Title:Reactive Astrogliosis: Role in Alzheimer's Disease
Volume: 14
Issue: 7
Author(s): Priti Jain, Pankaj Kumar Wadhwa and Hemant Ramanlal Jadhav
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Alzheimer`s disease, apolipoprotein E, astrogliosis, cholesterol, connexins, inflammation, oxidative stress.
Abstract: Astrocytes, the star shaped glial cells, are known to possess supportive and homeostatic role
for the neurons. Recently, reactive gliosis, which involves alterations in functioning and phenotype of
different glial cells, has been implicated in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Studies have revealed that
astrocyte response to gross tissue damaging injury leads to anisomorphic astrogliosis reinforcing a
cascade of events, eventually increasing the pathogenesis of AD and many other neurodegenerative
disorders. This review presents the involvement of reactive astrocytes in reduced Aβ clearance and in
neuro-neglect hypothesis. Understanding of reactivity and fundamental biology of astrocytes may open
new avenues of alternative treatments and therapeutic strategies targeting astrocytes and related events for the treatment of
AD.
