Editorial: Neuroprotection in Synaptic Signalling During Neurological Disorders

OTERO-LOSADA, MATILDE; WANDOSELL, FRANCISCO G.; CAPANI, FRANCISCO

Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience

Frontiers Media S.A.

Año: 2021 vol. 13

Some of the most devastating and costly conditions in the world arise from neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. About one-third of the world´s population suffers from neurological diseases, including Parkinson´s (PD) and Alzheimer´s (AD) diseases, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, spinal cord injury, and others. Symptoms may show early in childhood or substantially delayed in adolescence or young adulthood. Animal models are powerful tools aiding in understanding neurological pathophysiology towards developing neuroprotective strategies.So far, there are no well-established treatments for brain repair. Hence, neuroprotection becomes imperative. Synapses pose major targets for finding new neuroprotective agents.The aim of this topic is to share research addressing neuroprotective strategies for the brain, their possible pathways, and the use of pharmacological analogues. Four reviews are about hypoxia. Two chapters address the molecular bases of cognitive impairment in AD. Biochemical and physiological aspects of neuroprotective agents focusing on synaptic modifications, neuroprotection following perinatal asphyxia, and pharmacological- and genetic-targeting strategies for Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s diseases are reviewed. (continues...)