Neuroinflammation plays a big role in cell death during brain diseases. Here are a few ways it happens:
Cytokine Release: When brain cells called microglia become active, they release substances known as pro-inflammatory cytokines. Two examples of these are IL-1β and TNF-α. These substances can trigger cell death. High levels of IL-1β are often found in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Oxidative Stress: Neuroinflammation leads to an increase in harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). These can damage brain cells. In fact, around half of the brain cell deaths seen in neurodegenerative diseases are caused by oxidative stress.
Excitotoxicity: Inflammation can cause too much of a chemical called glutamate to be released. This can overstimulate brain receptors known as NMDA receptors and result in brain cell death. Research shows that glutamate levels can jump by as much as 200% during inflammatory responses.
These processes work together and are connected to serious brain diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In these conditions, over 5 million people suffer from Alzheimer's, and around 1 million have Parkinson's.
Neuroinflammation plays a big role in cell death during brain diseases. Here are a few ways it happens:
Cytokine Release: When brain cells called microglia become active, they release substances known as pro-inflammatory cytokines. Two examples of these are IL-1β and TNF-α. These substances can trigger cell death. High levels of IL-1β are often found in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Oxidative Stress: Neuroinflammation leads to an increase in harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). These can damage brain cells. In fact, around half of the brain cell deaths seen in neurodegenerative diseases are caused by oxidative stress.
Excitotoxicity: Inflammation can cause too much of a chemical called glutamate to be released. This can overstimulate brain receptors known as NMDA receptors and result in brain cell death. Research shows that glutamate levels can jump by as much as 200% during inflammatory responses.
These processes work together and are connected to serious brain diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In these conditions, over 5 million people suffer from Alzheimer's, and around 1 million have Parkinson's.