Clinical Depression

Understanding the Molecular Pathways of Inflammatory Cytokines in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Abstract

Beneto Revert

Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD),
Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis (ALS), are progressive conditions characterized by the degeneration
of neurons, leading to cognitive, motor, and functional impairments. While
the precise causes of these diseases remain unclear, increasing evidence
suggests that neuroinflammation—driven by the activation of inflammatory
cytokines—plays a critical role in the progression of neurodegenerative
diseases. Cytokines, which are small signaling proteins produced by immune
cells, have long been known to regulate immune responses and inflammation.
However, in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, the activation of these
cytokines within the Central Nervous System (CNS) can exacerbate neuronal
damage, contributing to disease progression. This article aims to explore the
molecular pathways of inflammatory cytokines in neurodegenerative disorders,
examining their roles in disease pathogenesis, and highlighting potential
therapeutic strategies to target these pathways in the management of these
debilitating diseases.