Novel Approaches to the Establishment of Local Microenvironment from Resorbable Biomaterials in the Brain In Vitro Models.

The development of brain in vitro models requires the application of novel biocompatible materials and biopolymers as scaffolds for controllable and effective cell growth and functioning. The "ideal" brain in vitro model should demonstrate the principal features of brain plasticity like synaptic transmission and remodeling, neurogenesis and angiogenesis, and changes in the metabolism associated with the establishment of new intercellular connections. Therefore, the extracellular scaffolds that are helpful in the establishment and maintenance of local microenvironments supporting brain plasticity mechanisms are of critical importance. In this review, we will focus on some carbohydrate metabolites-lactate, pyruvate, oxaloacetate, malate-that greatly contribute to the regulation of cell-to-cell communications and metabolic plasticity of brain cells and on some resorbable biopolymers that may reproduce the local microenvironment enriched in particular cell metabolites.

Mitochondrial Disorders in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease. Understanding of its etiology and pathogenesis is constantly expanding. Thus, the increasing attention of researchers is directed to the study of the role of mitochondrial disorders. In addition, in recent years, the concept of Alzheimer's disease as a stress-induced disease has begun to form more and more actively. The stress-induced damage to the neuronal system can trigger a vicious circle of pathological processes, among which mitochondrial dysfunctions have a significant place, since mitochondria represent a substantial component in the anti-stress activity of the cell. The study of mitochondrial disorders in Alzheimer's disease is relevant for at least two reasons: first, as important pathogenetic component in this disease; second, due to vital role of mitochondria in formation of the body resistance to various conditions, including stressful ones, throughout the life. This literature review analyzes the results of a number of recent studies assessing potential significance of the mitochondrial disorders in Alzheimer's disease. The probable mechanisms of mitochondrial disorders associated with the development of this disease are considered: bioenergetic dysfunctions, changes in mitochondrial DNA (including assessment of the significance of its haplogroup features), disorders in the dynamics of these organelles, oxidative damage to calcium channels, damage to MAM complexes (membranes associated with mitochondria; mitochondria-associated membranes), disruptions of the mitochondrial quality control system, mitochondrial permeability, etc. The issues of the "primary" or "secondary" mitochondrial damage in Alzheimer's disease are discussed. Potentials for the development of new methods for diagnosis and therapy of mitochondrial disorders in Alzheimer's disease are considered.