Preface

The progressive death of brain neuronal cells is the root cause of several neurodegenerative pathophysiological processes. Once dead, these brain cells cannot then be regenerated. There is an urgent need to dig deeper into the neurodegenerative pathology, identify unexplored markers, and investigate novel therapeutic approaches to identify drugs targets for therapeutics that might improve brain functions and outcomes in the longer run

Volume 9 of our book series Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research - CNS and Neurological Disorders showcases another set of state-of-the-art and innovative research ventures produced by the eminent as well as budding scientists in the field of neurodegeneration. They have reviewed, evaluated, and commented to provide a creative futuristic outlook to some of the most exciting latest research findings happening in the field of CNS and Neurological Disorders. This could lead to a better insight into various brain ailments with ground-breaking therapeutic advances and serve as an impetus for future drug development.

Thus chapter 1 explores the possibility of integrated use of microdialysis with expanded use of imaging modalities to better understand and treat Alzheimer’s Disease. Chapter 2 highlights the therapeutics targeting immunometabolic dysregulations to benefit patients with atypical depression. It also proposes the use of a transdiagnostic dimensional approach to capture the complexity of mood disorders by incorporating the pathophysiological and clinical data and considers the influence of neurodevelopmental and environmental factors. Chapter 3 summarizes the basics of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy and discusses its current pre-clinical and clinical progress and applications in brain tumors and autoimmune diseases. Chapter 4 discusses the efficacy of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and its various mimetics to treat various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD), cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease given by non-oral routes. Chapter 5 reviews the role of beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1) in cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and investigates the use of natural plant extracts and phytoconstituents as BACE1 inhibitors. Chapter 6 analyses the anxiolytic and adaptogenic effects of a new drug, a complex of lithium citrate and a sorbent (aluminum oxide and polydimethylsiloxane or lithium complex) to target cognitive impairment in experimental animals via a course of preclinical studies. Chapter7 evaluates the therapeutic potential of approved disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to address the acute relapse of multiple sclerosis (MS).

In short, the current volume presents a scholarly collection of review articles to advance the field further. It is anticipated that the compiled views and reviews as well as the critical analysis will drive further research in the area to provide avenues for future drug exploration not only in the field of neuroscience but also in a vast majority of other science disciplines.

We are grateful for the timely efforts made by the editorial personnel, especially Mr. Mahmood Alam (Director Publications), and Mrs. Salma Sarfaraz, Miss Asma Ahmed (Senior Manager Publications) at Bentham Science Publishers.