Journal of the neurological sciences
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The mitochondria have several important functions in the cell. A mitochondrial dysfunction causes an abatement in ATP production, oxidative damage and the induction of apoptosis, all of which are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous disorders. This review focuses on mitochondrial dysfunctions and discusses their consequences and potential roles in the pathomechanism of neurodegenerative disorders. ⋯ In certain disorders, there is a quinolinic acid overproduction, while in others the alterations in brain kynurenic acid levels are more pronounced. A more precise knowledge of these alterations yields a basis for getting better therapeutic possibilities. The last part of the review discusses metabolic disturbances and changes in the kynurenine metabolic pathway in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases.
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Genetic predisposition to stroke has been proven in animal models and in humans. Unraveling the genetic factors that play a role in common stroke is very difficult, as the causation of stroke is multifactorial (a combination of environmental and genetic risk factors) and the genetic part is very complex (polygenic, multiple genes play a role). Many common risk factors for stroke like diabetes and arterial hypertension are partly inherited, so many genetic loci contribute more or less to the stroke phenotype. ⋯ These disorders can serve as models to study environmental or genetic factors that contribute also to the common forms of stroke. Animal model of stroke can also provide valuable information on genetic factors involved in stroke predisposition. In this review, the focus lies on monogenic forms of stroke that can serve as models to study the more common phenotypes.