Preface

The recent and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has changed societies and research around the world. As a result, this new book reflects the latest developments in the field of neuroscience related to these changes. It includes six chapters over two sections: "COVID-19 Effects: Neurology, Neuroimmunology, Neurogenesis" and "Molecular and Cellular Neurochemistry." The book presents comprehensive reviews in these different areas written by experts in their respective fields. COVID-19 is featured prominently and is a recurring theme throughout most chapters.

Neuroscience itself is a flourishing academic field that contributes to our understanding of molecular, cellular, and medical neurobiology. As scientific disciplines, neurobiology and neurochemistry study the role of chemicals that build the nervous system, explore the function of neurons and glial cells in health and disease, discover aspects of cell metabolism and neurotransmission, and reveal how degenerative processes are at work in the nervous system. This book is a valuable resource for neurobiologists, neurochemists, and other scientists alike. In addition, it will contribute to the training of current and future neuroscientists and, hopefully, will lead us on the path to curing some of the biggest challenges in human health.

Section 1 begins with Chapter 1, "Does COVID-19 Affect Adult Neurogenesis? A Neurochemical Perspective" by Jayakumar Saikarthik, Ilango Saraswathi and Abdulrahman A. Al-Atram. The chapter begins with a discussion of the impact of COVID-19 on adult neurogenesis with an emphasis on the role of ACE2 and neurotransmitters.

Chapter 2, "Neuroimmunology and Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19" by Robert Weissert, provides a comprehensive review of the neurological symptoms resulting from COVID-19 as it affects the nervous system, in addition to the respiratory symptoms due to an attack of the broncho-alveolar system. The chapter also addresses vaccination and therapeutic approaches to prevent COVID-19 effects on the nervous system.

Chapter 3, "COVID-19 and Seizures" by Rafael Jesus, Carolina Azoia, Paulo Coelho and Pedro Guimarães, reviews the association between COVID-19 and the mechanisms of acute symptomatic seizures through neurotropism and neuroinvasion features of SARS-CoV-2. The chapter reviews a variety of clinical presentations in this regard.

Section 2 begins with Chapter 4, "Peripheral Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated with Interferon-Beta," by Andreia Monteiro, Ana Mafalda Fonseca and Artur Paiva. It examines findings described in the literature that correlate specific alterations of different leukocytes subpopulations in the blood with disease status in multiple sclerosis patients. The authors argue that these have the potential to constitute a peripheral biomarker of disease progression.

Chapter 5, "Amino Acids as Neurotransmitters. The Balance between Excitation and Inhibition as a Background for Future Clinical Applications" by Yaroslav R. Nartissov, reviews the role of the neurotransmitters glycine and glutamate. The author proposes that, in addition to their obvious effects on the brain, their potential role in therapeutic treatment of pathological conditions needs to be explored.

Chapter 6, "Emerging Roles of Non-Coding RNA in Neuronal Function and Dysfunction" by Steven G. Fagan and Shona Pfeiffer, contributes a discussion of advancements in RNA sequencing technologies. The focus of the chapter is on the dysregulation, functions, and regulatory roles of novel small non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurological disorders and their relevance as novel biomarkers of injury and therapeutic agents.

We are grateful to IntechOpen for initiating this book project and for asking us to serve as its editors. Many thanks go to Nera Butigan at IntechOpen for guiding us through the publication process and for moving the book ahead in a timely fashion. Thanks are due to all contributors to this book for their excellent chapters. Hopefully, all contributors will continue their research with many intellectual challenges and exciting new directions.
