CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets (Volume 25 - Issue 5)

Nanoparticle-Based Approaches for Glioblastoma Treatment: Advances and Future Prospects

2026-05-04

CNS diseases have recently received a lot of focus. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has the worst prognosis among various cancers. With its aggressive nature and potential for recurrence, GBM is a major concern in neuroscience. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical removal are currently employed methods for treating GBM. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle to effective medication delivery into the central nervous system (CNS), which is a major concern in the treatment of GBM. Nanotechnology helps transport active chemicals to brain tissue, a major glioma treatment challenge. Technology advancements in nanotechnology have the potential to facilitate the trans-BBB delivery of medicinal medications to the central nervous system. To treat illnesses associated with the central nervous system (CNS), it is possible to manage several types of nanoparticles (Nps). Novel therapeutic approaches are being explored, with NPs attracting interest as a potential tool for the targeted eradication of brain tumours. The review article reviewed the relevant literature on the utilisation of NPs for the treatment of Glioblastoma. The articles were obtained through various databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. It studies current treatment strategies for Glioblastoma, different NPs treating GBM with their mechanism by crossing the BBB, and various relevant patents of NPs drug delivery were analysed. This review article collects data about various nanoparticles used in GBM, with their mechanism of action. This review discusses the role of nanoparticulate systems in the effective treatment of GBM. It can be concluded from the literature that therapeutic agents can be delivered into the central nervous system through the blood-brain barrier with the use of nanotechnology, and so can be effectively used for the management of GBM.

Enzymatic Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease: Uncovering Key Targets and Mechanisms

2026-05-04

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neuronal illness that disrupts behavior, cognitive, and functional abilities. The development of AD is progressive, continuous, and irreversible, from preclinical illness to mild cognitive or even behavioral disturbance to dementia (a medical brain condition) triggered by AD. Worldwide accepted hypotheses of AD are called the amyloid-cascade and hyperphosphorylated tau-cascade hypotheses, and enzymes are implicated in the pathophysiology of AD directly or indirectly. There is an implication of enzymes in the pathophysiology of AD. Enzymes include proteases (e.g., neprilysin), kinases (e.g., glycogen synthase kinase-3), cholinergic enzymes (e.g., acetylcholinesterase), metalloproteinases (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases), and oxidative stress-related enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase). However, during abnormal or early Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) conditions, the activity and expression of these enzymes are altered in biological samples such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with early AD when examined. These alterations in enzyme activity in early AD demonstrate the potential of these enzymes as biomarkers. Early detection of AD in its early stages is crucial for effective control and treatment of the disease. Existing diagnostic techniques rely mainly on neuroimaging and medical evaluation. Through this technique, we can only diagnose the advanced or late stage of AD. Therefore, there is a crucial need to establish valid biomarkers that might assist in the early detection of AD. Enzymatic targets have come to light as a promising alternative for the development of selective and sensitive diagnostic assays. This review aims to investigate the potential of enzymes as an enzymatic target for early AD diagnosis, emphasizing their diagnostic use and fundamental mechanisms. Here, we summarize the role or implication of 25 enzymes in the pathophysiology of AD in the early stage.

Current Trends in Management of Migraine: A Review of Current Practice and Recent Advances

2026-05-04

Introduction: Migraine is a common and debilitating neurological condition marked by recurring headaches and sensory disturbances. Although it poses a significant global health burden, its long-term management remains a challenge. Advances in pathophysiological insights have facilitated the development of more targeted treatment approaches. This review explores current and emerging strategies, including diagnostic methods, risk factors, and both pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted to evaluate both conventional and emerging treatment strategies for migraine. The analysis focused on the various phases of migraine, associated therapeutic options, underlying pathophysiological pathways, and existing treatment gaps. A comparative assessment of mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and treatment limitations was also conducted to identify current challenges and research needs.

Results: The literature highlights recent advances in both acute and preventive treatments for migraine. Key developments include the increasing use of CGRP antagonists (gepants), monoclonal antibodies, and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques. In addition, several FDA-approved drugs such as amitriptyline, ergotamine, flunarizine, and sumatriptan remain widely used. Novel agents, including topiramate, amiloride, and candesartan, are also being evaluated in clinical trials for their potential in migraine management.

Discussions: While conventional therapies like triptans, NSAIDs, and lifestyle interventions continue to serve as foundational treatments, the shift toward more personalized and mechanism-based approaches is evident. The integration of targeted therapies and neuromodulation reflects growing recognition of migraine’s complex pathophysiology. Personalized care models and the exploration of newer pharmacological agents offer promising avenues for more effective and sustainable longterm management.

Conclusion: A variety of effective treatments are available for migraine, with choice dependent on severity, frequency, comorbidities, and individual tolerance. Gepants, Triptans, and Nutraceuticals represent a promising advancement in migraine therapy due to their targeted action and improved safety. Personalized treatment approaches are essential for optimal management outcomes.

Evidence of the Efficacy of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in In Vivo Studies: A Systematic Review

2026-05-04

Introduction: This systematic review aimed to provide an updated overview of studies using anticholinesterases with in vivo activity for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using searches in the following databases: PubMed, SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Web of Science, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences), as well as gray literature, through the CAPES and Google Scholar databases of national and international journals. The research was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) platform under registration number: CRD42024482117 and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.

Results: A total of 1,191 articles were identified in the databases, of which 11 were selected to compose this systematic review, as they met the previously pre-defined selection criteria. The selected articles were published between 2019 and 2023. The substance most commonly used to induce Alzheimer's was scopolamine. As for administration routes, the most used was intraperitoneal. Some of the methods used to evaluate cognitive processes in rats and mice were— Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Morris water maze (MWZ), Y maze, and passive avoidance tests.

Discussion: The reviewed studies demonstrated that the evaluated anticholinesterase agents exhibited anti-Alzheimer activity in animal models, with notable cognitive effects observed in behavioral tests.

Conclusion: The data indicated that the analyzed anticholinesterase agents have therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease, justifying the continuation of preclinical research and future clinical investigations.