星形胶质细胞在阿尔茨海默病发病机制中的研究进展

Research progress on the role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

摘要:

正常的星形胶质细胞是中枢神经系统的主要胶质细胞类型，可以通过多种机制参与大脑发育和成熟。在成年人的大脑中，星形胶质细胞对维持神经元环境至关重要，并参与突触间隙的神经递质循环、血脑屏障的维持和能量稳态的调节等过程。然而在阿尔茨海默病（AD）中，星形胶质细胞的功能和形态发生了显著改变，并参与疾病的发生、发展，包括产生β-淀粉样蛋白、炎症反应和胶质纤维化等。这些变化可能对神经元和突触功能造成不良影响，从而加速AD进展。该文介绍了正常的星形胶质细胞的来源、生理功能和形态特征，重点阐述其在AD中的作用和影响，并为AD的治疗提供新的方向。

Abstract:

Normal astrocytes are a major type of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). They participate in brain development and maturation through various mechanisms. In the adult brain, astrocytes are crucial for maintaining the neuronal environment, and they participate in processes such as neurotransmitter cycling in the synaptic cleft, maintenance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and regulation of energy homeostasis. However, in Alzheimer's disease (AD), astrocytes undergo functional and morphological changes including the production of amyloid beta protein (Aβ), inflammatory responses, and glial fibrosis, which may adversely affect neuronal and synaptic function, thereby accelerating the progression of AD. This review focuses on the origin, physiological functions, and morphological features of normal astrocytes, as well as their roles and effects in AD, and provides new directions for the treatment of AD.