Release Date: 2024-05-28

Nervous System, Neurons, and Metabolism

Dildar Konukoglu (Author)

Release Date: 2024-05-28

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to cognitive decline and is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Neurons, as the primary cells of the central nervous system, are fundamental to brain function. Understanding their structure and functions is crucial for grasping AD mechanisms. Neurons consist of three main components: [...]

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    Work TypeBook Chapter
    Published inAlzheimer’s Disease From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Practices
    First Page3
    Last Page36
    DOIhttps://doi.org/10.69860/nobel.9786053359166.1
    LanguageENG
    Page Count34
    Copyright HolderNobel Tıp Kitabevleri
    Licensehttps://nobelpub.com/publish-with-us/copyright-and-licensing

    Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to cognitive decline and is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Neurons, as the primary cells of the central nervous system, are fundamental to brain function. Understanding their structure and functions is crucial for grasping AD mechanisms.
    Neurons consist of three main components: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and axon. The cell body is the metabolic center of the neuron, containing the nucleus and organelles. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons, while axons transmit these signals to other neurons or muscle cells. Synaptic terminals at the end of axons release neurotransmitters, facilitating communication between neurons.
    Neuronal metabolic activities include energy production, protein synthesis, and intracellular transport. Mitochondria play a crucial role in energy production, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a significant factor in AD. Reduced energy production adversely affects neuronal functionality and survival. In conclusion, the structure and metabolic processes of neurons play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. The disruption of neuronal structures and functions leads to the clinical manifestations of AD. Therefore, protecting neurons and supporting their functions are crucial targets in the treatment of AD.The initial part of the book provides an essential understanding of neuron biology, focusing on their functions and energy metabolism. The section examines the structural characteristics of neurons and their roles in neural communication. The chapter emphasizes efficient metabolic pathways, detailing glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and ATP generation, and highlights the critical dependence of neuronal function on a continuous and sufficient energy supply.

    Dildar Konukoglu (Author)
    Professor, Istanbul Cerrahpasa University
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6095-264X
    3Dildar Konukoğlu was born on April 18, 1963, in Istanbul. She obtained her medical degree from Ege University in 1987. In 1991, she attained the rank of specialist in Medical Biochemistry. In 1995, she was promoted to the position of associate professor of medical biochemistry and, in 2000, to the rank of professor. She is currently a member of the faculty at the Department of Medical Biochemistry at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty and serves as the director of the Medical Biochemistry Laboratory at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Hospital. She also holds the role of Chairman of the Environmental Management Unit of Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty. Furthermore, she serves as the director of the Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Clinical Research Excellence Application and Research Center. She has participated in numerous commissions within the Ministry of Health and currently serves as a member of the Medical Specialty Education Commission. She served as the Head of the Department of Medical Biochemistry from 2016 to 2019. She has advised on 10 postgraduate test projects and participated in 25 completed projects as an executive or researcher. She has published a total of 180 original articles, 130 of which are international. Her WOS H index is 25. She has authored or edited 64 books and has delivered lectures and organized courses at numerous congresses and symposia. Her primary clinical research interests include endocrinology, neurology, nephrology, neonatal metabolic diseases, obesity, and atherosclerosis-related biomolecular mechanisms and pathways. Since 2016, she has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Clinical Biochemists. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Medical Biochemistry. She is married and has a son.

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