Latest insights into the role of astrocytes in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease : a literature review

Abstract

Astrocytes are key players when it comes to maintaining healthy neuronal tissue. Their multitude of functions make them truly indispensable, however they have also been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders. This review discusses the current literature and introduces the latest advancements in the role of astrocytes in (1) Alzheimer’s Disease and (2) Parkinson’s Disease, from a pathophysiological standpoint, as well as a therapeutic point of view. A PubMed literature search (2018- 2024) using the following search strings: (astrocytes) AND (Parkinson’s disease) as well as (astrocytes) AND (Alzheimer’s disease) was performed. Astrocytes have been implicated in the contribution of neuroinflammation, leading to neuronal death in Alzheimer's Disease. Similarly, astrocytes may contribute to progression of Parkinson's Disease alpha-synuclein-induced neuroinflammation. Promising therapeutic interventions in this field make use of astrocytes, converting them into neurones to counteract the neurodegeneration that occurs in diseases like Parkinson's Disease.