Vol 56, No 2 (2025)

Migraine is one of the primary forms of headache, which affects at least 12% of the world's population. The current understanding of the pathogenesis of this cephalgia is based on the so-called trigeminovascular theory, within which the key role is given to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the peripheral and central mechanisms of the migraine development. Long-term in-depth study of the pro-migraine properties of CGRP has led to the emergence of a fundamentally new class of drugs for the treatment of migraine, which includes CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block either the peptide itself or its receptors (CGRPR). The review discusses in detail the pharmacodynamics of anti-CGRP/CGRPR-mAbs as prophylactic therapy for migraine, with an emphasis on the results of experimental studies performed on preclinical models of the disease.

The study of mechanisms of cognitive functions, as well as methods of their improvement, is becoming increasingly important, since the growth of cognitive impairment is so significant that it places a heavy burden on both the patients themselves and society. Cognitive impairment includes memory loss, as well as functions involved in perception, processing/analysis of information and implementation of actions. MicroRNAs, small endogenous molecules – negative regulators of gene activity at the mRNA level, play a key role in cognitive processes and their dysfunctions. This review summarizes data on the relationship between microRNAs and cognitive processes, as well as their impairment in such socially significant diseases as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and senile dementia. These diseases are currently incurable, but their course can be slowed down by supportive therapy. Difficulties are associated with the fact that clinical manifestations of these diseases appear many years after their onset. Thus, early diagnosis is necessary. The high potential of microRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnostics and the prospects for using miRNAs as targets for therapy are evidenced by a significant number of studies conducted in recent years. These studies, as well as data on the possibility of protecting cognitive impairment, including through the use of physical and mental exercises, the effect of which is mediated by microRNAs, will be analyzed in the review.

Any locomotor or arbitrary movement is basically the result of the convergence of simultaneous descending and ascending commands into the motor centers of the spinal cord. An important link in the processing of incoming signals are the so-called «segmental interneurons» or «local interneurons», whose high concentration at the spinal level forms an inhibition interneuronal network. The role of this interneuronal network is to filter signals from muscle spindles, tendons, joints, skin, as well as signals coming from the higher parts of the central nervous system. In the presented review, based on the experimental data obtained so far, special attention is paid to the population of interneurons that are part of reflex arcs and their role in the implementation of inhibitory processes at the motor and premotoneuronal levels of neuroaxis, as well as the participation of the inhibition interneuronal network in the formation of motor output parameters. The role of supraspinal and suprasegmental mechanisms of neuromodulation of inhibitory interneuronal networks of the spinal cord in providing motor control is revealed.