Novel Hypotheses on the Role of Oligodendrocytes in Neurocysticercosis and Their Implications for Drug Development: A Comprehensive Review
Author(s): Lourdes de Fatima Ibanez Valdes and Foyaca-Sibat Humberto*
Abstract
Background: Cysticercosis (Ct) is a preventable and curable zoonotic parasitic disease that results from a cestode infection by the pig tapeworm Taenia solium (Ts). Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the term used to describe cysticercus that is located in the brain parenchymal, intraventricular system, Subarachnoid Space (SAS), cerebellum, brainstem, optic nerve, or spinal cord. Less commonly occurring symptoms and signs include headache and epileptic seizures/epilepsy. We are in search for a publication about the function of oligodendrocytes in the pathophysiology of non-communicable cancers (NCCs). We examine this matter and provide some theories on its function and its relevance in the pathophysiology of secondary epilepsy and calcified NCC epileptic episodes.
Method: We searched the medical literature comprehensively, looking for published Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms like “neurocysticercosis”, “Drug Development” “pathogenesis of neurocysticercosis”, “comorbidity in NCC” OR “oligodendrocytes” OR “Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPC/NG2)”; OR “Epileptic Seizures (ES)/Epilepsy (Ep)/NCC” OR “Oligodendrocytes (OLG)/ES/Ep”; OR “calcified NCC/OLG”; OR “OLG Ca2+.”
Results: All selected manuscripts were peer-reviewed, and we did not find publications related to OLG/NCC.
Comments and concluding remarks: We have hypothesised on the role played by OLG/OPC/NG2 on the pathogenesis of cysticercus perilesional oedema, the role of OLG/OPC/NG2 on the pathogenesis of ES/Ep and calcified NCC.
Our study identifies multiple potential treatment targets and emphasizes the crucial role that oligodendrocytes play in the pathogenesis of NCC. By concentrating on the processes of oligodendrocyte injury and regeneration, we can create more potent therapies that deal with the parasite infection as well as its neurological effects. A promising area of NCC treatment is the combination of conventional antiparasitic medications with neuroprotective and regenerative treatments.
