Epigenetics, Neuropharmacology, and Biochemical Modifications in Brain Disorders: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives
Nitin Deshmukh
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GRY Institute of Pharmacy, Borawan, Khargone, M.P.-451228, India.
Prabhat Kumar Das
Department of Pharmacology, GRY Institute of Pharmacy, Borawan, Khargone, M.P.-451228, India.
Ruchita Raghuwanshi
Department of Pharmaceutics, GRY Institute of Pharmacy, Borawan, Khargone, M.P.-451228, India.
Prakhar Soni
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GRY Institute of Pharmacy, Borawan, Khargone, M.P.-451228, India.
Mohini Patidar *
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GRY Institute of Pharmacy, Borawan, Khargone, M.P.-451228, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Brain disorders represent a major global health burden, encompassing neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Increasing evidence highlights the crucial roles of epigenetic regulation, neuropharmacological mechanisms, and biochemical modifications in the onset and progression of these disorders. Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation dynamically modulate gene expression without altering DNA sequences and are profoundly influenced by environmental factors. Neuropharmacology provides insight into how drugs interact with neural systems to modify neurotransmission, behavior, and cognition. Furthermore, biochemical alterations including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, and neurotransmitter imbalance critically disrupt neuronal homeostasis. This review comprehensively discusses the interplay between epigenetics, neuropharmacology, and biochemical modifications in brain disorders, emphasizing molecular mechanisms, disease implications, current research techniques, and emerging therapeutic strategies. Understanding these interconnected pathways may facilitate the development of targeted, personalized, and disease-modifying treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Keywords: Epigenetics, neuropharmacology, brain disorders, DNA methylation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration