Neuroinflammation

    Neuroinflammation is a defence mechanism associated with the response of all brain cells, including neurons, macroglia, and microglia. Neuroinflammation is an important feature of many neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Neuroinflammation is involved in migraine headaches, cerebrovascular diseases, neurological conditions such as epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In the past, it was believed that due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the central nervous system (CNS) was immuno privileged; however, increasing evidence has disputed this belief. CNS cells seem to be reactive to peripheral inflammatory factors, and peripheral immune cells can infiltrate the brain. Neuroinflammatory diseases cause an impairment of the BBB. The BBB integrity can be impacted  by traumatic brain injury, stroke, and even environmental  toxins such as aluminium and mercury.