Final answer:
Astroglial cells contribute to neuroinflammation and neuron survival in PD and DLB by releasing neurotrophic factors, activating microglia, and participating in phagocytosis of degenerated neurons with Lewy bodies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functions of astroglial cells in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are multifaceted. These cells are critical in the context of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Astroglial cells can release neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is essential for neuron survival and repair. Furthermore, during neurodegenerative processes, they can become activated, leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and other chemokines that contribute to neuroinflammation and potentially exacerbate degenerative processes.
In the context of PD and DLB, astroglial cells can also interact with microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, possibly leading to their activation. Microglial activation is critical in the initiation and progression of these disorders. Additionally, astroglial cells are involved in the phagocytosis of degenerated neurons containing alpha-synuclein-positive Lewy bodies (LBs), thereby participating in the clearance of pathological proteins and cellular debris.