Journal of Cell Science & Therapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2157-7013
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2157-7013
+44 1300 500008
Lewis K Clarke
Bay Area Rehabilitation Medicine Associates, USA
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Cell Sci Ther
Intrinsic mechanisms of neuronal repair in the central nervous system through neuroregenerative processes have previously been presented. Similar biochemical and neurochemical mechanisms exist which are known to be neuroprotective. Exploiting and augmenting these intrinsic processes could minimize or mitigate neuronal damage in acute brain and spinal cord injuries resulting from stroke or trauma. The inflammatory response together with the oxidative stress of the acute injury represents the most likely therapeutic targets for intervention. Similarly, in chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorders resulting from repetitive cumulative minimally traumatic injuries such as concussion and subsequent chronic trauma encephalopathies (CTE), persistent or chronic neuroinflammation and the products of oxidative stress responses could account for the observed brain pathologies. The multiple pathologies present in various combinations in all neurodegenerative disorders include �²-amyloid and amyloid plaques, hyper phosphorylated tau protein, neurofibrillary tangles and microglial activation. It is now understood that within the CNS there exists a protective and anti-inflammatory neurochemistry many components of which can also promote neurogenesis and functional as well as structural restoration. It is intuitive that given the numerous interdependent and symbiotic systems involved in the preservation of the integrity and function of the brain, no single intervention or therapy is likely. A logical beginning would be to increase antioxidant gene expression and the scavenging of free radicals, suppressing or blocking the NMDA receptor to decrease glutamate and aspartate induced cytotoxicity, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinases, enhancing antiinflammatory cytokines and suppressing activation of microglia. The augmentation of mitochondrial number and energy production is DNA protective and would address all cellular function including stem cell production, migration and differentiation. Much is now known about the contribution of CoQ10, carnitine, lipoic acid and pyrroloquinoline quinone in this regard. An integrative approach should include bioactive lipids in the mitochondrial membrane, eicosanoid modulating PUFAâ��s, sigma 1 receptors and neurosteroids produced de novo in the glia. These are also catalysts and promote neurogenesis and neurite outgrowth through their activation of sigma 1 receptors in the mitochondrial membrane lipid rafts of the endoplasmic reticulum. Activated sigma 1 receptors increase calcium in the mitochondria resulting in activation of the TCA cycle, increasing mitochondrial hyper metabolism ultimately resulting in neurite outgrowth as well as neuroprotection. Neurodegenerative processes are multifactorial in etiology. Controlling inflammatory reactions and preventing their chronicity and curtailing oxidative and cytotoxic effects of acute neurologic injuries would be neuroprotective in the acute phase and avert the chronic encephalopathies. These same neuroprotective mechanisms are also neuroregenerative.
Lewis K Clarke has obtained his Master of Science from University of Texas at Dallas in 1977 in Human Development with Biostatistics. In 1986, he has completed his Doctor of Medicine degree from Texas Tech School of Medicine. In 1987, he received his PhD from the Department of Cell Biology and Neurobiology at University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Dallas. He has completed his Medical Internship at Emory University and Baylor College of Medicine in 1986 and finished his Residency training at Baylor College of Medicine in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He has a Clinical and Research Practice in the Houston Texas area and has started two rehabilitation hospitals.
Email: drclarke@drlewisclarke.com