Carbon monoxide and the CNS: challenges and achievements |
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| Authors: | Cláudia S F Queiroga Alessandro Vercelli Helena L A Vieira |
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| Affiliation: | 1Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal;2Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy;3Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (IBET), Oeiras, Portugal |
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| Abstract: | Haem oxygenase (HO) and its product carbon monoxide (CO) are associated with cytoprotection and maintenance of homeostasis in several different organs and tissues. This review focuses upon the role of exogenous and endogenous CO (via HO activity and expression) in various CNS pathologies, based upon data from experimental models, as well as from some clinical data on human patients. The pathophysiological conditions reviewed are cerebral ischaemia, chronic neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer''s and Parkinson''s diseases), multiple sclerosis and pain. Among these pathophysiological conditions, a variety of cellular mechanisms and processes are considered, namely cytoprotection, cell death, inflammation, cell metabolism, cellular redox responses and vasomodulation, as well as the different targeted neural cells. Finally, novel potential methods and strategies for delivering exogenous CO as a drug are discussed, particularly approaches based upon CO-releasing molecules, their limitations and challenges. The diagnostic and prognostic value of HO expression in clinical use for brain pathologies is also addressed.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of the Gasotransmitters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-6 |
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| Keywords: | carbon monoxide CO-releasing molecules neuroprotection neuroinflammation brain astrocytes neurons microglia neurodegeneration ischaemia |
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