—
According to modern ideas, the basis of intellectual problems in neurological brain damage is active forgetting, regulated by Rac and Rho small GTPases-dependent signal stages of actin remodeling. The key enzyme of these cascades is LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1). Changes in limk1 gene expression lead to neurocognitive pathologies. Rapid screening and testing of targeted therapeutic agents modifying protein-protein interactions of GTPases and components of signaling cascades requires the development and validation of simple animal models. Such an opportunity is provided by Drosophila, the mutant strains of which allow you to identify the nodal moments of intersection of biochemical and neural networks, accompanying active forgetting.
36-56
Interaction of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and Capsaicin-Sensitive Afferent Neurons in Gastroprotection
Abstract
Abstract
—Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons with efferent-like function (CSN) make an important contribution to the regulation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and gastroprotection. The aim of the review was to analyze the data of literature, including the results of our own studies on the interaction of CRF and CSN in the gastroprotection and regulation of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, with a focus on their most studied interaction in the regulation of the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract. Based on the results obtained by the authors of the review, the contribution of CSN to the implementation of the gastroprotective effect of CRF and, conversely, the participation of CRF in the gastroprotective effect of capsacin, which activates CSN, is discussed. The contribution of glucocorticoid hormones to the implementation of the gastroprotective action of CRF and the compensatory gastroprotective role of these hormones under conditions of shutdown of CSN functioning are considered.
57-72
Sweet Taste: From Perception to Evaluation
Abstract
Abstract
—Sweetness is the strongest gustatory modality, which shapes eating behavior and influences homeostasis. The review summarizes data on the perception and encoding of taste signals at the level of taste receptors and brain centers during consumption of sweet substances. We focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of sweet taste identification and determination of food caloric content, including the role of membrane receptor proteins T1R2/T1R3 and signal transduction enzyme cascades, as well as a metabolic mechanism for estimating the concentration of glucose in the cytoplasm. Genetic aspects of sweet sensitivity and the influence of sweet taste receptor gene polymorphisms on sensitivity to sugar and low-calorie sweeteners are described. The review presents results of modern studies of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine modulation of sweet taste perception and evaluation depending on the metabolic state of the body. The assumption of a promising research area on the problem is made.
73-92
Pharmacological Effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) оn Carbohydrate-Lipid Metabolism: Sex Dependence
Abstract
Abstract
—Fibroblast growth factor (FGF21) is a hepatic hormone that helps the adapt to various metabolic stresses. The review considers some unresolved issues related to the physiological activity of this unique metabolic regulator, summarizes the basic knowledge about the pharmacological properties of FGF21, and highlights sex differences in their manifestation in the correction of obesity. The results are summarized showing that the effectiveness of using FGF21 for the treatment of obesity depends on the etiology of obesity and sex. The necessity of studying the mechanisms underlying sex differences in the action of FGF21 for its successful use in the treatment of obesity in males and females is emphasized.
93-104