Question

In the context of LBD, which statement accurately describes the role of astrocytes and neurodegeneration?

a) Astrocytes release neurotrophic factors, contributing to increased neuronal degeneration.
b) Extracellular α-synuclein inhibits inflammatory microglia, preventing neurodegeneration.
c) α-synuclein aggregates lead to dysfunctionality without affecting tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production.
d) Astrocytes release neurotrophic factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), potentially supporting neuronal health.

Answer 1

Astrocytes support neuronal health by releasing neurotrophic factors like BDNF, which contribute to the maintenance of neuronal environments and synaptic modulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of Lewy body dementia (LBD), the most accurate statement describing the role of astrocytes and neurodegeneration is that astrocytes release neurotrophic factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), potentially supporting neuronal health. Astrocytes and microglia are known to play critical roles in neuronal circuitry through the modulation of signaling pathways. Astrocytes, in particular, have been shown to be involved in the synaptic cleft directly, stimulating the formation of new synapses, modulating neuron activity, and contributing to the maintenance of neuronal environments.