Antonei B. Csoka

By Thomas Heinbockel and Antonei B. Csoka

Part of the book: Neurochemical Basis of Brain Function and Dysfunction

By Rasha A. Alhazzaa, Thomas Heinbockel and Antonei B. Csoka

As we attempt to understand and treat diseases, the field of epigenetics is receiving increased attention. For example, epigenetic changes may contribute to the etiology of diabetes. Herein, we review the histology of the pancreas, sugar metabolism and insulin signaling, the different types of diabetes, and the potential role of epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, in diabetes etiology. These epigenetic changes occur at differentially-methylated sites or regions and have been previously linked to metabolic diseases such as obesity. In particular, changes in DNA methylation in cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans may be linked to type 2 diabetes (T2D), which in turn is related to peripheral insulin resistance that may increase the severity of the disease. The hypothesis is that changes in the epigenome may provide an underlying molecular mechanism for the cause and deleterious metabolic health outcomes associated with severe obesity or T2D. Conversely, reversing such epigenetic changes may help improve metabolic health after therapeutic interventions.

Part of the book: Epigenetics to Optogenetics

By Yousef Tizabi, Bruk Getachew, Vassiliy Tsytsarev, Antonei B. Csoka, Robert L. Copeland and Thomas Heinbockel

Without acetylcholine (ACh) no skeletal muscle contraction, no preganglionic sympathetic or parasympathetic activity can be obtained. This can result in dysregulation of cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal functions as well as disruption of fluid secretion from various glands such as tears, saliva, digestive juices, sweat, and milk. Importantly, ACh deficiency in the brain can have severe cognitive consequences. The action of ACh is mediated by two distinct classes of receptors, namely the muscarinic (mAChRs), which are G-protein coupled (metabotropic) receptors and nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), which are ligand-gated ion channels (ionotropic receptors). The focus of this chapter is on interaction of these two distinct receptor classes and its implication in health and disease. Thus, following a brief description of ACh actions and its central circuitry, an update on mAChRs and nAChRs and how their interaction may impact neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative diseases will be provided. Moreover, potential novel therapeutic intervention based on these interactions, particularly in relationship to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases will be touched upon.

Part of the book: Acetylcholine