Endocrine and Autonomic Systems

Sleep-immune interactions and mental disorders

Sleep-immune interactions and mental disorders

Prospective epidemiological studies suggest that sleep disturbance (ie, difficulties in sleep onset and sleep maintenance) is a robust predictor of major depression episodes and depression recurrence. In parallel, experimental endotoxin model support a role of innate immune activation (inflammation) in the aetiology of depression, yet the precise role played by sleep disturbance is poorly understood. Sleep disturbance may increase peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines by upregulating NF-kB pathways, modulating gut-microbiota, autonomic and neuroendocrine (eg, HPA) activity.

Identification and characterization of prokineticin receptor 2 splicing variant and its modulation in an animal model of alzheimer's disease

Prokineticin 2 is a peptide that is widely distributed in the nervous system and influences a variety of brain functions, such as pain, food intake and circadian rhythms. We previously demonstrated that, in the animal model of Alzheimer’s disease, induced by the intracerebroventricular administration of Aβ1-42, there is a modulation of the prokineticin system in rat hippocampus.

Precision medicine and drug development in Alzheimer's disease: the importance of sexual dimorphism and patient stratification

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are among the leading causes of disability and mortality. Considerable sex differences exist in the occurrence of the various manifestations leading to cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibits substantial sexual dimorphisms and disproportionately affects women. Women have a higher life expectancy compared to men and, consequently, have more lifespan to develop AD.

Glucocorticoid interactions with the dorsal striatal endocannabinoid system in regulating inhibitory avoidance memory

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is highly stress sensitive and known to modulate memory formation of emotionally arousing experiences across different corticolimbic structures. eCB signaling within these circuits is also essentially involved in regulating non-genomically mediated glucocorticoid hormone effects on memory.

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