Hypothermia for acute brain injury--mechanisms and practical aspects

Temperature Control in Acute Brain Injury: An Update

Temperature control in severe acute brain injury (SABI) is a key component of acute management. This manuscript delves into the complex role of temperature management in SABI, encompassing conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI), acute ischemic stroke (AIS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and hypoxemic/ischemic brain injury following cardiac arrest. Fever is a common complication in SABI and is linked to worse neurological outcomes due to increased inflammatory responses and intracranial pressure (ICP). Temperature management, particularly hypothermic temperature control (HTC), appears to mitigate these adverse effects primarily by reducing cerebral metabolic demand and dampening inflammatory pathways. However, the effectiveness of HTC varies across different SABI conditions. In the context of post-cardiac arrest, the impact of HTC on neurological outcomes has shown inconsistent results. In cases of TBI, HTC seems promising for reducing ICP, but its influence on long-term outcomes remains uncertain. For AIS, clinical trials have yet to conclusively demonstrate the benefits of HTC, despite encouraging preclinical evidence. This variability in efficacy is also observed in ICH, aSAH, bacterial meningitis, and status epilepticus. In pediatric and neonatal populations, while HTC shows significant benefits in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, its effectiveness in other brain injuries is mixed. Although the theoretical basis for employing temperature control, especially HTC, is strong, the clinical outcomes differ among various SABI subtypes. The current consensus indicates that fever prevention is beneficial across the board, but the application and effectiveness of HTC are more nuanced, underscoring the need for further research to establish optimal temperature management strategies. Here we provide an overview of the clinical evidence surrounding the use of temperature control in various types of SABI.

Identification and validation of a novel Parkinson-Glioma feature gene signature in glioma and Parkinson's disease

Introduction

The prognosis for glioma is generally poor, and the 5-year survival rate for patients with this disease has not shown significant improvement over the past few decades. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent movement disorder, ranking as the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. Although Parkinson's disease and glioma are distinct diseases, they may share certain underlying biological pathways that contribute to their development.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the involvement of genes associated with Parkinson's disease in the development and prognosis of glioma.

Methods

We obtained datasets from the TCGA, CGGA, and GEO databases, which included RNA sequencing data and clinical information of glioma and Parkinson's patients. Eight machine learning algorithms were used to identify Parkinson-Glioma feature genes (PGFGs). PGFGs associated with glioma prognosis were identified through univariate Cox analysis. A risk signature was constructed based on PGFGs using Cox regression analysis and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method. We subsequently validated its predictive ability using various methods, including ROC curves, calibration curves, KM survival analysis, C-index, DCA, independent prognostic analysis, and stratified analysis. To validate the reproducibility of the results, similar work was performed on three external test datasets. Additionally, a meta-analysis was employed to observe the heterogeneity and consistency of the signature across different datasets. We also compared the differences in genomic variations, functional enrichment, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity analysis based on risk scores. This exploration aimed to uncover potential mechanisms of glioma occurrence and prognosis.

Results

We identified 30 PGFGs, of which 25 were found to be significantly associated with glioma survival. The prognostic signature, consisting of 19 genes, demonstrated excellent predictive performance for 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival (OS) of glioma. The signature emerged as an independent prognostic factor for glioma overall survival (OS), surpassing the predictive performance of traditional clinical variables. Notably, we observed differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME), levels of immune cell infiltration, immune gene expression, and drug resistance analysis among distinct risk groups. These findings may have significant implications for the clinical treatment of glioma patients.

Conclusion

The expression of genes related to Parkinson's disease is closely associated with the immune status and prognosis of glioma patients, potentially regulating glioma pathogenesis through multiple mechanisms. The interaction between genes associated with Parkinson's disease and the immune system during glioma development provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies for glioma.

RBM3 Ameliorates Acute Brain Injury-induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress by Stabilizing GAS6 mRNA Through Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3), as a cold-inducible protein, exhibits neuroprotective function in brain disorders. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of RBM3 on acute brain injury (ABI) and its underlying mechanism. The cerebral injury (CI) rat model and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model were established. The neurological severity score, wire-grip score, morris water maze test, and Y-maze test were used to detect the neurological damage, vestibular motor, learning, and memory functions. Cerebral injury, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory level were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining and specific kits. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis rate. The relationship between RBM3 and growth arrest specific (GAS) 6 was analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation assay. The results indicated that RBM3 recovered of neurological function and behaviour impairment of CI rats. Additionally, RBM3 reversed the increased oxidative stress, inflammatory level, and apoptosis induced by CI and OGD. RBM3 interacted with GAS6 to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thus playing neuroprotection on ABI. Besides, the results of RBM3 treatment were similar to those of mild hypothermia treatment. In summary, RBM3 exerted neuroprotection and ameliorated inflammatory levels and oxidative stress by stabilizing GAS6 mRNA through the Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting that RBM3 might be a potential therapeutic candidate for treating ABI.

Focus on brain-lung crosstalk: Preventing or treating the pathological vicious circle between the brain and the lung

Recently, there has been increasing attention to bidirectional information exchange between the brain and lungs. Typical physiological data is communicated by channels like the circulation and sympathetic nervous system. However, communication between the brain and lungs can also occur in pathological conditions. Studies have shown that severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and other brain diseases can lead to lung damage. Conversely, severe lung diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, and respiratory failure can exacerbate neuroinflammatory responses, aggravate brain damage, deteriorate neurological function, and result in poor prognosis. A brain or lung injury can have adverse effects on another organ through various pathways, including inflammation, immunity, oxidative stress, neurosecretory factors, microbiome and oxygen. Researchers have increasingly concentrated on possible links between the brain and lungs. However, there has been little attention given to how the interaction between the brain and lungs affects the development of brain or lung disorders, which can lead to clinical states that are susceptible to alterations and can directly affect treatment results. This review described the relationships between the brain and lung in both physiological and pathological conditions, detailing the various pathways of communication such as neurological, inflammatory, immunological, endocrine, and microbiological pathways. Meanwhile, this review provides a comprehensive summary of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for diseases related to the brain and lungs. It aims to support clinical endeavors in preventing and treating such ailments and serve as a reference for the development of relevant medications.

The efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) in treating poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), focusing on functional outcomes, mortality, and complications such as vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and hydrocephalus.

METHODS

Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central, up to November 2023. Nine studies involving 368 patients were selected based on eligibility criteria focusing on TH in poor-grade SAH patients. Data extraction, bias assessment, and evidence certainty were systematically performed.

RESULTS

The primary analysis of unfavorable outcomes in 271 participants showed no significant difference between the TH and standard care groups (risk ratio [RR], 0.87). However, a significant reduction in vasospasm was observed in the TH group (RR, 0.63) among 174 participants. No significant differences were found in DCI, hydrocephalus, and mortality rates in the respective participant groups.

CONCLUSIONS

TH did not significantly improve primary unfavorable outcomes in poor-grade SAH patients. However, the reduction in vasospasm rates indicates potential specific benefits. The absence of significant findings in other secondary outcomes and mortality highlights the need for further research to better understand TH's role in treating this patient population.

Protocol for a magnetic resonance imaging study of participants in the fever RCT: Does fever control prevent brain injury in malaria?

BACKGROUND

Despite eradication efforts, ~135,000 African children sustained brain injuries as a result of central nervous system (CNS) malaria in 2021. Newer antimalarial medications rapidly clear peripheral parasitemia and improve survival, but mortality remains high with no associated decline in post-malaria neurologic injury. A randomized controlled trial of aggressive antipyretic therapy with acetaminophen and ibuprofen (Fever RCT) for malarial fevers being conducted in Malawi and Zambia began enrollment in 2019. We propose to use neuroimaging in the context of the RCT to further evaluate neuroprotective effects of aggressive antipyretic therapy.

METHODS

This observational magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ancillary study will obtain neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes in children previously enrolled in the Fever RCT at 1- and 12-months post discharge. Analysis will compare the odds of any brain injury between the aggressive antipyretic therapy and usual care groups based upon MRI structural abnormalities. For children unable to undergo imaging without deep sedation, neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes will be used to identify brain injury.

DISCUSSION

Neuroimaging is a well-established, valid proxy for neurological outcomes after brain injury in pediatric CNS malaria. This MRI ancillary study will add value to the Fever RCT by determining if treatment with aggressive antipyretic therapy is neuroprotective in CNS malaria. It may also help elucidate the underlying mechanism(s) of neuroprotection and expand upon FEVER RCT safety assessments.

Protocol for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Study of Participants in the Fever Randomized Controlled Trial: Does fever control prevent brain injury in malaria?

Background

Despite eradication efforts, ~135,000 African children sustained brain injuries as a result of central nervous system (CNS) malaria in 2021. Newer antimalarial medications rapidly clear peripheral parasitemia and improve survival, but mortality remains high with no associated decline in post-malaria neurologic injury. A randomized controlled trial of aggressive antipyretic therapy with acetaminophen and ibuprofen (Fever RCT) for malarial fevers being conducted in Malawi and Zambia began enrollment in 2019. We propose to use neuroimaging in the context of the RCT to further evaluate neuroprotective effects of aggressive antipyretic therapy.

Methods

This observational magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ancillary study will obtain neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes in children previously enrolled in the Fever RCT at 1- and 12-months post discharge. Analysis will compare the odds of any brain injury between the aggressive antipyretic therapy and usual care groups based upon MRI structural abnormalities. For children unable to undergo imaging without deep sedation, neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes will be used to identify brain injury.

Discussion

Neuroimaging is a well-established, valid proxy for neurological outcomes after brain injury in pediatric CNS malaria. This MRI ancillary study will add value to the Fever RCT by determining if treatment with aggressive antipyretic therapy is neuroprotective in CNS malaria. It may also help elucidate the underlying mechanism(s) of neuroprotection and expand upon FEVER RCT safety assessments.

Longer Periods of Hypothermia Provide Greater Protection Against Focal Ischemia: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies Manipulating Treatment Duration

Decades of animal research show therapeutic hypothermia (TH) to be potently neuroprotective after cerebral ischemic injuries. While there have been some translational successes, clinical efficacy after ischemic stroke is unclear. One potential reason for translational failures could be insufficient optimization of dosing parameters. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of the PubMed database to identify all preclinical controlled studies that compared multiple TH durations following focal ischemia, with treatment beginning at least 1 hour after ischemic onset. Six studies met our inclusion criteria. In these six studies, six of seven experiments demonstrated an increase in cerebroprotection at the longest duration tested. The average effect size (mean Cohen's d ± 95% confidence interval) at the shortest and longest durations was 0.4 ± 0.3 and 1.9 ± 1.1, respectively. At the longest durations, this corresponded to percent infarct volume reductions between 31.2% and 83.9%. Our analysis counters previous meta-analytic findings that there is no relationship, or an inverse relationship between TH duration and effect size. However, underreporting often led to high or unclear risks of bias for each study as gauged by the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. We also found a lack of investigations of the interactions between duration and other treatment considerations (e.g., method, delay, and ischemic severity). With consideration of methodological limitations, an understanding of the relationships between treatment parameters is necessary to determine proper "dosage" of TH, and should be further studied, considering clinical failures that contrast with strong cerebroprotective results in most animal studies.

Study on the protective effect of RNA-binding motif protein 3 in mild hypothermia oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation cell model

Mild hypothermia is proven neuroprotective in clinical practice. While hypothermia leads to the decrease of global protein synthesis rate, it upregulates a small subset of protein including RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3). In this study, we treated mouse neuroblastoma cells (N2a) with mild hypothermia before oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and discovered the decrease of apoptosis rate, down-regulation of apoptosis-associated protein and enhancement of cell viability. Overexpression of RBM3 via plasmid exerted similar effect while silencing RBM3 by siRNAs partially reversed the protective effect exerted by mild hypothermia pretreatment. The protein level of Reticulon 3(RTN3), a downstream gene of RBM3, also increased after mild hypothermia pretreatment. Silencing RTN3 weakened the protective effect of mild hypothermia pretreatment or RBM3 overexpression. Also, the protein level of autophagy gene LC3B increased after OGD/R or RBM3 overexpression while silencing RTN3 decreased this trend. Furthermore, immunofluorescence observed enhanced fluorescence signal of LC3B and RTN3 as well as a large number of overlaps after RBM3 overexpressing. In conclusion, RBM3 plays a cellular protective role by regulating apoptosis and viability via its downstream gene RTN3 in the hypothermia OGD/R cell model and autophagy may participate in it.

The Protective Role and Mechanism of Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia Protection on Brain Cells

Background

Moderate therapeutic hypothermia is protective against several cellular stressors. However, the mechanisms behind this protection are not entirely known. In the current investigation, we investigated that therapeutic hypothermia at 33°C administered following peroxide-induced oxidative stress might protect human oligodendroglioma cells using an in vitro model.

Methods and Results

Tert-butyl peroxide treatment for one hour significantly increased cell apoptosis and suppressed cell viability. In the range of 50-1000 M tert-butyl peroxide, this cell death was dose-dependent. MTT assay and cell apoptosis assay were applied to analyze cell viability/death at 24 hours after peroxide-induced stress. Therapeutic hypothermia at 33°C delivered for two hours after peroxide exposure significantly increased cell viability and suppressed cell death. Even 15 minutes after peroxide washout when delayed hypothermia was used, this protection was still apparent. Three FDA-approved antioxidants (Tempol, EUK134, and Edaravone at 100 M) were added immediately after tert-butyl peroxide, followed by hypothermia treatment. These three antioxidants greatly increased cell viability and cell apoptosis. RT-qPCR was applied to determine the effects of hypothermia treatment on the expression of caspase-3 and -8 as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Therapeutic hypothermia significantly downregulated these three factors.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings confirmed that hypothermia and antioxidants quenching reactive oxygen species may lower mitochondrial oxidative stress and/or apoptotic pathways. Further investigation are needed to investigate the role of hypothermia in other cell models.

Analysis of rebound intracranial pressure occurring during rewarming after therapeutic hypothermia in traumatic brain injury patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk factors associated with rebound intracranial pressure (ICP), a phenomenon that occurs when brain swelling reprogresses rapidly during rewarming in patients who have undergone therapeutic hypothermia for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

This study analyzed 42 patients who underwent therapeutic hypothermia among 172 patients with severe TBI admitted to a single regional trauma center between January 2017 and December 2020. Forty-two patients were classified into 34.5 °C (mild) and 33 °C (moderate) hypothermia groups according to the therapeutic hypothermia protocol for TBI. Rewarming was initiated post-hypothermia, wherein ICP was maintained at ≤ 20 mmHg and cerebral perfusion pressure was maintained at ≥ 50 mmHg for ≥ 24 h. In the rewarming protocol, the target core temperature was increased to 36.5 °C at 0.1 °C/h.

RESULTS

Of the 42 patients who underwent therapeutic hypothermia, 27 did not survive: 9 in the mild and 18 in the moderate hypothermia groups. The moderate hypothermia group had a significantly higher mortality rate than the mild hypothermia group (p = 0.013). Rebound ICP occurred in 9 of 25 patients: 2 in the mild and 7 in the moderate hypothermia groups. In the risk factor analysis of rebound ICP, only the degree of hypothermia was statistically significant, and rebound ICP was observed more frequently in the moderate than in the mild hypothermia group (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who underwent rewarming after therapeutic hypothermia, rebound ICP presented a higher risk at 33 °C than at 34.5 °C. Therefore, more careful rewarming is needed in patients receiving therapeutic hypothermia at 33 °C.

Vertebrobasilar artery cooling infusion in acute ischemic stroke for posterior circulation following thrombectomy: Rationale, design and protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background

Although endovascular mechanical thrombectomy demonstrates clinical efficacy in posterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS), only one third of these patients attain functional independence with a third of patients' expiring despite vascular recanalization. Neuroprotection strategies, such as therapeutic hypothermia (TH) have been considered a promising adjunctive treatment in AIS. We propose the following rationale, design and protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to determine whether Vertebrobasilar Artery Cooling Infusion (VACI) improves functional outcomes in posterior circulation AIS patients post mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods

Subjects in the study will be assigned randomly to either the cooling infusion or the control group in a 1:1 ratio (n = 40). Patients allocated to the cooling infusion group will receive 300 ml cool saline at 4C through the catheter (30 ml/min) into vertebral artery after thrombectomy. The control group will receive the same volume of 37C saline. All patients enrolled will receive standard care according to current guidelines for stroke management. The primary outcome is symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), whereas the secondary outcomes include functional outcome score, infarction volume, mortality, ICH, fatal ICH, cerebral vasospasm, coagulation abnormality, pneumonia and urinary infection.

Discussions

This study will determine the preliminary safety, feasibility, and neuroprotective benefits of VACI in posterior circulation AIS patients with reperfusion therapy. The results of this study may provide evidence for VACI as a new therapy in posterior circulation AIS.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2200065806, registered on November 15, 2022.

Mild Hypothermia Protects Brain Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Mice Via Enhancing the Nrdp1/MyD88 Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Mild hypothermia has been identified to reduce brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) by protecting neuron cells through several pathways. However, the role of hypothermia in brain function following ICH and the related mechanisms have not been well identified. Ubiquitination-mediated inflammation plays important roles in the pathogenesis of immune diseases. The experiment analyzed anti-inflammatory effects of mild hypothermia following ICH.

METHODS

The model of ICH was induced by injecting autologous blood. Neuregulin receptor degradation protein-1 (Nrdp1) and downstream molecule were analyzed. In addition, brain inflammatory response, brain edema, and neurological functions of ICH mice were also assessed.

RESULTS

We found that mild hypothermia attenuated proinflammatory factors production after ICH. Mild hypothermia significantly inhibited BBB injury, water content, and neurological damage following ICH in vivo. Moreover, mild hypothermia also increased Nrdp1/MyD88 levels and thus affect neuronal apoptosis and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results suggest that mild hypothermia can attenuate the neuroinflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis after ICH through the regulation of the Nrdp1 levels.

Cytostatic hypothermia and its impact on glioblastoma and survival

Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) have limited options and require novel approaches to treatment. Here, we studied and deployed nonfreezing "cytostatic" hypothermia to stunt GBM growth. This growth-halting method contrasts with ablative, cryogenic hypothermia that kills both neoplastic and infiltrated healthy tissue. We investigated degrees of hypothermia in vitro and identified a cytostatic window of 20° to 25°C. For some lines, 18 hours/day of cytostatic hypothermia was sufficient to halt division in vitro. Next, we fabricated an experimental tool to test local cytostatic hypothermia in two rodent GBM models. Hypothermia more than doubled median survival, and all rats that successfully received cytostatic hypothermia survived their study period. Unlike targeted therapeutics that are successful in preclinical models but fail in clinical trials, cytostatic hypothermia leverages fundamental physics that influences biology broadly. It is a previously unexplored approach that could provide an additional option to patients with GBM by halting tumor growth.

Cerebral Oxygen Delivery and Consumption in Brain-Injured Patients

Organism survival depends on oxygen delivery and utilization to maintain the balance of energy and toxic oxidants production. This regulation is crucial to the brain, especially after acute injuries. Secondary insults after brain damage may include impaired cerebral metabolism, ischemia, intracranial hypertension and oxygen concentration disturbances such as hypoxia or hyperoxia. Recent data highlight the important role of clinical protocols in improving oxygen delivery and resulting in lower mortality in brain-injured patients. Clinical protocols guide the rules for oxygen supplementation based on physiological processes such as elevation of oxygen supply (by mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intracranial pressure (ICP) modulation, cerebral vasoreactivity, oxygen capacity) and reduction of oxygen demand (by pharmacological sedation and coma or hypothermia). The aim of this review is to discuss oxygen metabolism in the brain under different conditions.

Aggressive antipyretics in central nervous system malaria: Study protocol of a randomized-controlled trial assessing antipyretic efficacy and parasite clearance effects (Malaria FEVER study)

BACKGROUND

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Africa where annually, ~250,000 children with malaria experience a neurologic injury with subsequent neuro-disability. Evidence indicates that a higher temperature during the acute illness is a risk factor for post-infectious neurologic sequelae. As such, aggressive antipyretic therapy may be warranted among children with complicated malaria at substantial risk of brain injury. Previous clinical trials conducted primarily in children with uncomplicated malaria and using only a single antipyretic medication have shown limited benefits in terms of fever reduction; however, no studies to date have examined malaria fever management using dual therapies. In this clinical trial of aggressive antipyretic therapy, children hospitalized with central nervous system (CNS) malaria will be randomized to usual care (acetaminophen every 6 hours for a temperature ≥ 38.5°C) vs. prophylactic acetaminophen and ibuprofen every 6 hours for 72 hours.

METHODS

In this double-blinded, placebo controlled, two-armed clinical trial, we will enroll 284 participants from three settings at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi; at the University Teaching Hospitals Children's Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia and at Chipata Central Hospital, Chipata, Zambia. Parents or guardians must provide written informed consent. Eligible participants are 2-11 years with evidence of P. falciparum malaria infection by peripheral blood smear or rapid diagnostic test with CNS symptoms associated with malaria. Eligible children will receive treatment allocation randomization either to standard of care for fever management or to prophylactic, scheduled treatment every 6 hours for 72 hours with dual antipyretic therapies using acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Assignment to treatment groups will be with 1:1 allocation using blocked randomization. The primary outcome will be maximum temperature in the 72 hours after enrolment. Secondary outcomes include parasite clearance as determined by quantitative Histidine Rich Protein II and seizures through 72 hours after enrolment.

DISCUSSION

This clinical trial seeks to challenge the practice paradigm of limited fever treatment based upon hyperpyrexia by evaluating the fever-reduction efficacy of more aggressive antipyretic using two antipyretics and prophylactic administration and will elucidate the impact of antipyretics on parasite clearance and acute symptomatic seizures. If aggressive antipyretic therapy is shown to safely reduce the maximum temperature, a clinical trial evaluating the neuroprotective effects of temperature reduction in CNS malaria is warranted.

Therapeutic hypothermia for stroke: Unique challenges at the bedside

Therapeutic hypothermia has shown promise as a means to improving neurological outcomes at several neurological conditions. At the clinical level, it has been shown to improve outcomes in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest and in neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, but has yet to be convincingly demonstrated in stroke. While numerous preclinical studies have shown benefit in stroke models, translating this to the clinical level has proven challenging. Major obstacles include cooling patients with typical stroke who are awake and breathing spontaneously but often have significant comorbidities. Solutions around these problems include selective brain cooling and cooling to lesser depths or avoiding hyperthermia. This review will cover the mechanisms of protection by therapeutic hypothermia, as well as recent progress made in selective brain cooling and the neuroprotective effects of only slightly lowering brain temperature. Therapeutic hypothermia for stroke has been shown to be feasible, but has yet to be definitively proven effective. There is clearly much work to be undertaken in this area.

RBM3 is an outstanding cold shock protein with multiple physiological functions beyond hypothermia

RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3), an outstanding cold shock protein, is rapidly upregulated to ensure homeostasis and survival in a cold environment, which is an important physiological mechanism in response to cold stress. Meanwhile, RBM3 has multiple physiological functions and participates in the regulation of various cellular physiological processes, such as antiapoptosis, circadian rhythm, cell cycle, reproduction, and tumogenesis. The structure, conservation, and tissue distribution of RBM3 in human are demonstrated in this review. Herein, the multiple physiological functions of RBM3 were summarized based on recent research advances. Meanwhile, the cytoprotective mechanism of RBM3 during stress under various adverse conditions and its regulation of transcription were discussed. In addition, the neuroprotection of RBM3 and its oncogenic role and controversy in various cancers were investigated in our review.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction following traumatic brain injury: From mechanistic view to targeted therapeutic opportunities

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most prevalent causes of permanent physical and cognitive disabilities. TBI pathology results from primary insults and a multi-mechanistic biochemical process, termed as secondary brain injury. Currently, there are no pharmacological agents for definitive treatment of patients with TBI. This article is presented with the purpose of reviewing molecular mechanisms of TBI pathology, as well as potential strategies and agents against pathological pathways. In this review article, materials were obtained by searching PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This search was considered without time limitation. Evidence indicates that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are two key mediators of the secondary injury cascade in TBI pathology. TBI-induced oxidative damage results in the structural and functional impairments of cellular and subcellular components, such as mitochondria. Impairments of mitochondrial electron transfer chain and mitochondrial membrane potential result in a vicious cycle of free radical formation and cell apoptosis. The results of some preclinical and clinical studies, evaluating mitochondria-targeted therapies, such as mitochondria-targeted antioxidants and compounds with pleiotropic effects after TBI, are promising. As a proposed strategy in recent years, mitochondria-targeted multipotential therapy is a new hope, waiting to be confirmed. Moreover, based on the available findings, biologics, such as stem cell-based therapy and transplantation of mitochondria are novel potential strategies for the treatment of TBI; however, more studies are needed to clearly confirm the safety and efficacy of these strategies.

Mild Hypothermia Promotes Ischemic Tolerance and Survival of Neural Stem Cell Grafts by Enhancing Global SUMOylation

Cerebral infarct penumbra due to hypoxia and toxin accumulation is not conducive to the transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs), although mild hypothermia can improve the local microenvironment of the ischemic penumbra and exert neuroprotective effects. However, insufficient understanding of the molecular mechanism by which mild hypothermia protects the brain limits widespread clinical application. This study evaluated the molecular mechanism of mild hypothermia-induced brain protection from the perspective of global protein small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification, with the aim of improving NSC transplant survival rates in the penumbra to enhance neurological function. NSCs from neonatal rats were extracted to detect the effects of hypoxia and mild hypothermia on SUMOylation modification levels, cell stemness, and hypoxia-induced injury. Overexpression and knockdown of UBC9 in NSCs were used to evaluate their ability to maintain stemness and withstand hypoxic injury. Finally, a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was used to verify the effect of mild hypothermia treatment and UBC9 overexpression on neural function of NSCs following penumbra transplantation in rats. Results showed that hypoxia and mild hypothermia promoted both the SUMOylation modification and maintenance of NSC stemness. Overexpression of UBC9 enhanced the abilities of NSCs to maintain stemness and resist hypoxic injury, while UBC9 knockdown had the opposite effect. Following transplantation into the ischemic penumbra of MCAO model rats, mild hypothermia and Ubc9-overexpressing NSCs significantly reduced cerebral infarct areas and improved neurological function. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that global protein SUMOylation is an important molecular mechanism for NSCs to tolerate hypoxia, and mild hypothermia can further increase the degree of global SUMOylation to enhance the hypoxia tolerance of NSCs, which increases their survival during transplantation in situ and ability to perform nerve repair in the penumbra of cerebral infarction.

Temperature management for deliberate mild hypothermia during neurosurgical procedures

Deliberate mild hypothermia is safer from the point of view of adverse events and does not require a specific technique, unlike deep or moderate hypothermia. Therefore, mild hypothermia was widely used for neurosurgical procedures. Unfortunately, the neuroprotective efficacy of intraoperative mild hypothermia has not yet been proven; however, temperature management for intraoperative deliberate mild hypothermia has been improved over the past two decades. It is very important to achieve mild hypothermia before the commencement of the main surgery, and to maintain the patient's body temperature until the procedure is completed. In addition, it is also important to complete rewarming by the end of the surgery so that an accurate neurological evaluation can be made. Regarding the effects of mild hypothermia on outcomes, a large randomized controlled study reported that unfavorable outcomes did not differ between participants with or without hypothermia. Apart from these unfavorable outcomes, it is known that temperature management during deliberate intraoperative mild hypothermia has contributed to improvement of anesthesia practice. The accumulation of experience in this field is important. Clinical interest in deliberate mild hypothermia is currently low; however, anesthesiologists should be prepared for the time when it is required again in the future.

Effects of hypothermia and pentoxifylline on the adnexal torsion/detorsion injuries in a rat testis model

This study was designed to investigate the effects of separate and combined administration of hypothermia and pentoxifylline to preserve the effects on the testicles in an experimental model of testicular torsion/ detorsion injuries in rats. Forty male adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, control, torsion/detorsion (TD), torsion/detorsion/hypothermia (TD+ICE), torsion/detorsion received of pentoxifylline (40mg/kg, ip) (TD+PTX) and torsion/detorsion/hypothermia/PTX (TD+ICE+PTX). Left testicular torsion (TT) was performed for 4 and half hours, and ice fragments have been used at the beginning of torsion. After the reperfusion period (a week), oxidative maker's serum levels, testosterone hormone, sperm parameters, and histopathological and gene expression evaluations have been performed. Significant adverse changes were observed in the TD group for histological variables, sperm count, oxidative marker, testosterone hormone, Bax, BCL2 and caspase-3 expression. The parameters studied in the group receiving PTX improved in comparison with the TD group, while macroscopical parameters of both the hypothermia and PTX+ICE groups were not different compared with the TD group. The results revealed that PTX, as an antioxidant component, was protective against testicular torsion, while hypothermia and hypothermia plus PTX did not exhibit this property, which may have been due to the duration of hypothermia (4 hr) or reperfusion period.

Transient Global Ischemia-Induced Brain Inflammatory Cascades Attenuated by Targeted Temperature Management

Sudden cardiac arrest leads to a significantly increased risk of severe neurological impairment and higher mortality rates in survivors due to global brain tissue injury caused by prolonged whole-body ischemia and reperfusion. The brain undergoes various deleterious cascading events. Among these damaging mechanisms, neuroinflammation plays an especially crucial role in the exacerbation of brain damage. Clinical guidelines indicate that 33 °C and 36 °C are both beneficial for targeted temperature management (TTM) after cardiac arrest. To clarify the mechanistic relationship between TTM and inflammation in transient global ischemia (TGI) and determine whether 36 °C produces a neuroprotective effect comparable to 33 °C, we performed an experiment using a rat model. We found that TTM at 36 °C and at 33 °C attenuated neuronal cell death and apoptosis, with significant improvements in behavioral function that lasted for up to 72 h. TTM at 33 °C and 36 °C suppressed the propagation of inflammation including the release of high mobility group box 1 from damaged cells, the activation and polarization of the microglia, and the excessive release of activated microglia-induced inflammatory cytokines. There were equal neuroprotective effects for TTM at 36 °C and 33 °C. In addition, hypothermic complications and should be considered safe and effective after cardiac arrest.

Targeted Temperature Management at 36 °C Shows Therapeutic Effectiveness via Alteration of Microglial Activation and Polarization After Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic injury leads to cell death and inflammatory responses after stroke. Microglia especially play a crucial role in this brain inflammation. Targeted temperature management (TTM) at 33 °C has shown neuroprotective effects against many acute ischemic injuries. However, it has also shown some adverse effects in preclinical studies. Therefore, we explored the neuroprotective effect of TTM at 36 °C in the ischemic brain. To confirm the neuroprotective effects of hypothermia, mice were subjected to a permanent stroke and then treated with one of the TTM paradigms at 33 and 36 °C. For comparison of TTM at 33 and 36 °C, we examined neuronal cell death and inflammatory response, including activation and polarization of microglia in the ischemic brain. TTM at 33 and 36 °C showed neuroprotective effects in comparison with normal body temperature (NT) at 37.5 °C. Mice under TTM at 33 and 36 °C showed ~ 45-50% fewer TUNEL-positive cells than those under NT. In IVIS spectrum CT, the activation of microglia/macrophage in CX3CR1^GFP mice reduced after TTM at 33 and 36 °C in comparison with that after NT on day 7 after ischemic stroke. The number of Tmem119-positive cells under TTM at 33 and 36 °C was ~ 45-50% lower than that in mice under NT. TTM at 33 and 36 °C also increased the ratio of CD206-/CD86-positive cells than the ratio of CD86-/CD206-positive cells by ~ 1.2-fold. Thus, TTM at 33 and 36 °C could equivalently decrease the expression of certain cytokines after ischemic stroke. Our study suggested that TTM at 33 or 36 °C produces equivalent neuroprotective effects by attenuating cell death and by altering microglial activation and polarization. Therefore, TTM at 36 °C can be considered for its safety and effectiveness in ischemic stroke.

Usefulness of chloride levels for fluid resuscitation in patients undergoing targeted temperature management after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE

Chloride is an important electrolyte in the body. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the associations between chloride levels on emergency department (ED) admission and neurologic outcomes by stratifying patients undergoing targeted temperature management (TTM) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) into three groups (hyper/normo/hypochloremia); we also assessed the effect of changes in chloride levels from baseline over time on outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational cohort study of 346 patients was conducted between 2011 and 2019. The chloride levels were categorized as hypochloremia, normochloremia, and hyperchloremia by predetermined definitions. The primary endpoint was poor neurologic outcomes after hospital discharge. We evaluated the associations between chloride levels on ED admission and neurologic outcomes and assess the effect of changes in chloride levels over time on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

On ED admission, compared with normochloremia, hypochloremia was significantly associated with unfavorable neurologic outcomes (OR, 2.668; 95% CI, 1.217-5.850, P = 0.014). Over time, unfavorable neurologic outcomes were significantly associated with increases in chloride levels in the hyperchloremia and normochloremia groups after ED admission. The rates of poor neurologic outcomes in the hyperchloremia and normochloremia groups were increased by 14.2% at Time-12, 20.1% at Time-24, and 9.3% at Time-48 with a 1-mEq/L increase in chloride levels.

CONCLUSION

In clinical practice, chloride levels can be routinely and serially measured cost-effectively. Thus, baseline chloride levels may be a promising tool for rapid risk stratification of patients after OHCA. For fluid resuscitation after cardiac arrest, a chloride-restricted solution may be an early therapeutic strategy.

Targeted temperature management at 33°C or 36℃ induces equivalent myocardial protection by inhibiting HMGB1 release in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is lethal and causes myocardial necrosis via time-dependent ischemia due to prolonged occlusion of the infarct-related artery. No effective therapy or potential therapeutic targets can prevent myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Targeted temperature management (TTM) may reduce peri-infarct regions by inhibiting the extracellular release of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) as a primary mediator of the innate immune response. We used a rat left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation model to determine if TTM at 33°C and 36°C had similar myocardial protective effects. Rats were divided into sham, LAD I/R+37°C normothermia, LAD I/R+33°C TTM, and LAD I/R+36°C TTM groups (n = 5 per group). To verify the cardioprotective effect of TTM by specifically inhibiting HMGB1, rats were assigned to sham, LAD I/R, and LAD I/R after pre-treatment with glycyrrhizin (known as a pharmacological inhibitor of HMGB1) groups (n = 5 per group). Different target temperatures of 33°C and 36°C caused equivalent reductions in infarct volume after myocardial I/R, inhibited the extracellular release of HMGB1 from infarct tissue, and suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines from peri-infarct regions. TTM at 33°C and 36°C significantly attenuated the elevation of cardiac troponin, a sensitive and specific marker of heart muscle damage, after injury. Similarly, glycyrrhizin alleviated myocardial damage by suppressing the extracellular release of HMGB1. TTM at 33°C and 36°C had equivalent myocardial protective effects by similar inhibiting HMGB1 release against myocardial I/R injury. This is the first study to suggest that a target core temperature of 36°C is applicable for cardioprotection.

Analysis of microRNA expression in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion after mild therapeutic hypothermia treatment in rats

Background

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of mild hypothermia in in the treatment of cerebral ischemia, microRNA (miRNA) microarrays and bioinformatics analysis were employed to examine the miRNA expression profiles of rats with mild therapeutic hypothermia after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

Methods

MCAO was induced in Male Sprague–Dawley rats. Mild hypothermia treatment began from the onset of ischemia and maintained for 3 hours. miRNA expressions following focal cerebral ischemia and mild hypothermia treatment were profiled using microarray technology. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the functions of the target genes in mild therapeutic hypothermia after MCAO. 60 min before MCAO, mimics and inhibitor of miR-291b were injected into the right lateral ventricle respectively, then the infarct volume and neuronal apoptosis were analyzed.

Results

Six upregulated miRNAs and 6 downregulated miRNAs were detected 4 hours after mild therapeutic hypothermia, and after 24 hours, 41 and 10 miRNAs were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. The target genes of the differentially expressed genes were mainly related with multicellular organism development and the mucin type O-glycan biosynthesis pathway was the most enriched KEGG pathway. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-291b was selected to assess the effects of mild therapeutic hypothermia in MCAO rats. At 24 hours after mild therapeutic hypothermia, miR-291b overexpression was proved to exhibit neuroprotective effects.

Conclusions

The results showed that miRNAs might play a pivotal role in mild therapeutic hypothermia in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Further understanding of the mechanism and function of miRNAs would help to illuminate the mechanism of mild therapeutic hypothermia in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Effects of prenatal photobiomodulation treatment on neonatal hypoxic ischemia in rat offspring

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury is a severe complication often leading to neonatal death and long-term neurobehavioral deficits in children. Currently, the only treatment option available for neonatal HI injury is therapeutic hypothermia. However, the necessary specialized equipment, possible adverse side effects, and limited effectiveness of this therapy creates an urgent need for the development of new HI treatment methods. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been shown to be neuroprotective against multiple brain disorders in animal models, as well as limited human studies. However, the effects of PBM treatment on neonatal HI injury remain unclear. Methods: Two-minutes PBM (808 nm continuous wave laser, 8 mW/cm² on neonatal brain) was applied three times weekly on the abdomen of pregnant rats from gestation day 1 (GD1) to GD21. After neonatal right common carotid artery ligation, cortex- and hippocampus-related behavioral deficits due to HI insult were measured using a battery of behavioral tests. The effects of HI insult and PBM pretreatment on infarct size; synaptic, dendritic, and white matter damage; neuronal degeneration; apoptosis; mitochondrial function; mitochondrial fragmentation; oxidative stress; and gliosis were then assessed. Results: Prenatal PBM treatment significantly improved the survival rate of neonatal rats and decreased infarct size after HI insult. Behavioral tests revealed that prenatal PBM treatment significantly alleviated cortex-related motor deficits and hippocampus-related memory and learning dysfunction. In addition, mitochondrial function and integrity were protected in HI animals treated with PBM. Additional studies revealed that prenatal PBM treatment significantly alleviated HI-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and myeloid cell/astrocyte activation. Conclusion: Prenatal PBM treatment exerts neuroprotective effects on neonatal HI rats. Underlying mechanisms for this neuroprotection may include preservation of mitochondrial function, reduction of inflammation, and decreased oxidative stress. Our findings support the possible use of PBM treatment in high-risk pregnancies to alleviate or prevent HI-induced brain injury in the perinatal period.

Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic damage: review of the current treatment possibilities

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a disorder with heterogeneous manifestation due to asphyxia during perinatal period. It affects approximately 3-12 children per 1000 live births and cause death of 1 million neonates worldwide per year. Besides, motor disabilities, seizures, impaired muscle tone and epilepsy are few of the consequences of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Despite an extensive research effort regarding various treatment strategies, therapeutic hypothermia with intensive care unit supportive treatment remains the only approved method for neonates who have suffered from moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. However, these protocols are only partially effective given that many infants still suffer from severe brain damage. Thus, further research to systematically test promising neuroprotective treatments in combination with hypothermia is essential. In this review, we discussed the pathophysiology of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and delved into different promising treatment modalities, such as melatonin and erythropoietin. However, preclinical studies and clinical trials are still needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of action of these modalities.

The Role of Hypothermia in Large Hemispheric Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Hypothermia is used in the treatment of large hemispheric infarction (LHI); however, its role in outcomes for LHI patients remains ambiguous. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of hypothermia on the outcomes of LHI patients. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Biological Medicine Database, and clinical trials registers before September 21, 2018, and then scanned the reference lists. Randomized controlled trials that compared hypothermia with normothermia in LHI patients were included. Primary outcomes that we reviewed were mortality and neurological outcome. Adverse events during treatment were defined as secondary outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs), standardized mean differences (SMDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using fixed-effect models. Results: Three randomized controlled trials involving 131 participants were included. No statistically significant association was revealed between hypothermia and mortality (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.76-1.65). There was significant association between hypothermia and good neurological outcome as assessed by modified Rankin Scale score (mRS of 0-3) of survivors (RR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.14-3.82), and with neurological outcome by mRS (SMD, -0.54; 95% CI, -1.07 to -0.01). However, significant associations were found between hypothermia and gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric retention, electrolyte derangement, and shivering. No significant differences were detected in the incidence of developing herniation in the rewarming process, pneumonia, cardiac arrhythmia, hemorrhagic transformation, hyperglycemia, hypotension, acute kidney injury, and venous thrombotic events in LHI patients who underwent hypothermia compared with those who had normothermia. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that hypothermia was not associated with mortality in LHI patients. However, it was associated with the improvement of neurological outcome, but with a higher risk of adverse events during treatment. Future studies are needed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of hypothermia for LHI. The protocol for this systematic review was obtained from PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42018111761).

The overexpression of RBM3 alleviates TBI-induced behaviour impairment and AD-like tauopathy in mice

The therapeutic hypothermia is an effective tool for TBI‐associated brain impairment, but its side effects limit in clinical routine use. Hypothermia up‐regulates RNA‐binding motif protein 3 (RBM3), which is verified to protect synaptic plasticity. Here, we found that cognitive and LTP deficits, loss of spines, AD‐like tau pathologies are displayed one month after TBI in mice. In contrast, the deficits of LTP and cognitive, loss of spines and tau abnormal phosphorylation at several sites are obviously reversed in TBI mice combined with hypothermia pre‐treatment (HT). But, the neuroprotective role of HT disappears in TBI mouse models under condition of blocking RBM3 expression with RBM3 shRNA. In other hand, overexpressing RBM3 by AAV‐RBM3 plasmid can mimic HT‐like neuroprotection against TBI‐induced chronic brain injuries, such as improving LTP and cognitive, loss of spines and tau hyperphosphorylation in TBI mouse models. Taken together, hypothermia pre‐treatment reverses TBI‐induced chronic AD‐like pathology and behaviour deficits in RBM3 expression dependent manner, RBM3 may be a potential target for neurodegeneration diseases including Alzheimer disease.

Effects of local hypothermia-rewarming on physiology, metabolism and inflammation of acutely injured human spinal cord

In five patients with acute, severe thoracic traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs), American spinal injuries association Impairment Scale (AIS) grades A-C, we induced cord hypothermia (33 °C) then rewarming (37 °C). A pressure probe and a microdialysis catheter were placed intradurally at the injury site to monitor intraspinal pressure (ISP), spinal cord perfusion pressure (SCPP), tissue metabolism and inflammation. Cord hypothermia-rewarming, applied to awake patients, did not cause discomfort or neurological deterioration. Cooling did not affect cord physiology (ISP, SCPP), but markedly altered cord metabolism (increased glucose, lactate, lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR), glutamate; decreased glycerol) and markedly reduced cord inflammation (reduced IL1β, IL8, MCP, MIP1α, MIP1β). Compared with pre-cooling baseline, rewarming was associated with significantly worse cord physiology (increased ICP, decreased SCPP), cord metabolism (increased lactate, LPR; decreased glucose, glycerol) and cord inflammation (increased IL1β, IL8, IL4, IL10, MCP, MIP1α). The study was terminated because three patients developed delayed wound infections. At 18-months, two patients improved and three stayed the same. We conclude that, after TSCI, hypothermia is potentially beneficial by reducing cord inflammation, though after rewarming these benefits are lost due to increases in cord swelling, ischemia and inflammation. We thus urge caution when using hypothermia-rewarming therapeutically in TSCI.

Therapeutic Hypothermia in Acute Ischemic Stroke-a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in stroke demonstrates robust neuroprotection in animals but clinical applications remain controversial. We assessed current literature on the efficacy of TH in ischemic stroke.

RECENT FINDINGS

We conducted a meta-analysis comparing TH versus controls in studies published until June 2019. Controlled studies reporting on ≥ 10 adults with acute ischemic stroke were included. Primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤ 2). Twelve studies (n = 351 TH, n = 427 controls) were included. Functional independence did not differ between groups (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.93-1.46, random-effects p = 0.2). Five studies reported individual mRS outcomes and demonstrated a shift toward better outcome with TH (unadjusted cOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01-2.44, p = 0.05). Overall complications were higher with TH (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06-1.32, p < 0.01). We did not observe an overall beneficial effect of TH in this analysis although some studies showed a shift toward better outcome. TH was associated with increased complications.

Mild Hypothermia Attenuates Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury through Regulating the JAK2/STAT3-CPT1a-Dependent Fatty Acid β-Oxidation

Hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is a clinical issue that can result in poor outcome and lacks effective therapies at present. Mild hypothermia (32–35°C) is a physiotherapy that has been reported to significantly alleviate IR injury, while its protective effects are attributed to multiple mechanisms, one of which may be the regulation of fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO). The aim of the present study was to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of FAO in the protective effects of mild hypothermia. We used male mice to establish the experimental models as previously described. In brief, before exposure to in situ ischemia for 1 h and reperfusion for 6 h, mice received pretreatment with mild hypothermia for 2 h and etomoxir (inhibitor of FAO) or leptin (activator of FAO) for 1 h, respectively. Then, tissue and blood samples were collected to evaluate the liver injury, oxidative stress, and changes in hepatic FAO. We found that mild hypothermia significantly reduced the hepatic enzyme levels and the score of hepatic pathological injury, hepatocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial injury. In addition, the expression of the rate-limiting enzyme (CPT1a) of hepatic FAO was downregulated almost twofold by IR, while this inhibition could be significantly reversed by mild hypothermia. Experiments with leptin and etomoxir confirmed that activation of FAO could also reduce the hepatic enzyme levels and the score of hepatic pathological injury, hepatocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial injury induced by IR, which had the similar effects to mild hypothermia, while inhibition of FAO had negative effects. Furthermore, mild hypothermia and leptin could promote the phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 and upregulate the ratio of BCL-2/BAX to suppress hepatocyte apoptosis. Thus, we concluded that FAO played an important role in hepatic IR injury and mild hypothermia attenuated hepatic IR injury mainly via the regulation of JAK2/STAT3-CPT1a-dependent FAO.

Targeted Temperature Management at 33°C or 36°C Produces Equivalent Neuroprotective Effects in the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke

Targeted temperature management (TTM, 32°C to 36°C) is one of the most successful achievements in modern resuscitation medicine. It has become standard treatment for survivors of sudden cardiac arrest to minimize secondary brain damage. TTM at 36°C is just as effective as TTM at 33°C and is actually preferred because it reduces adverse TTM-associated effects. TTM also likely has direct neuroprotective effects in ischemic brains in danger of stroke. It remains unclear, however, whether higher temperature TTM is equally effective in protecting the brain from the effects of stroke. Here, we asked whether TTM at 36°C is as effective as TTM at 33°C in improving outcomes in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke. After dividing rats randomly into MCAO, MCAO+33°C TTM, MCAO+36°C TTM, and sham groups, we subjected all of them except for the sham group to MCAO for 3 h (for the behavioral tests) or 4 h (for all other biochemical analyses). We found TTM protocols at both 33°C and 36°C to produce comparable reductions of infarct volumes in the MCAO territory and equally attenuate the extracellular release of high mobility group box 1 in postischemic brains. Both the TTM conditions prevent the mRNA induction of a major pro-inflammatory cytokine, tissue necrosis factor-α, in the ischemic penumbra region. Finally, both the TTM protocols produce similar improvements in neurological outcomes in rats, as measured by a battery of behavior tests 21 h after the start of reperfusion. These data acquired in a rat MCAO model suggest TTM at 36°C has excellent therapeutic potential for improving clinical outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke.

The Medical Management of Cerebral Edema: Past, Present, and Future Therapies

Cerebral edema is commonly associated with cerebral pathology, and the clinical manifestation is largely related to the underlying lesioned tissue. Brain edema usually amplifies the dysfunction of the lesioned tissue and the burden of cerebral edema correlates with increased morbidity and mortality across diseases. Our modern-day approach to the medical management of cerebral edema has largely revolved around, an increasingly artificial distinction between cytotoxic and vasogenic cerebral edema. These nontargeted interventions such as hyperosmolar agents and sedation have been the mainstay in clinical practice and offer noneloquent solutions to a dire problem. Our current understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms driving cerebral edema is becoming much more advanced, with differences being identified across diseases and populations. As our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms in neuronal injury continues to expand, so too is the list of targeted therapies in the pipeline. Here we present a brief review of the molecular mechanisms driving cerebral edema and a current overview of our understanding of the molecular targets being investigated.

Recent advances in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death and disability in those aged under 40 years in the UK. Higher rates of morbidity and mortality are seen in low-income and middle-income countries making it a global health challenge. There has been a secular trend towards reduced incidence of severe TBI in the first world, driven by public health interventions such as seatbelt legislation, helmet use, and workplace health and safety regulations. This has paralleled improved outcomes following TBI delivered in a large part by the widespread establishment of specialised neurointensive care. This update will focus on three key areas of advances in TBI management and research in moderate and severe TBI: refining neurointensive care protocolized therapies, the recent evidence base for decompressive craniectomy and novel pharmacological therapies. In each section, we review the developing evidence base as well as exploring future trajectories of TBI research.

Neuroprotective Effects of AG490 in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury

In infants and children, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury represents a major cause of chronic neurological morbidity. The transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2), a non-selective cation channel that conducts calcium, can mediate neuronal death following HI brain injury. An important endogenous activator of TRPM2 is H₂O₂, which has previously been reported to be upregulated in the neonatal brain after hypoxic ischemic injury. Here, incorporating both in vitro (H₂O₂-induced neuronal cell death model) and in vivo (mouse HI brain injury model) approaches, we examined the effects of AG490, which can inhibit the H₂O₂-induced TRPM2 channel. We found that AG490 elicited neuroprotective effects. We confirmed that AG490 reduced H₂O₂-induced TRPM2 currents. Specifically, application of AG490 to neurons ameliorated H₂O₂-induced cell injury in vitro. In addition, AG490 administration reduced brain damage and improved neurobehavioral performance following HI brain injury in vivo. The neuroprotective benefits of AG490 suggest that pharmacological inhibition of H₂O₂-activated TRPM2 currents can be exploited as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat HI-induced neurological complications.

Therapeutic hypothermia: Applications in adults with acute ischemic stroke

The advent of mechanical thrombectomy and increasing alteplase use have transformed the care of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients with major arterial occlusions with poor outcomes now have a chance of returning to independent living in more than half of the cases. However, many patients with these severe strokes suffer major disability despite these therapies. The search is ongoing for agents that can be combined with thrombectomy to achieve better recovery through halting infarct growth and mitigating injury after ischemic stroke. Several studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that therapeutic hypothermia (TH) offers potential to interrupt the ischemic cascade, reduce infarct volume, and improve functional independence. We performed a literature search to look up recent advances in the use of TH surrounding the science, efficacy, and feasibility of inducing TH in modern stroke treatments. While protocols remain controversial, there is a real opportunity to combine TH with the existing therapies to improve outcome in adults with acute ischemic stroke.

Traumatic brain injury and frontal lobe plasticity

Over 1.4 million people in the United States experience traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year and approximately 52,000 people die annually due to complications related to TBI. Traditionally, TBI has been viewed as a static injury with significant consequences for frontal lobe functioning that plateaus after some window of recovery, remaining relatively stable thereafter. However, over the past decade there has been growing consensus that the consequences of TBI are dynamic, with unique characteristics expressed at the individual level and over the life span. This chapter first discusses the pathophysiology of TBI in order to understand its dynamic process and then describes the behavioral changes that are the result of injury with focus on frontal lobe functions. It integrates a historical perspective on structural and functional brain-imaging approaches used to understand how TBI impacts the frontal lobes, as well as more recent approaches to examine large-scale network changes after TBI. The factors most useful for outcome prediction are surveyed, along with how the theoretical frameworks used to predict recovery have developed over time. In this chapter, the authors argue for the need to understand outcome after TBI as a dynamic process with individual trajectories, taking a network theory perspective to understand the consequences of disrupting frontal systems in TBI. Within this framework, understanding frontal lobe dysfunction within a larger coordinated neural network to study TBI may provide a novel perspective in outcome prediction and in developing individualized treatments.

Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative potential of pharmacologically-induced hypothermia with D-alanine D-leucine enkephalin in brain injury

Neurovascular disorders, such as traumatic brain injury and stroke, persist as leading causes of death and disability - thus, the search for novel therapeutic approaches for these disorders continues. Many hurdles have hindered the translation of effective therapies for traumatic brain injury and stroke primarily because of the inherent complexity of neuropathologies and an inability of current treatment approaches to adapt to the unique cell death pathways that accompany the disorder symptoms. Indeed, developing potent treatments for brain injury that incorporate dynamic and multiple disorder-engaging therapeutic targets are likely to produce more effective outcomes than traditional drugs. The therapeutic use of hypothermia presents a promising option which may fit these criteria. While regulated temperature reduction has displayed great promise in preclinical studies of brain injury, clinical trials have been far less consistent and associated with adverse effects, especially when hypothermia is pursued via systemic cooling. Accordingly, devising better methods of inducing hypothermia may facilitate the entry of this treatment modality into the clinic. The use of the delta opioid peptide D-alanine D-leucine enkephalin (DADLE) to pharmacologically induce temperature reduction may offer a potent alternative, as DADLE displays both the ability to cause temperature reduction and to confer a broad profile of other neuroprotective and neuroregenerative processes. This review explores the prospect of DADLE-mediated hypothermia to treat neurovascular brain injuries, emphasizing the translational steps necessary for its clinical translation.

Cooling reverses pathological bifurcations to spontaneous firing caused by mild traumatic injury

Mild traumatic injury can modify the key sodium (Na⁺) current underlying the excitability of neurons. It causes the activation and inactivation properties of this current to become shifted to more negative trans-membrane voltages. This so-called coupled left shift (CLS) leads to a chronic influx of Na⁺ into the cell that eventually causes spontaneous or "ectopic" firing along the axon, even in the absence of stimuli. The bifurcations underlying this enhanced excitability have been worked out in full ionic models of this effect. Here, we present computational evidence that increased temperature T can exacerbate this pathological state. Conversely, and perhaps of clinical relevance, mild cooling is shown to move the naturally quiescent cell further away from the threshold of ectopic behavior. The origin of this stabilization-by-cooling effect is analyzed by knocking in and knocking out, one at a time, various processes thought to be T-dependent. The T-dependence of the Na⁺ current, quantified by its Q _10-Na factor, has the biggest impact on the threshold, followed by Q _10-pump of the sodium-potassium exchanger. Below the ectopic boundary, the steady state for the gating variables and the resting potential are not modified by temperature, since our model separately tallies the Na⁺ and K⁺ ions including their separate leaks through the pump. When only the gating kinetics are considered, cooling is detrimental, but in the full T-dependent model, it is beneficial because the other processes dominate. Cooling decreases the pump's activity, and since the pump hyperpolarizes, less hyperpolarization should lead to more excitability and ectopic behavior. But actually the opposite happens in the full model because decreased pump activity leads to smaller gradients of Na⁺ and K⁺, which in turn decreases the driving force of the Na⁺ current.

Mild Hypothermia Pretreatment Attenuates Liver Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Through Inhibiting c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase Phosphorylation in Rats

BACKGROUND

Mild hypothermia is known to be protected against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. But the exact mechanisms of protection have not yet been fully understood and its usage has been limited. Mild hypothermia pretreatment (MHP) is used to investigate the mechanisms of the protective effects against liver IR injury.

METHODS

Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups including the normal group (N), sham group (S), MHP group, normothermia pretreatment (NP) + IR group, and the MHP + IR group. In the pretreatment groups, mild hypothermia (32.2 ± 0.3°C) and normothermia (37 ± 0.5°C) pretreatment were applied for 2 hours, respectively. Then the IR groups suffered partial (70%) hepatic ischemia for 1 hour and reperfusion for 6 hours. At last, hepatic injury, apoptosis, and protein expression were assessed.

RESULTS

Levels of serum alanine transaminase, hepatic injury, hepatocyte apoptosis, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation were significantly higher in the IR groups. But when compared to NP, all these changes induced by IR were markedly attenuated by MHP. Serum alanine transaminase levels were 383.4 ± 13.1U/L in the MHP + IR group and 951.3 ± 39.4 U/L in the NP + IR group. The histologic score of liver injury in the MHP + IR group was 4.83 ± 1.17, whereas in the NP + IR group it was 10.5 ± 1.05. The proportion of apoptotic cells in the MHP + IR group was 11.58 ± 0.60, but in the NP + IR group, it was 44.95 ± 1.61. The phosphorylation of JNK was also significantly reduced in the MHP + IR group. All these differences are statistically significant (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

MHP could markedly reduce liver IR injury, and these protective effects may be mainly exerted via inhibition of JNK phosphorylation.

Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia Protects the Brain from Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through Upregulation of iASPP

Mild therapeutic hypothermia, a robust neuroprotectant, reduces neuronal apoptosis, but the precise mechanism is not well understood. Our previous study showed that a novel inhibitor of an apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (iASPP) might be involved in neuronal death after stroke. The aim of this study was to confirm the role of iASPP after stroke treated with mild therapeutic hypothermia. To address this, we mimicked ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro by using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) in primary rat neurons. In our in vivo approach, we induced middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 60 min in C57/B6 mice. From the beginning of ischemia, focal mild hypothermia was applied for two hours. To evaluate the role of iASPP, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was injected intracerebroventricularly. Our results showed that mild therapeutic hypothermia increased the expression of iASPP and decreased the expression of its targets, Puma and Bax, and an apoptosis marker, cleaved caspase-3, in primary neurons under OGD/R. Increased iASPP expression and decreased ASPP1/2 expression were observed under hypothermia treatment in MCAO mice. iASPP siRNA (iASPPi) or hypothermia plus iASPPi application increased infarct volume, apoptosis and aggravated the neurological deficits in MCAO mice. Furthermore, iASPPi downregulated iASPP expression, and upregulated the expression of proapoptotic effectors, Puma, Bax and cleaved caspase-3, in mice after stroke treated with mild therapeutic hypothermia. In conclusion, mild therapeutic hypothermia protects against ischemia/reperfusion brain injury in mice by upregulating iASPP and thus attenuating apoptosis. iASPP may be a potential target in the therapy of stroke.