Biochemical Basis of Central Nervous System Diseases

The literature review contains data from numerous studies on the biochemical basis of the central nervous system (CNS) diseases. According to the results of observations, the chemical composition of brain tissue is the basis for the mechanisms of excitation and inhibition associated with various body functions. Disruptions in biochemical processes in the nervous system are the cause of many diseases. It has been noted that hereditary and neurodegenerative diseases (multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and others) are associated with disturbances of brain tissue lipid composition. Based on the literature data, an unusually high heterogeneity of brain phospholipids was noted in comparison with visceral organs and it was suggested that the heterogeneity of brain lipids fatty acids underlies the structural lability of membranes and determines their most important physical and chemical properties. The paper presents of the human brain white and gray substance lipid composition. It has also been noted that there are specific proteins found in neural tissue that are not found in other tissues. These neuro-specific proteins play an important role in the development of higher brain functions such as memory and learning. In addition to proteins, the structure of nervous tissue includes numerous oligopeptides known as neuropeptides. In the scientific literature discussed many characteristics and functions of neuropeptides different families, and one of the options for identifying neuropeptide families is presented in the article. The paper focuses on the metabolism of CNS tissue, examining the main energy-dependent processes underlying the specific functions of nervous tissue, including the production of energy in brain tissue and glucose metabolism. The schemes of several neurotransmitters structure, compounds that ensure the transmission of a nerve impulse through a synapse, are presented. It has been established that intensive research in last decades has revealed biochemical changes in the CNS tissue in many diseases. The article discusses the biochemical basis of the pathology of the most common CNS diseases (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease), as well as schizophrenia, a well-known mental disorder.