[Relationship between neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases].

Over recent decade, studies have shown that inflammatory reaction characterized mainly by the activation of microglia in the brain is implicated in the pathogenesis and processes of neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it induces or aggravates the neurodegeneration in the nervous system, and on the other hand, it favors the recovery of the injured neurons in certain conditions. The activated glial cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, which mediate the neuroinflammation-induced neurodegenerative diseases. The anti-inflammatory cytokines synthesized by regulatory T cells and neuropeptides secreted by neurons protect the neurons against neuroinflammation, through which neurodegenerative diseases are alleviated.