Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity after stroke

Changes in Neuroimmunological Synapses During Cerebral Ischemia

The direct interplay between the immune and nervous systems is now well established. Within the brain, these interactions take place between neurons and resident glial cells, i.e., microglia and astrocytes, or infiltrating immune cells, influenced by systemic factors. A special form of physical cell-cell interactions is the so-called "neuroimmunological (NI) synapse." There is compelling evidence that the same signaling pathways that regulate inflammatory responses to injury or ischemia also play potent roles in brain development, plasticity, and function. Proper synaptic wiring is as important during development as it is during disease states, as it is necessary for activity-dependent refinement of neuronal circuits. Since the process of forming synaptic connections in the brain is highly dynamic, with constant changes in strength and connectivity, the immune component is perfectly suited for the regulatory task as it is in constant turnover. Many cellular and molecular players in this interaction remain to be uncovered, especially in pathological states. In this review, we discuss and propose possible communication hubs between components of the adaptive and innate immune systems and the synaptic element in ischemic stroke pathology.

Microglial type I interferon signaling mediates chronic stress-induced synapse loss and social behavior deficits

Inflammation and synapse loss have been associated with deficits in social behavior and are involved in pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Synapse loss, characterized by reduction in dendritic spines can significantly disrupt synaptic connectivity and neural circuitry underlying social behavior. Chronic stress is known to induce loss of spines and dendrites in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region implicated in social behavior. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of type I Interferon (IFN-I) signaling in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced synapse loss and behavior deficits in mice. We found increased expression of type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) in microglia following CUS. Conditional knockout of microglial IFNAR in adult mice rescued CUS-induced social behavior deficits and synapse loss. Bulk RNA sequencing data show that microglial IFNAR deletion attenuated CUS-mediated changes in the expression of genes such as Keratin 20 (Krt20), Claudin-5 (Cldn5) and Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4 Group A Member 1 (Nr4a1) in the PFC. Cldn5 and Nr4a1 are known for their roles in synaptic plasticity. Krt20 is an intermediate filament protein responsible for the structural integrity of epithelial cells. The reduction in Krt20 following CUS presents a novel insight into the potential contribution of cytokeratin in stress-induced alterations in neuroplasticity. Overall, these results suggest that microglial IFNAR plays a critical role in regulating synaptic plasticity and social behavior deficits associated with chronic stress conditions.

Microglial heterogeneity in the ischemic stroke mouse brain of both sexes

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke elicits a complex and sustained immune response in the brain. Immunomodulatory treatments have long held promise for improving stroke outcomes, yet none have succeeded in the clinical setting. This lack of success is largely due to our incomplete understanding of how immune cells respond to stroke. The objective of the current study was to dissect the effect of permanent stroke on microglia, the resident immune cells within the brain parenchyma.

METHODS

A permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) model was used to induce ischemic stroke in young male and female mice. Microglia were sorted from fluorescence reporter mice after pMCAO or sham surgery and then subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Various methods, including flow cytometry, RNA in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, whole-brain imaging, and bone marrow transplantation, were also employed to dissect the microglial response to stroke. Stroke outcomes were evaluated by infarct size and behavioral tests.

RESULTS

First, we showed the morphologic and spatial changes in microglia after stroke. We then performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on microglia isolated from sham and stroke mice of both sexes. The data indicate no major sexual dimorphism in the microglial response to permanent stroke. Notably, we identified seven potential stroke-associated microglial clusters, including four major clusters characterized by a disease-associated microglia-like signature, a highly proliferative state, a macrophage-like profile, and an interferon (IFN) response signature, respectively. Importantly, we provided evidence that the macrophage-like cluster may represent the long-sought stroke-induced microglia subpopulation with increased CD45 expression. Lastly, given that the IFN-responsive subset constitutes the most prominent microglial population in the stroke brain, we used fludarabine to pharmacologically target STAT1 signaling and found that fludarabine treatment improved long-term stroke outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings shed new light on microglia heterogeneity in stroke pathology and underscore the potential of targeting specific microglial populations for effective stroke therapies.

Research progress on immune-related therapeutic targets of brain injury caused by cerebral ischemia

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. The innate immune response occurs immediately after cerebral ischemia, resulting in adaptive immunity. More and more experimental evidence has proved that the immune response caused by cerebral ischemia plays an important role in early brain injury and later the recovery of brain injury. Innate immune cells and adaptive cells promote the occurrence of cerebral ischemic injury but also protect brain cells. A large number of studies have shown that cytokines and immune-related substances also have dual functions of promoting injury, reducing injury, or promoting injury recovery in the later stage of cerebral ischemia. They can be an important target for treating cerebral ischemic recovery. Therefore, this study discussed the immune cells, cytokines, and immune-related substances with dual roles in cerebral ischemia and summarized the therapeutic targets of cerebral ischemia. To explore more effective methods to treat cerebral ischemia, promote the recovery of brain function, and improve the prognosis of patients.

Intersecting Pathways: The Role of Metabolic Dysregulation, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, and Inflammation in Acute Ischemic Stroke Pathogenesis and Outcomes

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains a major cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, driven by complex and multifaceted etiological factors. Metabolic dysregulation, gastrointestinal microbiome alterations, and systemic inflammation are emerging as significant contributors to AIS pathogenesis. This review addresses the critical need to understand how these factors interact to influence AIS risk and outcomes. We aim to elucidate the roles of dysregulated adipokines in obesity, the impact of gut microbiota disruptions, and the neuroinflammatory cascade initiated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in AIS. Dysregulated adipokines in obesity exacerbate inflammatory responses, increasing AIS risk and severity. Disruptions in the gut microbiota and subsequent LPS-induced neuroinflammation further link systemic inflammation to AIS. Advances in neuroimaging and biomarker development have improved diagnostic precision. Here, we highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to AIS management, integrating metabolic, microbiota, and inflammatory insights. Potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways could significantly improve AIS prevention and treatment. Future research should focus on further elucidating these pathways and developing targeted interventions to mitigate the impacts of metabolic dysregulation, microbiome imbalances, and inflammation on AIS.

Microglia Morphological Response to Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Extracellular Vesicles Demonstrates EV Therapeutic Potential for Modulating Neuroinflammation

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are a promising therapeutic for neuroinflammation. MSC-EVs can interact with microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, to exert their immunomodulatory effects. In response to inflammatory cues, such as cytokines, microglia undergo phenotypic changes indicative of their function e.g. morphology and secretion. However, these changes in response to MSC-EVs are not well understood. Additionally, no disease-relevant screening tools to assess MSC-EV bioactivity exist, which has further impeded clinical translation. Here, we developed a quantitative, high throughput morphological profiling approach to assess the response of microglia to neuroinflammation-relevant signals and whether this morphological response can be used to indicate the bioactivity of MSC-EVs.

Results

Using an immortalized human microglia cell-line, we observed increased size (perimeter, major axis length) and complexity (form factor) upon stimulation with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Upon treatment with MSC-EVs, the overall morphological score (determined using principal component analysis) shifted towards the unstimulated morphology, indicating that MSC-EVs are bioactive and modulate microglia. The morphological effects of MSC-EVs in TNF-γ/IFN-α stimulated cells were concomitant with reduced secretion of 14 chemokines/cytokines (e.g. CXCL6, CXCL9) and increased secretion of 12 chemokines/cytokines (e.g. CXCL8, CXCL10). Proteomic analysis of cell lysates revealed significant increases in 192 proteins (e.g. HIBADH, MEAK7, LAMC1) and decreases in 257 proteins (e.g. PTEN, TOM1, MFF) with MSC-EV treatment. Of note, many of these proteins are involved in regulation of cell morphology and migration. Gene Set Variation Analysis revealed upregulation of pathways associated with immune response, such as regulation of cytokine production, immune cell infiltration (e.g. T cells, NK cells) and morphological changes (e.g. Semaphorin, RHO/Rac signaling). Additionally, changes in microglia mitochondrial morphology were measured suggesting that MSC-EV modulate mitochondrial metabolism.

Conclusion

This study comprehensively demonstrates the effects of MSC-EVs on human microglial morphology, cytokine secretion, cellular proteome, and mitochondrial content. Our high-throughput, rapid, low-cost morphological approach enables screening of MSC-EV batches and manufacturing conditions to enhance EV function and mitigate EV functional heterogeneity in a disease relevant manner. This approach is highly generalizable and can be further adapted and refined based on selection of the disease-relevant signal, target cell, and therapeutic product.

Vagus nerve stimulation as a promising neuroprotection for ischemic stroke via α7nAchR-dependent inactivation of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of disability and death worldwide, and its management requires urgent attention. Previous studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) exerts neuroprotection in ischemic stroke by inhibiting neuroinflammation and apoptosis. In this study, we evaluated the timing for VNS intervention in ischemic stroke, and the underlying mechanisms  of VNS-induced neuroprotection. Mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 60 min. The left vagus nerve at cervical level was exposed and attached to an electrode connected to a low-frequency electrical stimulator. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was given for 60 min before, during and after tMCAO (Pre-VNS, Dur-VNS, Post-VNS). Neurological function was assessed 24 h after reperfusion. We found that all the three VNS significantly protected against the tMCAO-induced injury evidenced by improved neurological function and reduced infarct volume. Moreover, the Pre-VNS was the most effective against the ischemic injury. We found that tMCAO activated microglia in the ischemic core and penumbra regions of the brain, followed by the NLRP3 inflammasome activation-induced neuroinflammation, which finally triggered neuronal death. VNS treatment preserved α7nAChR expression in the penumbra regions, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ensuing neuroinflammation, rescuing cerebral neurons. The role of α7nAChR in microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation in ischemic stroke was further validated using genetic manipulations, including Chrna7 knockout mice and microglial Chrna7 overexpression mice, as well as pharmacological interventions using the α7nAChR inhibitor methyllycaconitine and agonist PNU-282987. Collectively, this study demonstrates the potential of VNS as a safe and effective strategy to treat ischemic stroke, and presents a new approach targeting microglial NLRP3 inflammasome, which might be therapeutic for other inflammation-related diseases.

Curcumol ameliorates neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via affecting microglial polarization and Treg/Th17 balance through Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling

Neuroinflammation caused by microglia and other immune cells plays pivotal role in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and recovery. Modulating microglial polarization or Treg/Th17 balance from pro-inflammatory phenotype to anti-inflammatory phenotype are promising strategies for the treatment of cerebral ischemia. Curcumol has potential to fight against oxidative stress and inflammation, but whether it has protective effect in cerebral ischemia is uncertain. In the present study, cerebral ischemia was induced in C57BL/6 mice via middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). MCAO mice were treated with curcumol for 7 days, then post-stroke ischemic injury, neurological deficits, microglial polarization and brain leukocyte infiltration were evaluated by TTC staining, behavioural tests, flow cytometry, western blot and immunofluorescence. We found that poststroke administration of curcumol reduced infarct volume, attenuated neuronal damage and inflammation, and improved motor function recovery of MCAO mice. Curcumol skewed microglial polarization toward anti-inflammatory phenotype in MCAO mice in vivo or after oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro. In addition, curcumol reduced local T cell infiltration in ischemic brain of MCAO mice and impaired Treg/Th17 balance. Curcumol inhibited ROS production and regulated Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling in microglia. Finally, inhibiting Nrf2/HO-1 signaling or activating NF-κB signaling abrogated the influence of curcumol on microglial polarization. In conclusion, curcumol treatment reduced brain damage and neuroinflammation via modulating anti-inflammatory microglial polarization and Treg/Th17 balance through Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling. Curcumol might be a promising treatment strategy for stroke patients.

Physical exercise regulates microglia in health and disease

There is a well-established link between physical activity and brain health. As such, the effectiveness of physical exercise as a therapeutic strategy has been explored in a variety of neurological contexts. To determine the extent to which physical exercise could be most beneficial under different circumstances, studies are needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms behind the benefits of physical activity. Interest has grown in understanding how physical activity can regulate microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Microglia are key mediators of neuroinflammatory processes and play a role in maintaining brain homeostasis in healthy and pathological settings. Here, we explore the evidence suggesting that physical activity has the potential to regulate microglia activity in various animal models. We emphasize key areas where future research could contribute to uncovering the therapeutic benefits of engaging in physical exercise.

Effect of Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation of Microglia-Derived Exosomes on Hippocampal Neurons: A Study on miR-124 and Inflammatory Cytokines

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease that threatens human health. Developing safe and effective drugs and finding therapeutic targets has become an urgent scientific problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oxygen-glucose deprivation of the microglia-derived exosome on hippocampal neurons and its relationship to miR-124 in the exosome. We incubated hippocampal neurons with exosomes secreted by oxygen-glucose deprivation/ reoxygenation (OGD/R) microglia. The levels of glutamic acid (GLU) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA. CCK-8 was used to measure neuronal survival rates. The mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by RT-qPCR to evaluate the effect of exosomes on neurons. RT-qPCR was then used to detect miR-124 in microglia and their secreted exosomes. Finally, potential targets of miR-124 were analyzed through database retrieval, gene detection with dual luciferase reporters, and western blotting experiments. The results showed that the contents of GLU, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA increased in the supernatant of cultured hippocampal neurons, the content of GABA decreased, and the survival rate of neurons decreased. Oxygen-glucose deprivation increases miR-124 levels in microglia and their released exosomes. miR-124 acts as a target gene on cytokine signaling suppressor molecule 1(SOCS1), while miR-124 inhibitors reduce the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA in neurons. These results suggest that oxygen- and glucose-deprived microglia regulate inflammatory cytokines leading to reduced neuronal survival, which may be achieved by miR-124 using SOCS1 as a potential target.

HMGB1: A New Target for Ischemic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Transformation

Stroke in China is distinguished by its high rates of morbidity, recurrence, disability, and mortality. The ultra-early administration of rtPA is essential for restoring perfusion in acute ischemic stroke, though it concurrently elevates the risk of hemorrhagic transformation. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) emerges as a pivotal player in neuroinflammation after brain ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion. Released passively by necrotic cells and actively secreted, including direct secretion of HMGB1 into the extracellular space and packaging of HMGB1 into intracellular vesicles by immune cells, glial cells, platelets, and endothelial cells, HMGB1 represents a prototypical damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). It is intricately involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, thromboembolism, and detrimental inflammation during the early phases of ischemic stroke. Moreover, HMGB1 significantly contributes to neurovascular remodeling and functional recovery in later stages. Significantly, HMGB1 mediates hemorrhagic transformation by facilitating neuroinflammation, directly compromising the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, and enhancing MMP9 secretion through its interaction with rtPA. As a systemic inflammatory factor, HMGB1 is also implicated in post-stroke depression and an elevated risk of stroke-associated pneumonia. The role of HMGB1 extends to influencing the pathogenesis of ischemia by polarizing various subtypes of immune and glial cells. This includes mediating excitotoxicity due to excitatory amino acids, autophagy, MMP9 release, NET formation, and autocrine trophic pathways. Given its multifaceted role, HMGB1 is recognized as a crucial therapeutic target and prognostic marker for ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic transformation. In this review, we summarize the structure and redox properties, secretion and pathways, regulation of immune cell activity, the role of pathophysiological mechanisms in stroke, and hemorrhage transformation for HMGB1, which will pave the way for developing new neuroprotective drugs, reduction of post-stroke neuroinflammation, and expansion of thrombolysis time window.

Buyang Huanwu Decoction promotes neurovascular remodeling by modulating astrocyte and microglia polarization in ischemic stroke rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), one of the most commonly utilized traditional Chinese medicine prescription for treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke. However, the understanding of BYHWD on neurovascular repair following cerebral ischemia is so far limited.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research investigated the influence of BYHWD on neurovascular remodeling by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and revealed the potential neurovascular repair mechanism underlying post-treatment with BYHWD after ischemic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized as an ischemic stroke model by permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). BYHWD was intragastrically administrated once daily for 30 days straight. Multimodal MRI was performed to detect brain tissue injuries, axonal microstructural damages, cerebral blood flow and intracranial vessels on the 30th day after BYHWD treatment. Proangiogenic factors, axonal/synaptic plasticity-related factors, energy transporters and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signal pathway were evaluated using western blot. Double immunofluorescent staining and western blot were applied to evaluate astrocytes and microglia polarization.

RESULTS

Administration of BYHWD significantly alleviated infarct volume and brain tissue injuries and ameliorated microstructural damages, accompanied with improved axonal/synaptic plasticity-related factors, axonal growth guidance factors and decreased axonal growth inhibitors. Meanwhile, BYHWD remarkably improved cerebral blood flow, cerebral vascular signal and promoted the expression of proangiogenic factors. Particularly, treatment with BYHWD obviously suppressed astrocytes A1 and microglia M1 polarization accompanied with promoted astrocyte A2 and microglia M2 polarization. Furthermore, BYHWD effectively improved energy transporters. Especially, BYHWD markedly increased expression of phosphorylated AMPK, cyclic AMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) accompanied by inactivation of the NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these findings identified that the beneficial roles of BYHWD on neurovascular remodeling were related to AMPK pathways -mediated energy transporters and NFκB/CREB pathways.

Brain-Heart Axis and the Inflammatory Response: Connecting Stroke and Cardiac Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the mechanistic interaction between the brain and heart has been explored in detail, which explains the effects of brain injuries on the heart and those of cardiac dysfunction on the brain. Brain injuries are the predominant cause of post-stroke deaths, and cardiac dysfunction is the second leading cause of mortality after stroke onset.

SUMMARY

Several studies have reported the association between brain injuries and cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, it is necessary to study the influence on the heart post-stroke to understand the underlying mechanisms of stroke and cardiac dysfunction. This review focuses on the mechanisms and the effects of cardiac dysfunction after the onset of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke).

KEY MESSAGES

The role of the site of stroke and the underlying mechanisms of the brain-heart axis after stroke onset, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inflammatory and immune responses, brain-multi-organ axis, are discussed.

Dihydroergotamine protects against ischemic stroke by modulating microglial/macrophage polarization and inhibiting inflammation in mice

OBJECTIVES

The search for drugs that can protect the brain tissue and reduce nerve damage in acute ischemic stroke has emerged as a research hotspot. We investigated the potential protective effects and mechanisms of action of dihydroergotamine against ischemic stroke.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and dihydroergotamine at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day was intraperitoneally injected for 14 days. Adhesive removal and beam walking tests were conducted 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days after MCAO surgery. Thereafter, the mechanism by which dihydroergotamine regulates microglia/macrophage polarization and inflammation and imparts ischemic stroke protection was studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting.

RESULTS

From the perspective of a drug repurposing strategy, dihydroergotamine was found to inhibit oxygen-glucose deprivation damage to neurons, significantly improve cell survival rate, and likely exert a protective effect on ischemic brain injury. Dihydroergotamine significantly improved neural function scores and survival rates and reduced brain injury severity in mice. Furthermore, dihydroergotamine manifests its protective effect on ischemic brain injury by reducing the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in mouse ischemic brain tissue, inhibiting the polarization of microglia/macrophage toward the M1 phenotype and promoting polarization toward the M2 phenotype.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to demonstrate the protective effect of dihydroergotamine, a first-line treatment for migraine, against ischemic nerve injury in vitro and in vivo.

The role of neuroglial cells communication in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, but its treatment options are limited due to therapeutic window and reperfusion injury constraints. Microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes are the major components of the neurovascular unit, and there is substantial evidence suggesting their contributions to maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system. Neuroglial cells participate in neuronal physiological functions and the repair of damaged neurons through various communication methods, including gap junctions, chemical signaling, and extracellular vesicles, in conjunction with other components of the neurovascular unit. Ischemia-induced microglia and astrocytes polarize into "M1/M2" and "A1/A2" phenotypes and exert neurotoxic or neuroprotective effects by releasing soluble factors, secreting extracellular vesicles, and forming syncytia networks in the acute (<72 h), subacute (>72 h), and chronic phases (>6 weeks). Apoptosis of oligodendrocytes due to ischemic hypoxia leads to white matter injury, causing long-term cognitive dysfunction, and promoting oligodendrogenesis is a crucial direction for achieving functional recovery in ischemic stroke. In this article, we summarize the cellular interactions following cerebral ischemia, analyze the roles of neuroglial cells through gap junctions, chemical signaling, and extracellular vesicles in different stages of ischemic stroke, and further explore strategies for intervening in ischemic stroke.

Hypochlorous acid derived from microglial myeloperoxidase could mediate high-mobility group box 1 release from neurons to amplify brain damage in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) plays critical role in the pathology of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury via producing hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and inducing oxidative modification of proteins. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) oxidation, particularly disulfide HMGB1 formation, facilitates the secretion and release of HMGB1 and activates neuroinflammation, aggravating cerebral I/R injury. However, the cellular sources of MPO/HOCl in ischemic brain injury are unclear yet. Whether HOCl could promote HMGB1 secretion and release remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the roles of microglia-derived MPO/HOCl in mediating HMGB1 translocation and secretion, and aggravating the brain damage and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in cerebral I/R injury. In vitro, under the co-culture conditions with microglia BV cells but not the single culture conditions, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) significantly increased MPO/HOCl expression in PC12 cells. After the cells were exposed to OGD/R, MPO-containing exosomes derived from BV2 cells were released and transferred to PC12 cells, increasing MPO/HOCl in the PC12 cells. The HOCl promoted disulfide HMGB1 translocation and secretion and aggravated OGD/R-induced apoptosis. In vivo, SD rats were subjected to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) plus different periods of reperfusion. Increased MPO/HOCl production was observed at the reperfusion stage, accomplished with enlarged infarct volume, aggravated BBB disruption and neurological dysfunctions. Treatment of MPO inhibitor 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide (4-ABAH) and HOCl scavenger taurine reversed those changes. HOCl was colocalized with cytoplasm transferred HMGB1, which was blocked by taurine in rat I/R-injured brain. We finally performed a clinical investigation and found that plasma HOCl concentration was positively correlated with infarct volume and neurological deficit scores in ischemic stroke patients. Taken together, we conclude that ischemia/hypoxia could activate microglia to release MPO-containing exosomes that transfer MPO to adjacent cells for HOCl production; Subsequently, the production of HOCl could mediate the translocation and secretion of disulfide HMGB1 that aggravates cerebral I/R injury. Furthermore, plasma HOCl level could be a novel biomarker for indexing brain damage in ischemic stroke patients.

Melanocortin Derivatives Induced Vascularization and Neuroglial Proliferation in the Rat Brain under Conditions of Cerebral Ischemia

Stroke remains the second leading cause of death worldwide. The development of new therapeutic agents focused on restoring vascular function and neuroprotection of viable tissues is required. In this study the neuroprotective activity of melanocortin-like ACTH(4-7)PGP and ACTH(6-9)PGP peptides was investigated in rat brain at 24 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). The severity of ischemic damage, changes in the proliferative activity of neuroglial cells and vascularization of rat brain tissue were analyzed. The administration of peptides resulted in a significant increase in the volume density of neurons in the perifocal zone of infarction compared to rats subjected to ischemia and receiving saline. Immunohistochemical analysis of the proliferative activity of neuroglia cells using PCNA antibodies showed a significant increase in the number of proliferating cells in the penumbra and in the intact cerebral cortex of rats receiving peptide treatment. The effect of peptides on vascularization was examined using CD31 antibodies under tMCAO conditions, revealing a significant increase in the volume density of vessels and their sizes in the penumbra after administration of ACTH(4-7)PGP and ACTH(6-9)PGP. These findings confirm the neuroprotective effect of peptides due to the activation of neuroglia proliferation and the enhancement of collateral blood flow.

Lead inhibits microglial cell migration via suppression of store-operated calcium entry

Lead (Pb) is a non-biodegradable environmental pollutant that can lead to neurotoxicity by inducing neuroinflammation. Microglial activation plays a key role in neuroinflammation, and microglial migration is one of its main features. However, whether Pb affects microglial migration has not yet been elucidated. Herein, the effect of Pb on microglial migration was investigated using BV-2 microglial cells and primary microglial cells. The results showed that cell activation markers (TNF-α and CD206) in BV-2 cells were increased after Pb treatment. The migration ability of microglia was inhibited by Pb. Both store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) current were downregulated by microglia treatment with Pb in a dose-dependent manner. However, there was no statistical difference in the protein levels of stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1, STIM2, or Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channel protein (Orai) 1 in microglia. The external Ca2+ influx and cell migration ability were restored to a certain extent after overexpression of either STIM1 or its CRAC activation domain in microglia. These results indicated that Pb inhibits microglial migration by downregulation of SOCE and impairment of the function of STIM1.

Acteoside alleviates blood-brain barrier damage induced by ischemic stroke through inhibiting microglia HMGB1/TLR4/NLRP3 signaling

Ischemic stroke (IS) can cause severe harm, inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and pyroptotic death. IS treatment efficacy remains limited, and microglia are important regulators of IS-related blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. It is thus vital that new therapeutic agents capable of targeting microglia be identified to treat IS-related damage to the BBB. Acteoside (ACT), which is a compound derived from Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight., offers promising bioactivity, but its ability to protect against central nervous system injury remains to be documented. To clarify the protective benefits and mechanisms through which ACT can protect against damage to the BBB, a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model system was herein employed. These in vivo analyses demonstrated that ACT was able to significantly reduce cerebral infarct size while improving their neurological scores and altering neurotrophic and inflammatory factor release. RNA sequencing and molecular docking studies highlighted the ability of ACT to exert its protective benefits via the HMGB1/TLR4/NLRP3 axis. Western immunoblotting and immunofluorescent staining for tight junction proteins additionally confirmed the ability of ACT to preserve BBB integrity. The underlying mechanisms were then explored with an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model in vitro with BV2 cells. This strategy thus confirmed that the ability of ACT to suppress microglial inflammatory and pyroptotic activity was HMGB1/TLR4/NLRP3 pathway-dependent. These data thus offer novel evidence that ACT can protect against IS-related damage to the BBB through the abrogation of inflammatory and pyroptotic activity, underscoring its promise as a novel lead compound for the therapeutic treatment of IS.

Activation of LXRs alleviates neuropathic pain-induced cognitive dysfunction by modulation of microglia polarization and synaptic plasticity via PI3K/AKT pathway

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive dysfunction is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic pain. Activation of Liver X receptors (LXRs) plays a potential role in improving cognitive disorders in central nervous diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of LXRs in cognitive deficits induced by neuropathic pain.

METHODS

We established the spared nerve injury (SNI) model to investigate pain-induced memory dysfunction. Pharmacological activation of LXRs with T0901317 or inhibition with GSK2033 was applied. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 was administered to explore the underlying mechanism of LXRs. Changes in neuroinflammation, microglia polarization, and synaptic plasticity were assessed using biochemical technologies.

RESULTS

We found that SNI-induced cognitive impairment was associated with reduced LXRβ expression, increased M1-phenotype microglia, decreased synaptic proteins, and inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Activation of LXRs using T0901317 effectively alleviated SNI-induced cognitive impairment. Additionally, T0901317 promoted the polarization of microglia from M1 to M2, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and upregulated synaptic proteins in the hippocampus. However, administration of GSK2033 or LY294002 abolished these protective effects of T0901317 in SNI mice.

CONCLUSIONS

LXRs activation alleviates neuropathic pain-induced cognitive impairment by modulating microglia polarization, neuroinflammation, and synaptic plasticity, at least partly via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling in the hippocampus. LXRs may be promising targets for addressing pain-related cognitive deficits.

Brain microvascular endothelial cell-derived exosomes transmitting circ_0000495 promote microglial M1-polarization and endothelial cell injury under hypoxia condition

Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) and microglia play critical roles in regulating cerebral homeostasis during ischemic stroke. However, the role of HBMVECs-derived exosomes in microglia polarization after stroke remains unknown. We isolated exosomes (Exos) from oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-exposed HBMVECs, before added them into microglia. Microglia polarization markers were tested using RT-qPCR or flow cytometry. Inflammatory cytokines were measured with ELISA. Endothelial cell damage was assessed by cell viability, apoptosis, apoptosis-related proteins, oxidative stress, and angiogenic activity using CCK-8, flow cytometry, western blot, ELISA, and endothelial tube formation assay, respectively. We also established middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice model to examine the function of circ_0000495 on stroke in vivo. Our study found that HBMVECs-Exos reduced M2 markers (IL-10, CD163, and CD206), increased M1 markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-12), CD86-positive cells, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), indicating the promotion of microglial M1-polarization. Microglial M1-polarization induced by HBMVECs-Exos reduced viability and promoted apoptosis and oxidative stress, revealing the aggravation of endothelial cell damage. However, circ_0000495 silencing inhibited HBMVECs-Exos-induced alterations. Mechanistically, circ_0000495 adsorbed miR-579-3p to upregulate toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in microglia; miR-579-3p suppressed HBMVECs-Exos-induced alterations via declining TLR4; furthermore, Yin Yang 1 (YY1) transcriptionally activated circ_0000495 in HBMVECs. Importantly, circ_0000495 aggravated ischemic brain injury in vivo via activating TLR4/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Collectively, OGD-treated HBMVECs-Exos transmitted circ_0000495 to regulate miR-579-3p/TLR4/NF-κB axis in microglia, thereby facilitating microglial M1-polarization and endothelial cell damage.

Potential natural product 3,4-seco-schitriterpenoids from Kadsura japonica L. as anti-neuroinflammatory agents

In the present study, the undescribed schitriterpenoids, kadsujanonols A-I (1-9), and eleven reported compounds (10-20) were isolated from K. japonica L. vines. Their structures of 3,4-seco-schitriterpenoids were elucidated mainly by spectroscopic analyses including 1H-, 13C-, and 2D-NMR, IR, HRESIMS spectra. The spatial configurations were determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of kadsujapnonol A (1), 15, 17, and 18, CD data and computational analysis. Furthermore, all isolates were evaluated for the anti-neuroinflammatory activity on LPS-stimulated NO production in BV2 microglial cells and compounds 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13-16, and 18 exposed better or comparable suppression abilities than PDTC. Among them, kadlongilactone B (14) showed the best significant inhibiting ability (IC50 = 0.87 μg/mL) and the effect is through the attenuation of the inflammatory transcription factor p65NF-κB. Preliminary structure-activity relationship revealed that δ-lactone at the side chain and 7-member lactone at C-3/C-4, and 3,4:9,10 ring opening are important.

The role of microglial activation on ischemic stroke: Modulation by fibroblast growth factors

Stroke is one of the devastating clinical conditions that causes death and permanent disability. Its occurrence causes the reduction of oxygen and glucose supply, resulting in events such as inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the brain. Microglia are brain-resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that exert diverse roles and respond to pathological process after an ischemic insult. The discovery of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in mammals, resulted to the findings that they can treat experimental models of stroke in animals effectively. FGFs function as homeostatic factors that control cells and hormones involved in metabolism, and they also regulate the secretion of proinflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) cytokines after stroke. In this review, we outline current evidence of microglia activation in experimental models of stroke focusing on its ability to exacerbate damage or repair tissue. Also, our review sheds light on the pharmacological actions of FGFs on multiple targets to regulate microglial modulation and highlighted their theoretical molecular mechanisms to provide possible therapeutic targets, as well as their limitations for the treatment of stroke. DATA AVAILABILITY: Not applicable.

SCH 644343 alleviates ischemic stroke-induced neuroinflammation by promoting microglial polarization via the IL-4/SREBP-1 signaling pathway

Ischemic stroke (IS), a kind of acute cerebrovascular disease, is one of the most common diseases, and it endangers the lives and health of elderly individuals. Inflammation is a key factor leading to stroke, making it a potential therapeutic target. Previous studies have found that neuroinflammation is closely associated with microglial polarization. Due to the various side effects of current drugs used to treat neuroinflammation, it is important to explore alternative drugs with anti-inflammatory activity for neuroinflammation treatment. In the present study, we investigated the effect of SCH 644343 (SCH), a natural compound, on neuroinflammation induced by IS and explored the mechanism. We found that SCH meliorated the phenotypes of IS in vivo, which was correlated with the increased percentage of infiltrated M2 macrophages in brain after stroke. SCH exerted a significant effect against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in BV2 cells in vitro by inhibiting M1 microglial polarization and promoting M2 microglial polarization. Furthermore, suppression of SREBP-1 expression by pretreatment with the SREBP-1 inhibitor 25-HC attenuated the effect of SCH on IS in vitro. Taken together, SCH exerts anti-IS effect by promoting microglial polarization via the IL-4/SREBP-1 signaling pathway.

Pterostilbene as a Therapeutic Alternative for Central Nervous System Disorders: A Review of the Current Status and Perspectives

Neurological disorders are diverse, have complex causes, and often result in disability; yet, effective treatments remain scarce. The resveratrol derivative pterostilbene possesses numerous physiological activities that hold promise as a novel therapy for the central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This review aimed to summarize the protective mechanisms of pterostilbene in in vitro and in vivo models of CNS disorders and the pharmacokinetics and safety to assess its possible effects on CNS disorders. Available evidence supports the protective effects of pterostilbene in CNS disorders involving mechanisms such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, regulation of lipid metabolism and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, improvement of synaptic function and neurogenesis, induction of glioma cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of glioma cell migration and invasion. Studies have identified possible molecular targets and pathways for the protective actions of pterostilbene in CNS disorders including the AMPK/STAT3, Akt, NF-κB, MAPK, and ERK signaling pathways. The possible pharmacological effects and molecular pathways of pterostilbene in CNS disorders are critically discussed in this review. Future studies should aim to increase our understanding of pterostilbene in animal models and humans to further evaluate its role in CNS disorders and the detailed mechanisms.

Negative regulation of angiogenesis and the MAPK pathway may be a shared biological pathway between IS and epilepsy

Ischemia stroke and epilepsy are two neurological diseases that have significant patient and societal burden, with similar symptoms of neurological deficits. However, the underlying mechanism of their co-morbidity are still unclear. In this study, we performed a combined analysis of six gene expression profiles (GSE58294, GSE22255, GSE143272, GSE88723, GSE163654, and GSE174574) to reveal the common mechanisms of IS and epilepsy. In the mouse datasets, 74 genes were co-upregulated and 7 genes were co-downregulated in the stroke and epilepsy groups. Further analysis revealed that the co-expressed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in negative regulation of angiogenesis and the MAPK signaling pathway, and this was verified by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis of human datasets and single cell RNA sequence of middle cerebral artery occlusion mice. In addition, combining DEGs of human and mouse, PTGS2, TMCC3, KCNJ2, and GADD45B were identified as cross species conserved hub genes. Meanwhile, molecular docking results revealed that trichostatin A and valproic acid may be potential therapeutic drugs. In conclusion, to our best knowledge, this study conducted the first comorbidity analysis of epilepsy and ischemic stroke to identify the potential common pathogenic mechanisms and drugs. The findings may provide an important reference for the further studies on post-stroke epilepsy.

The Dual Role of Autophagy in Postischemic Brain Neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's Disease Proteinopathy

Autophagy is a self-defense and self-degrading intracellular system involved in the recycling and elimination of the payload of cytoplasmic redundant components, aggregated or misfolded proteins and intracellular pathogens to maintain cell homeostasis and physiological function. Autophagy is activated in response to metabolic stress or starvation to maintain homeostasis in cells by updating organelles and dysfunctional proteins. In neurodegenerative diseases, such as cerebral ischemia, autophagy is disturbed, e.g., as a result of the pathological accumulation of proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and their structural changes. Postischemic brain neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease, is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid and tau protein. After cerebral ischemia, autophagy was found to be activated in neuronal, glial and vascular cells. Some studies have shown the protective properties of autophagy in postischemic brain, while other studies have shown completely opposite properties. Thus, autophagy is now presented as a double-edged sword with possible therapeutic potential in brain ischemia. The exact role and regulatory pathways of autophagy that are involved in cerebral ischemia have not been conclusively elucidated. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the advances in the study of autophagy behavior in neuronal, glial and vascular cells for ischemic brain injury. In addition, the importance of autophagy in neurodegeneration after cerebral ischemia has been highlighted. The review also presents the possibility of modulating the autophagy machinery through various compounds on the development of neurodegeneration after cerebral ischemia.

Ursolic Acid Ameliorated Neuronal Damage by Restoring Microglia-Activated MMP/TIMP Imbalance in vitro

Purpose

The oxygen and glucose deprivation-reoxygenation (OGDR) model is widely used to evaluate ischemic stroke and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in vitro. Excessively activated microglia produce pro-inflammatory mediators such as matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs] and their specific inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases [TIMPs], causing neuronal damage. Ursolic acid (UA) acts as a neuroprotective agent in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model keeping the MMP/TIMP balance with underlying mechanisms unclear. Our study used OGDR model to determine whether and how UA reduces neuronal damage by reversing MMP/TIMP imbalance caused by microglia in I/R injury in vitro.

Methods

SH-SY5Y cells were first cultured with 95% N2 and 5% CO2 and then cultivated regularly for OGDR model. Cell viability was tested for a proper UA dose. We established a co-culture system with SH-SY5Y cells and microglia-conditioned medium (MCM) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ). MMP9 and TIMP1 levels were measured with ELISA assay to confirm the UA effect. We added recombinant MMP9 (rMMP9) and TIMP1 neutralizing antibody (anti-TIMP1) for reconfirmation. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe cell morphology, and flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC and PI labeling for apoptotic conditions. We further measured the calcium fluorescence intensity in SH-SY5Y cells.

Results

The MCM significantly reduced cell viability of SH-SY5Y cells after OGDR (p<0.01), which was restored by UA (0.25 µM) (p<0.05), whereas lactate dehydrogenase activity, intraneuronal Ca2+ concentration, and apoptosis-related indexes were showed significant improvement after UA treatment (p<0.01). UA corrected the MMP/TIMP imbalance by decreasing MMP9 expression and increasing TIMP1 expression in the co-culture system (p<0.01) and the effects of UA on SH-SY5Y cells were mitigated by the administration of rMMP9 and anti-TIMP1 (p<0.01).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that UA inhibited microglia-induced neuronal cell death in an OGDR model of ischemic reperfusion injury by stabilizing the MMP9/TIMP1 imbalance.

Neuroinflammation in Acute Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to provide an overview of neuroinflammation in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, including recent findings on the mechanisms and cellular players involved in the inflammatory response to brain injury.

RECENT FINDINGS

Neuroinflammation is a crucial process following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS). In AIS, neuroinflammation is initiated within minutes of the ischemia onset and continues for several days. In HS, neuroinflammation is initiated by blood byproducts in the subarachnoid space and/or brain parenchyma. In both cases, neuroinflammation is characterized by the activation of resident immune cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, and infiltration of peripheral immune cells, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. These inflammatory mediators contribute to blood-brain barrier disruption, neuronal damage, and cerebral edema, promoting neuronal apoptosis and impairing neuroplasticity, ultimately exacerbating the neurologic deficit. However, neuroinflammation can also have beneficial effects by clearing cellular debris and promoting tissue repair. The role of neuroinflammation in AIS and ICH is complex and multifaceted, and further research is necessary to develop effective therapies that target this process. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) will be the HS subtype addressed in this review. Neuroinflammation is a significant contributor to brain tissue damage following AIS and HS. Understanding the mechanisms and cellular players involved in neuroinflammation is essential for developing effective therapies to reduce secondary injury and improve stroke outcomes. Recent findings have provided new insights into the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation, highlighting the potential for targeting specific cytokines, chemokines, and glial cells as therapeutic strategies.

American Ginseng for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent degenerative condition that is increasingly affecting populations globally. American ginseng (AG) has anti-AD bioactivity, and ginsenosides, as the main active components of AG, have shown strong anti-AD effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies. It has been reported that ginsenosides can inhibit amyloid β-protein (Aβ) production and deposition, tau phosphorylation, apoptosis and cytotoxicity, as well as possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thus suppressing the progression of AD. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of AD, the potential anti-AD effects of ginsenosides found in AG, and the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with these effects. Additionally, we will discuss the potential use of AG in the treatment of AD, and how ginsenosides in AG may exert more potent anti-AD effects in vivo may be a direction for further research.

Apitherapy in Post-Ischemic Brain Neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's Disease Proteinopathy: Focus on Honey and Its Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids

Neurodegeneration of the brain after ischemia is a major cause of severe, long-term disability, dementia, and mortality, which is a global problem. These phenomena are attributed to excitotoxicity, changes in the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, vasoconstriction, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and ultimately neuronal death. In addition, genetic factors such as post-ischemic changes in genetic programming in the expression of amyloid protein precursor, β-secretase, presenilin-1 and -2, and tau protein play an important role in the irreversible progression of post-ischemic neurodegeneration. Since current treatment is aimed at preventing symptoms such as dementia and disability, the search for causative therapy that would be helpful in preventing and treating post-ischemic neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease proteinopathy is ongoing. Numerous studies have shown that the high contents of flavonoids and phenolic acids in honey have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-amyloid, anti-tau protein, anticholinesterase, serotonergic, and AMPAK activities, influencing signal transmission and neuroprotective effects. Notably, in many preclinical studies, flavonoids and phenolic acids, the main components of honey, were also effective when administered after ischemia, suggesting their possible use in promoting recovery in stroke patients. This review provides new insight into honey's potential to prevent brain ischemia as well as to ameliorate damage in advanced post-ischemic brain neurodegeneration.

Integrative analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing unveils the senescence landscape in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a fatal neurological disease that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain tissue damage and functional impairment. Cellular senescence, a vital characteristic of aging, is associated with a poor prognosis for IS. This study explores the potential role of cellular senescence in the pathological process following IS by analyzing transcriptome data from multiple datasets (GSE163654, GSE16561, GSE119121, and GSE174574). By using bioinformatics methods, we identified hub-senescence-related genes such as ANGPTL4, CCL3, CCL7, CXCL16, and TNF and verified them using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Further analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data suggests that MG4 microglial is highly correlated with cellular senescence in MCAO, and might play a crucial role in the pathological process after IS. Additionally, we identified retinoic acid as a potential drug for improving the prognosis of IS. This comprehensive investigation of cellular senescence in various brain tissues and peripheral blood cell types provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of the pathology of IS and identifies potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.

Microglia and the Blood-Brain Barrier: An External Player in Acute and Chronic Neuroinflammatory Conditions

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system that guarantee immune surveillance and exert also a modulating role on neuronal synaptic development and function. Upon injury, microglia get activated and modify their morphology acquiring an ameboid phenotype and pro- or anti-inflammatory features. The active role of microglia in blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and their interaction with different cellular components of the BBB-endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes-are described. Here, we report the specific crosstalk of microglia with all the BBB cell types focusing in particular on the involvement of microglia in the modulation of BBB function in neuroinflammatory conditions that occur in conjunction with an acute event, such as a stroke, or in a slow neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. The potential of microglia to exert a dual role, either protective or detrimental, depending on disease stages and environmental conditioning factors is also discussed.

Novel synergistic mechanism of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and Z-Guggulsterone on ischemic stroke revealed by single-cell transcriptomics

Although strides have been made, the challenge of preventing and treating ischemic stroke continues to persist globally. For thousands of years, the natural substances Frankincense and Myrrh have been employed in Chinese and Indian medicine to address cerebrovascular diseases, with the key components of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) and Z-Guggulsterone (Z-GS) being the active agents. In this study, the synergistic effect and underlying mechanism of KBA and Z-GS on ischemic stroke were examined using single-cell transcriptomics. Fourteen cell types were identified in KBA-Z-GS-treated ischemic penumbra, and microglia and astrocytes account for the largest proportion. They were further re-clustered into six and seven subtypes, respectively. GSVA analysis reflected the distinct roles of each subtype. Pseudo-time trajectory indicated that Slc1a2 and Timp1 were core fate transition genes regulated by KBA-Z-GS. In addition, KBA-Z-GS synergistically regulated inflammatory reactions in microglia and cellular metabolism and ferroptosis in astrocytes. Most notably, we established an innovative drug-gene synergistic regulation pattern, and genes regulated by KBA-Z-GS were divided into four categories based on this pattern. Finally, Spp1 was demonstrated as the hub target of KBA-Z-GS. Taken together, this study reveals the synergistic mechanism of KBA and Z-GS on cerebral ischemia, and Spp1 may be the synergistic target for that. Precise drug development targeting Spp1 may offer a potential therapeutic approach for treating ischemic stroke.

Human microglial models to study host-virus interactions

Microglia, the resident macrophage of the central nervous system, are increasingly recognized as contributing to diverse aspects of human development, health, and disease. In recent years, numerous studies in both mouse and human models have identified microglia as a "double edged sword" in the progression of neurotropic viral infections: protecting against viral replication and cell death in some contexts, while acting as viral reservoirs and promoting excess cellular stress and cytotoxicity in others. It is imperative to understand the diversity of human microglial responses in order to therapeutically modulate them; however, modeling human microglia has been historically challenging due to significant interspecies differences in innate immunity and rapid transformation upon in vitro culture. In this review, we discuss the contribution of microglia to the neuropathogenesis of key neurotropic viral infections: human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), Zika virus (ZIKV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We pay special attention to recent work with human stem cell-derived microglia and propose strategies to leverage these powerful models to further uncover species- and disease-specific microglial responses and novel therapeutic interventions for neurotropic viral infections.

The Implications of Microglial Regulation in Neuroplasticity-Dependent Stroke Recovery

Stroke causes varying degrees of neurological deficits, leading to corresponding dysfunctions. There are different therapeutic principles for each stage of pathological development. Neuroprotection is the main treatment in the acute phase, and functional recovery becomes primary in the subacute and chronic phases. Neuroplasticity is considered the basis of functional restoration and neurological rehabilitation after stroke, including the remodeling of dendrites and dendritic spines, axonal sprouting, myelin regeneration, synapse shaping, and neurogenesis. Spatiotemporal development affects the spontaneous rewiring of neural circuits and brain networks. Microglia are resident immune cells in the brain that contribute to homeostasis under physiological conditions. Microglia are activated immediately after stroke, and phenotypic polarization changes and phagocytic function are crucial for regulating focal and global brain inflammation and neurological recovery. We have previously shown that the development of neuroplasticity is spatiotemporally consistent with microglial activation, suggesting that microglia may have a profound impact on neuroplasticity after stroke and may be a key therapeutic target for post-stroke rehabilitation. In this review, we explore the impact of neuroplasticity on post-stroke restoration as well as the functions and mechanisms of microglial activation, polarization, and phagocytosis. This is followed by a summary of microglia-targeted rehabilitative interventions that influence neuroplasticity and promote stroke recovery.

Regulatory T cells promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury by alleviating microglia inflammation via STAT3 inhibition

BACKGROUND

Immediately after spinal trauma, immune cells, and proinflammatory cytokines infiltrate the spinal cord and disrupt the focal microenvironment, which impedes axon regeneration and functional recovery. Previous studies have reported that regulatory T cells (Tregs) enter the central nervous system and exert immunosuppressive effects on microglia during multiple sclerosis and stroke. However, whether and how Tregs interact with microglia and modulate injured microenvironments after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unknown.

METHOD

Regulatory T cells spatiotemporal characteristics were analyzed in a mouse contusion SCI model. Microglia activation status was evaluated by immunostaining and RNA sequencing. Cytokine production in injured spinal cord was examined using Luminex. The role of STAT3 in Treg-microglia crosstalk was investigated in a transwell system with isolated Tregs and primary microglia.

RESULTS

Regulatory T cells infiltration of the spinal cord peaked on day 7 after SCI. Treg depletion promoted microglia switch to a proinflammatory phenotype. Inflammation-related genes, such as ApoD, as well as downstream cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were upregulated in microglia in Treg-depleted mice. STAT3 inhibition was involved in Treg-microglia crosstalk, and STAT3 chemical blockade improved function recovery in Treg-depleted mice.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that Tregs promote functional recovery after SCI by alleviating microglia inflammatory reaction via STAT3.

Neuroinflammation aggravated by traumatic brain injury at high altitude is reversed by L-serine via NFAT1-mediated microglial polarization

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of disability and death, especially in plateau areas, where the degree of injury is often more serious than in plain areas. It is likely that high altitude (HA) aggravates neuroinflammation; however, prior studies are limited. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of HA on the degree of TBI and the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of L-serine against TBI at HA (HA-TBI). In in vivo experiments, wild-type mice and mice with Nfat1 (Nfat1^-/- ) deficiency in the C57BL/6 background were kept in a hypobaric chamber for 3 days under simulated conditions of 4,000 m, 6,000 m and 8,000 m above sea level. After leaving the chamber, the standardized TBI model was established immediately. Mice were then intraperitoneally injected with L-serine (342 mg.kg^-1) 2 h after TBI and then daily for 5 days. Behavioral tests and histological analysis were assessed at different time points post TBI induction. In vitro, we applied primary cultured microglia for hypoxia treatment (1% O₂ for 24 h). The major findings include the following: (1) with increasing altitude, the neurological function of TBI mice decreased, and the damage to cerebral gray matter and white matter became more significant, (2) L-serine significantly improved the sensorimotor function of mice, reversed the increase in brain lesion volume, and promoted the renovation of brain tissue after HA-TBI, (3) L-serine significantly decreased the activation of microglia and promoted microglia polarization toward the protective M2 phenotype both in vivo and in vitro, (4) L-serine significantly suppressed the expression of NFAT1 in mice after HA-TBI and inhibited NFAT1 expression in primary microglia after hypoxia, and (5) knockout of Nfat1 inhibited the inflammatory reaction caused by excessive activation of microglia, and L-serine lost its neuroprotective effect in Nfat1 knockout mice. The present study suggests that HA aggravates brain damage after TBI and that the damage also increases with increasing altitude. As an endogenous amino acid, L-serine may be a neuroprotective agent against HA-TBI, and suppression of NFAT1 in microglia is a potential therapy for neuroinflammation in the future.