Role of the neurovascular unit in the process of cerebral ischemic injury

Assessment of Phase-Dependent Alterations in Cortical Glycolytic and Mitochondrial Metabolism Following Ischemic Stroke

Maintaining optimal brain metabolism supports neuronal function, synaptic communication, and cognitive processes. During ischemic stroke, brain metabolism and cellular bioenergetics within the neurovascular unit are disrupted, emphasizing the significance of understanding the physiology and pathology of the stroke brain. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare phase-dependent changes in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation following ischemic stroke by using the Seahorse XFe24 Analyzer. Since there are limited established methods to quantify glycolytic activity in brain tissue, we optimized the accuracy and reproducibility of extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) measurement by increasing the incubation time following exposure to each reagent. Following optimization, we quantified both ECAR and the oxygen consumption rate (OCR), a measure of oxidative phosphorylation, in cortical brain tissue punches corresponding to the penumbra from mice subjected to ischemic stroke. ECAR and OCR were quantified in tissue punches from the injured (ipsilateral) and the non-injured (contralateral) hemispheres at 48 hours, 7 days, and 14 days post-stroke. Normalized ECAR measurements showed elevated glycolytic activity in the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres at 7 days post-stroke compared to other time points. In contrast, normalized OCR measurements showed a modest increase in basal respiration within the ipsilateral hemispheres between 48 hours and 14 days post-stroke. In summary, the results demonstrate that ischemic stroke results in a distinct phase-dependent metabolic phenotype in both cortical hemispheres that persists up to 14 days after injury.

Formyl peptide receptors in the microglial activation: New perspectives and therapeutic potential for neuroinflammation

Secondary neurological impairment mediated by neuroinflammation is recognized as a crucial pathological factor in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Currently, there exists a lack of specific therapies targeting neuroinflammation. Given that microglia constitute the primary immune cells involved in the neuroinflammatory response, a thorough comprehension of their role in CNS diseases is imperative for the development of efficacious treatments. Recent investigations have unveiled the significance of formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) in various neuroinflammatory diseases associated with microglial overactivation. Consequently, FPRs emerge as promising targets for modulating the neuroinflammatory response. This review aims to comprehensively explore the therapeutic potential of targeting FPRs in the management of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. It delineates the molecular characteristics and functions of FPRs, elucidates their involvement in the inflammatory response linked to microglial overactivation, and synthesizes therapeutic strategies for regulating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via FPR modulation, thereby charting a novel course for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases.

Research Progress on the Role of Sirtuin 1 in Cerebral Ischemia

A significant amount of evidence from the past few years has shown that Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a histone deacetylase dinucleotide of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is closely related to the cerebral ischemia. Several potential neuroprotective strategies like resveratrol, ischemia preconditioning, and caloric restriction exert their neuroprotection effects through SIRT1-related signaling pathway. However, the potential mechanisms and neuroprotection of SIRT1 in the process of cerebral ischemia injury development and recovery have not been systematically elaborated. This review summarized the the deacetylase activity and distribution of SIRT1 as well as analyzed the roles of SIRT1 in astrocytes, microglia, neurons, and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), and the molecular mechanisms of SIRT1 in cerebral ischemia, providing a theoretical basis for exploration of new therapeutic target in future.

Neurovascular Unit Compensation from Adjacent Level May Contribute to Spontaneous Functional Recovery in Experimental Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

The progression and remission of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) are quite unpredictable due to the ambiguous pathomechanisms. Spontaneous functional recovery (SFR) has been commonly implicated in the natural course of incomplete acute spinal cord injury (SCI), while the evidence and underlying pathomechanisms of neurovascular unit (NVU) compensation involved in SFR remains poorly understood in CSM. In this study, we investigate whether compensatory change of NVU, in particular in the adjacent level of the compressive epicenter, is involved in the natural course of SFR, using an established experimental CSM model. Chronic compression was created by an expandable water-absorbing polyurethane polymer at C5 level. Neurological function was dynamically assessed by BBB scoring and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) up to 2 months. (Ultra)pathological features of NVUs were presented by histopathological and TEM examination. Quantitative analysis of regional vascular profile area/number (RVPA/RVPN) and neuroglial cells numbers were based on the specific EBA immunoreactivity and neuroglial biomarkers, respectively. Functional integrity of blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) was detected by Evan blue extravasation test. Although destruction of the NVU, including disruption of the BSCB, neuronal degeneration and axon demyelination, as well as dramatic neuroglia reaction, were found in the compressive epicenter and spontaneous locomotor and sensory function recovery were verified in the modeling rats. In particular, restoration of BSCB permeability and an evident increase in RVPA with wrapping proliferated astrocytic endfeet in gray matter and neuron survival and synaptic plasticity were confirmed in the adjacent level. TEM findings also proved ultrastructural restoration of the NVU. Thus, NVU compensation changes in the adjacent level may be one of the essential pathomechanisms of SFR in CSM, which could be a promising endogenous target for neurorestoration.

CircSEC11A knockdown alleviates oxidative stress and apoptosis and promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis by regulating miR-29a-3p/SEMA3A axis in OGD-induced human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs)

BACKGROUND

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been found to play an important role in the progression of many diseases, including ischemic stroke. However, the regulatory mechanism of circSEC11A in ischemic stroke progression need to further investigation.

METHODS

Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were stimulated by oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). CircSEC11A, SEC11A mRNA and miR (microRNA)-29a-3p were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). SEMA3A, BAX and BCL2 protein level was quantified by western blot. Oxidative stress, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis abilities were gauged by oxidative stress assay kit, 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, tube formation assay and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Direct relationship between miR-29a-3p and circSEC11A or SEMA3A was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay and RNA pull-down assay.

RESULTS

CircSEC11A was upregulated in OGD-induced HBMECs. OGD promoted the oxidative stress and apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and angiogenesis, while circSEC11A knockdown relieved the effects. CircSEC11A functioned as the sponge for miR-29a-3p, and miR-29a-3p inhibitor reversed the effects of si-circSEC11A on OGD-induced HBMECs oxidative injuries. Moreover, SEMA3A served as the target gene of miR-29a-3p. MiR-29a-3p inhibition ameliorated OGD-induced HBMECs oxidative injuries, while SEMA3A overexpression rescued the impacts of miR-29a-3p mimic.

CONCLUSION

CircSEC11A promoted the malignant progression in OGD-induced HBMECs through the mediation of miR-29a-3p/SEMA3A axis. This study has provided the new insight into the underlying application of circSEC11A in cell model of ischemic stroke.

Inhibition of interaction between ROCK1 and Rubicon restores autophagy in endothelial cells and attenuates brain injury after prolonged ischemia

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) induces cerebral endothelial cell death resulting in the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Endothelial cell autophagy acts as a protective mechanism against cell death. Autophagy is activated in the very early stages of ischemic stroke and declines after prolonged ischemia. Previous studies have shown that Rubicon can inhibit autophagy. The current study aimed to investigate whether continuous long-term ischemia can inhibit autophagy in endothelial cells after ischemic stroke by regulating the function of Rubicon and its underlying mechanism. Wild-type male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). ROCK1, ROCK2, and NOX2 inhibitors were injected into male mice 1 h before the onset of tMCAO. Disease severity and BBB permeability were evaluated. bEnd.3 cells were cultured in vitro and subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). bEnd.3 cells were pretreated with or without ROCK1, ROCK2, or NOX2 inhibitors overnight and then subjected to OGD. Cell viability and permeability were also evaluated. The expression of Rubicon, ROCK1, and autophagy-related proteins were analyzed. Increased BBB permeability was correlated with Rubicon expression in tMCAO mice and Rubicon was upregulated in endothelial cells subjected to OGD. Autophagy was inhibited in endothelial cells after long-term OGD treatment and knockdown of Rubicon expression restored autophagy and viability in endothelial cells subjected to 6-h OGD. ROCK1 inhibition decreased the interaction between Beclin1 and Rubicon and restored cell viability and autophagy suppressed by 6-h OGD treatment in endothelial cells. Additionally, ROCK1 inhibition suppressed Rubicon, attenuated BBB disruption, and brain injury induced by prolonged ischemia in 6-h tMCAO mice. Prolonged ischemia induced the death of brain endothelial cells and the breakdown of the BBB, thus aggravating brain injury by increasing the interaction of ROCK1 and Rubicon with Beclin1 while inhibiting canonical autophagy. Inhibition of ROCK1 signaling in endothelial cells could be a promising therapeutic strategy to prolong the therapeutic time window in AIS.

Domino reaction of neurovascular unit in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury

The mechanism of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury is complex, and the communication between neurons, glia, and blood vessels in neurovascular units significantly affects the occurrence and development of neuropathic pain. After spinal cord injury, a domino chain reaction occurs in the neuron-glia-vessel, which affects the permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier and jointly promotes the development of neuroinflammation. This article discusses the signal transduction between neuro-glial-endothelial networks from a multidimensional point of view and reviews its role in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury.

Research progress on pyroptosis-mediated immune-inflammatory response in ischemic stroke and the role of natural plant components as regulator of pyroptosis: A review

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Its pathogenesis is not completely clear, and inflammatory cascade is one of its main pathological processes. The current clinical practice of IS is to restore the blood supply to the ischemic area after IS as soon as possible through thrombolytic therapy to protect the vitality and function of neurons. However, blood reperfusion further accelerates ischemic damage and cause ischemia-reperfusion injury. The pathological process of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury involves multiple mechanisms, and the exact mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Pyroptosis, a newly discovered form of inflammatory programmed cell death, plays an important role in the initiation and progression of inflammation. It is a pro-inflammatory programmed death mediated by caspase Caspase-1/4/5/11, which can lead to cell swelling and rupture, release inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, and induce an inflammatory cascade. Recent studies have shown that pyroptosis and its mediated inflammatory response are important factors in aggravating ischemic brain injury, and inhibition of pyroptosis may alleviate the ischemic brain injury. Furthermore, studies have found that natural plant components may have a regulatory effect on pyroptosis. Therefore, this review not only summarizes the molecular mechanism of pyroptosis and its role in ischemic stroke, but also the role of natural plant components as regulator of pyroptosis, in order to provide reference information on pyroptosis for the treatment of IS in the future.

Ultrastructural destruction of neurovascular unit in experimental cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Background and purpose

The pathogenesis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the ultrastructural pathology of neurovascular unit (NVU) during natural development of CSM.

Methods

A total of 24 rats were randomly allocated to the control group and the CSM group. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scoring and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were used as functional assessments. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), toluidine blue (TB), and Luxol fast blue (LFB) stains were used for general structure observation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied for investigating ultrastructural characteristics.

Results

The evident compression caused significant neurological dysfunction, which was confirmed by the decrease in BBB score and SEP amplitude, as well as the prolongation of SEP latency (P < 0.05). The histopathological findings verified a significant decrease in the amount of Nissl body and myelin area and an increase in vacuolation compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The TEM results revealed ultrastructural destruction of NVU in several forms, including: neuronal degeneration and apoptosis; disruption of axonal cytoskeleton (neurofilaments) and myelin sheath and dystrophy of axonal terminal with dysfunction mitochondria; degenerative oligodendrocyte, astrocyte, and microglial cell inclusions with degenerating axon and dystrophic dendrite; swollen microvascular endothelium and loss of tight junction integrity; corroded basement membrane and collapsed microvascular wall; and proliferated pericyte and perivascular astrocytic endfeet. In the CSM group, reduction was observed in the amount of mitochondria with normal appearance and the number of cristae per mitochondria (P < 0.05), while no substantial drop of synaptic vesicle number was seen (P > 0.05). Significant narrowing of microvascular lumen size was also observed, accompanied by growth in the vascular wall area, endothelial area, basement membrane thickness, astrocytic endfeet area, and pericyte coverage area (rate) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Altogether, the findings of this study demonstrated ultrastructural destruction of NVU in an experimental CSM model with dorsal-lateral compression, revealing one of the crucial pathophysiological mechanisms of CSM.

New insights in ferroptosis: Potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of ischemic stroke

Stroke is a common disease in clinical practice, which seriously endangers people's physical and mental health. The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays a key role in the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke. Different from other classical types of cell death such as apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis, ferroptosis is an iron-dependent lipid peroxidation-driven new form of cell death. Interestingly, the function of NVU and stroke development can be regulated by activating or inhibiting ferroptosis. This review systematically describes the NVU in ischemic stroke, provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory mechanisms and key regulators of ferroptosis, and uncovers the role of ferroptosis in the NVU and the progression of ischemic stroke. We further discuss the latest progress in the intervention of ferroptosis as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke and summarize the research progress and regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis inhibitors on stroke. In conclusion, ferroptosis, as a new form of cell death, plays a key role in ischemic stroke and is expected to become a new therapeutic target for this disease.

Polymeric Dendrimers as Nanocarrier Vectors for Neurotheranostics

Dendrimers are polymers with well-defined 3D branched structures that are vastly utilized in various neurotheranostics and biomedical applications, particularly as nanocarrier vectors. Imaging agents can be loaded into dendrimers to improve the accuracy of diagnostic imaging processes. Likewise, combining pharmaceutical agents and anticancer drugs with dendrimers can enhance their solubility, biocompatibility, and efficiency. Practically, by modifying ligands on the surface of dendrimers, effective therapeutic and diagnostic platforms can be constructed and implemented for targeted delivery. Dendrimer-based nanocarriers also show great potential in gene delivery. Since enzymes can degrade genetic materials during their blood circulation, dendrimers exhibit promising packaging and delivery alternatives, particularly for central nervous system (CNS) treatments. The DNA and RNA encapsulated in dendrimers represented by polyamidoamine that are used for targeted brain delivery, via chemical-structural adjustments and appropriate generation, significantly improve the correlation between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. This article reports a comprehensive review of dendrimers' structures, synthesis processes, and biological applications. Recent progress in diagnostic imaging processes and therapeutic applications for cancers and other CNS diseases are presented. Potential challenges and future directions in the development of dendrimers, which provide the theoretical basis for their broader applications in healthcare, are also discussed.

The Important Double-Edged Role of Astrocytes in Neurovascular Unit After Ischemic Stroke

In recent years, neurovascular unit (NVU) which is composed of neurons, astrocytes (Ast), microglia (MG), vascular cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), has become an attractive field in ischemic stroke. As the important component of NVU, Ast closely interacts with other constituents, which has been playing double-edged sword roles, beneficial or detrimental after ischemic stroke. Based on the pathophysiological changes, we evaluated some strategies for targeting Ast in treating ischemic stroke. The present review is focused on the roles of Ast in NVU and its complex signaling molecular network after ischemic stroke, which may be a prospective approach to the treatment of ischemic diseases in central nervous system.

Sevoflurane protects mice from cerebral ischemic injury by regulating microRNA-203-3p/HDAC4/Bcl-2 axis

Sevoflurane (Sevo) is neuroprotective in ischemic injury, but its specific mechanism in the disease from microRNA-203-3p/histone deacetylases 4/B-cell lymphoma 2 (miR-203-3p/HDAC4/Bcl-2) axis asks for a comprehensive explanation. A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model was established by nylon suture method. miR-203-3p and HDAC4 expression was measured in mouse brain tissues. The MCAO mice were exposed to Sevo or injected with miR-203-3p- or HDAC4-related plasmids. In response to Sevo treatment or plasmid interference, neurological function, brain pathology, neuronal apoptosis and inflammation were determined. The interactions of miR-203-3p and HDAC4, and HDAC4 and Bcl-2 were verified. MCAO mice presented down-regulated miR-203-3p and up-regulated HDAC4. Sevo improved neurological function, brain pathological damage and reduced neuronal apoptosis and inflammation in MCAO mice, while overexpressing miR-203-3p further enhanced those effects. HDAC4 overexpression antagonized the impacts of miR-203-3p up-regulation on MCAO mice. The targeting relation existed between miR-203-3p and HDAC4, as well as between HDAC4 and Bcl-2. It is clearly elucidated that miR-203-3p enhances the protective effects of Sevo on MCAO mice through elevating Bcl-2 and down-regulating HDAC4, potentially and clinically offering an effective treatment method with Sevo for cerebral ischemic injury.

Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Puerarin in Central Nervous System Diseases: Update

Due to global population aging and modern lifestyle changes, the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cerebrovascular diseases, is increasing and has become a major public health challenge. Current medications commonly used in the clinic are far from satisfactory and may cause serious side effects. Therefore, the identification of novel drugs for the effective management of CNS diseases is very urgent. Puerarin, a highly bioactive ingredient isolated from Pueraria lobata, is known to possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-antioxidant, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective features. However, its clinical application is limited due to its poor water solubility. Since puerarin has demonstrated a wide range of neuroprotective functions in various CNS diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral ischemia, depression, and spinal cord injury, it has been attracting increasingly intense attention worldwide. In this review, we intend to extensively summarize the research progress on neuroprotective mechanisms of puerarin in recent years and discuss the future directions of its application in CNS disease treatment.

Bioenergetic Impairment in the Neuro-Glia-Vascular Unit: An Emerging Physiopathology during Aging

An emerging concept termed the "neuro-glia-vascular unit" (NGVU) has been established in recent years to understand the complicated mechanism of multicellular interactions among vascular cells, glial cells, and neurons. It has been proverbially reported that the NGVU is significantly associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Physiological aging is an inevitable progression associated with oxidative damage, bioenergetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, which is partially similar to the pathology of AD. Thus, senescence is regarded as the background for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. With the exacerbation of global aging, senescence is an increasingly serious problem in the medical field. In this review, the coupling of each component, including neurons, glial cells, and vascular cells, in the NGVU is described in detail. Then, various mechanisms of age-dependent impairment in each part of the NGVU are discussed. Moreover, the potential bioenergetic alterations between different cell types in the NGVU are highlighted, which seems to be an emerging physiopathology associated with the aged brain. Bioenergetic intervention in the NGVU may be a new direction for studies on delaying or diminishing aging in the future.

Hsa_circ_0090002 regulates miR-186-5p/HECTD1 axis to mediate brain microvascular endothelial cell dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Ischemic injury is a common nervous disease associated with the dysfunction of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have key roles in ischemic injury. This research aims to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_0090002 in ischemic injury.

METHODS

HBMECs were stimulated by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Circ_0090002, microRNA-186-5p (miR-186-5p), and homologous to the E6-AP Carboxyl Terminus domain E3 ubiquitin ligase 1 (HECTD1) levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or Western blotting. Cell viability and migration were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and wound healing assay. Flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity assay were used for apoptosis analysis. The oxidative injury and cell toxicity were assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay kits, respectively. The interaction was investigated by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays. In vivo assay was performed in rats.

RESULTS

Circ_0090002 expression was reduced in OGD-stimulated HBMECs. Circ_0090002 overexpression attenuated OGD-induced reduction of cell viability and migration but elevation of apoptosis, oxidative stress and cell toxicity. Circ_0090002 sponged miR-186-5p and miR-186-5p overexpression reversed the protective role of circ_0090002 against the OGD-induced cell injury. MiR-186-5p targeted HECTD1miR-186-5p knockdown mitigated cell damages in by increasing HECTD1 level in OGD-treated HBMECs. Circ_0090002 could upregulate the HECTD1 expression via regulating miR-186-5p. Circ_0090002 inhibited infarct volume of brain in rats.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that circ_0090002 mitigated OGD-induced cell dysfunction in HBMECs by targeting the miR-186-5p/HECTD1 axis.

Application and advantages of zebrafish model in the study of neurovascular unit

The concept of "Neurovascular Unit" (NVU) was put forward, so that the research goal of Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases gradually transitioned from a single neuron to the structural and functional integrity of the NVU. Zebrafish has the advantages of high homology with human genes, strong reproductive capacity and visualization of neural circuits, so it has become an emerging model organism for NVU research and has been applied to a variety of CNS diseases. Based on CNKI (https://www.cnki.net/) and PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/about/) databases, the author of this article sorted out the relevant literature, analyzed the construction of a zebrafish model of various CNS diseases，and the use of diagrams showed the application of zebrafish in the NVU, revealed its relationship, which would provide new methods and references for the treatment and research of CNS diseases.

Protective multi‑target effects of DL‑3‑n‑butylphthalide combined with 3‑methyl‑1‑phenyl‑2‑pyrazolin‑5‑one in mice with ischemic stroke

DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) and 3-methyl-1- phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (edaravone) are acknowledged neuroprotective agents that protect against ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms of a combination therapy with NBP and edaravone have not yet been fully clarified. The aim of the present study was to explore whether the co-administration of NBP and edaravone had multi-target protective effects on the neurovascular unit (NVU) of mice affected by ischemic stroke. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the following three groups: i) Sham operation control, ii) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion, iii) and MCAO/reperfusion with the co-administration of NBP (40 mg/kg) and edaravone (6 mg/kg) delivered via intraperitoneal injection at 0 and 4 h after reperfusion (NBP + edaravone). After ischemia and reperfusion, infarct volumes and neurological deficits were evaluated. The immunoreactivity of the NVU, comprising neurons, endothelial cells and astrocytes, was determined using immunofluorescence staining of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CD31) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins. The infarct volume, neurological function scores and cell damage were increased in the MCAO group compared with the sham operation group. Furthermore, the MCAO mice had reduced NeuN and CD31 expression and increased GFAP expression compared with the sham group. By contrast, the NBP + edaravone group exhibited reduced cell damage and consequently lower infarct volume and neurological deficit scores compared with the MCAO group. The NBP + edaravone group exhibited increased NeuN and CD31 expression and decreased GFAP expression compared with the MCAO group. Furthermore, the expression levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in the NBP + edaravone group were decreased significantly compared with the MCAO group, while the expression levels of Bcl-2 and mitochondrial cytochrome c were increased. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that NBP and edaravone effectively prevented ischemic stroke damage with multi-target protective effects. In addition, NBP + edaravone may be a promising combination therapy for ischemic stroke.

Dexmedetomidine inhibits inflammatory response and oxidative stress through regulating miR-205-5p by targeting HMGB1 in cerebral ischemic/reperfusion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on miR-205-5p/HMGB1 axis in cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODS

Both in vivo I/R rat model and in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cell model using rat hippocampal neurons cells were established. miR-205-5p was overexpressed or inhibited by transfection of miR-205-5p mimics or inhibitor. HMGB1 was overexpressed by transfection overexpression plasmids (OE-HMGB1). TTC staining was used for measurement of infraction volume. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and inflammation was evaluated by measurement of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm binding between miR-205-5p and HMGB1. The expression levels of miR-205-5p, and HMGB1 were measured using RT-qPCR. Western blotting was used to test the protein expression levels of HMGB1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and catalase (CAT).

RESULTS

Treatment of DEX significantly reduced brain infraction volume, decreased Longa's neurological function score and inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation in brain tissues of I/R rats, which were all reversed by inhibition of miR-205-5p. Both treatment of DEX or overexpression of miR-205-5p restricted oxidative stress and inflammation in H/R rat hippocampal neurons cells. The inhibition of miR-205-5p reversed the effects of DEX, while the overexpression of HMGB1 reversed the effects of miR-205-5p overexpression in H/R rat hippocampal neurons cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed miR-205-5p directly targeted HMGB1.

CONCLUSION

DEX improved I/R injury by suppressing brain oxidative stress and inflammation DEX improved I/R injury by suppressing brain oxidative stress and inflammation through activating miR-205-5p/HMGB1 axis through activating miR-205-5p/HMGB1 axis.

The AMPAR antagonist perampanel protects the neurovascular unit against traumatic injury via regulating Sirt3

Introduction

Perampanel is a highly selective and noncompetitive α‐amino‐3 ‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionate receptor (AMPAR) antagonist, which has been used as an orally administered antiepileptic drug in more than 55 countries. Recently, perampanel was shown to exert neuroprotective effects in hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke models via regulating blood–brain barrier (BBB) function.

Aim

Here, the protective effects of perampanel were investigated in an in vitro neurovascular unit (NVU) system established using a triple cell co‐culture model (neurons, astrocytes, and brain microvascular endothelial cells) and in an in vivo traumatic brain injury (TBI) model.

Results

Neurons in the NVU system exhibit a more mature morphological phenotype compared with neurons cultured alone, and the co‐culture system mimicked an impermeable barrier in vitro. Perampanel protects the NVU system against traumatic and excitotoxic injury, as evidenced by reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and apoptotic rate. Treatment with perampanel attenuated lipid peroxidation and expression of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, perampanel increased Sirt3 protein expression, enhanced the activities of mitochondrial enzyme IDH2 and SOD2, and preserved BBB function in vitro. Knockdown of Sirt3 using specific siRNA (Si‐Sirt3) partially reserved the effects of perampanel on neuronal injury and BBB function. Treatment with perampanel in vivo attenuated brain edema, preserved neurological function, inhibited apoptosis and microglia activation after TBI. Furthermore, perampanel increased the expression of Sirt3 and preserved BBB function after TBI. The effect of perampanel on BBB function and brain edema was abolished by knockdown of Sirt3 in vivo.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the noncompetitive AMPAR antagonist perampanel protects the NVU system and reduces brain damage after TBI via activating the Sirt3 cascades.

An Enriched Environment Enhances Angiogenesis Surrounding the Cingulum in Ischaemic Stroke Rats

An enriched environment (EE) has been demonstrated to improve functional recovery in animal models of ischaemic stroke through enhancing vascular endothelial growth factor- (VEGF-) mediated neuroprotection accompanied by angiogenesis in the ischaemic hemisphere. Whether EEs also promote VEGF-mediated neuroprotection and angiogenesis in the contralateral hemisphere remains unclear. Here, we explored the effect of EEs on VEGF expression and angiogenesis within the contralateral cerebral cortex in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/r) model. We assessed the expression levels of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31), VEGF, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the whole contralateral cerebral cortex using Western blotting assay but did not find an increase in the expression of CD31, VEGF, or eNOS in MCAO/r rats housed in EEs, which suggested that EEs did not enhance the overall expression of VEGF and eNOS or angiogenesis in the entire contralateral cortex. We further analysed the local effect of EEs by immunohistochemistry and found that in and around the bilateral cingulum in MCAO/r rats housed in EEs, haematopoietic progenitor cell antigen- (CD34-) positive endothelial progenitor cells were significantly increased compared with those of rats housed in standard cages (SCs). Further experiments showed that EEs increased neuronal VEGF expression surrounding the cingulum in MCAO/r rats and robustly upregulated eNOS expression. These results revealed that EEs enhanced angiogenesis, VEGF expression, and activation of the VEGF-eNOS pathway in and/or around the cingulum in MCAO/r rats, which were involved in the functional recovery of MCAO/r rats.

Traditional Chinese medicine in cardiovascular drug discovery

In this virtual special issue entitled "Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery", a collection of 18 basic research, clinical research and review articles was published to highlight the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and their bioactive components in treating atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, ischemic cardiomyopathy, heart failure and beyond.