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Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhang G, Zheng YJ, Zhao A, Jiang X, Gan J. Astrocyte modulation in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: A promising therapeutic strategy. Exp Neurol 2024; 378:114814. [PMID: 38762094 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) poses significant challenges for drug development due to its complex pathogenesis. Astrocyte involvement in CIRI pathogenesis has led to the development of novel astrocyte-targeting drug strategies. To comprehensively review the current literature, we conducted a thorough analysis from January 2012 to December 2023, identifying 82 drugs aimed at preventing and treating CIRI. These drugs target astrocytes to exert potential benefits in CIRI, and their primary actions include modulation of relevant signaling pathways to inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, reduce cerebral edema, restore blood-brain barrier integrity, suppress excitotoxicity, and regulate autophagy. Notably, active components from traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ginkgo, and Ginseng exhibit these important pharmacological properties and show promise in the treatment of CIRI. This review highlights the potential of astrocyte-targeted drugs to ameliorate CIRI and categorizes them based on their mechanisms of action, underscoring their therapeutic potential in targeting astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangming Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Jia Zheng
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Anliu Zhao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xijuan Jiang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Jiali Gan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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Chai Z, Zheng J, Shen J. Mechanism of ferroptosis regulating ischemic stroke and pharmacologically inhibiting ferroptosis in treatment of ischemic stroke. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14865. [PMID: 39042604 PMCID: PMC11265528 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death that is non-caspase-dependent and is characterized by the production of lethal levels of iron-dependent lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS). In recent years, ferroptosis has attracted great interest in the field of cerebral infarction because it differs morphologically, physiologically, and genetically from other forms of cell death such as necrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. In addition, ROS is considered to be an important prognostic factor for ischemic stroke, making it a promising target for stroke treatment. This paper summarizes the induction and defense mechanisms associated with ferroptosis, and explores potential treatment strategies for ischemic stroke in order to lay the groundwork for the development of new neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Chai
- Department of NeurosurgeryFirst Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou CityChina
| | - Jiesheng Zheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryFirst Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou CityChina
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of NeurosurgeryFirst Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou CityChina
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3
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Li J, Wang Z, Li J, Zhao H, Ma Q. HMGB1: A New Target for Ischemic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Transformation. Transl Stroke Res 2024:10.1007/s12975-024-01258-5. [PMID: 38740617 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-024-01258-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Li
- Department of Neurology and Cerebrovascular Diseases Research Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Street, Beijing, China
| | - Zixin Wang
- Department of Neurology and Cerebrovascular Diseases Research Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Street, Beijing, China
| | - Jiameng Li
- Department of Neurology and Cerebrovascular Diseases Research Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Street, Beijing, China
| | - Haiping Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Cerebrovascular Diseases Research Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Street, Beijing, China.
| | - Qingfeng Ma
- Department of Neurology and Cerebrovascular Diseases Research Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Street, Beijing, China.
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Xu Y, Zhang J, Gao F, Cheng W, Zhang Y, Wei C, Zhang S, Gao X. Engeletin alleviates cerebral ischemia reperfusion-induced neuroinflammation via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB network. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:1653-1663. [PMID: 37132060 PMCID: PMC10273068 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
High-mobility group box1 (HMGB1) induces inflammatory injury, and emerging reports suggest that it is critical for brain ischemia reperfusion. Engeletin, a natural Smilax glabra rhizomilax derivative, is reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. Herein, we examined the mechanism of engeletin-mediated neuroprotection in rats having transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Male SD rats were induced using a 1.5 h tMCAO, following by reperfusion for 22.5 h. Engeletin (15, 30 or 60 mg/kg) was intravenously administered immediately following 0.5 h of ischemia. Based on our results, engeletin, in a dose-dependent fashion, reduced neurological deficits, infarct size, histopathological alterations, brain edema and inflammatory factors, namely, circulating IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ. Furthermore, engeletin treatment markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis, which, in turn, elevated Bcl-2 protein levels, while suppressing Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 protein levels. Meanwhile, engeletin significantly reduces overall expressions of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB and attenuated nuclear transfer of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in ischemic cortical tissue. In conclusion, engeletin strongly prevents focal cerebral ischemia via suppression of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Xu
- School of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai UniversityYantaiChina
- Department of PharmacyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of RadiologyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of PharmacyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Wenna Cheng
- Department of PharmacyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of PharmacyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Chuanmei Wei
- Department of PharmacyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Shuping Zhang
- College of Basic MedicineBinzhou Medical UniversityYantaiChina
| | - Xinfu Gao
- Department of PharmacyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
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Gao B, Wang S, Li J, Han N, Ge H, Zhang G, Chang M. HMGB1, angel or devil, in ischemic stroke. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2987. [PMID: 37062906 PMCID: PMC10176004 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is extensively involved in causing ischemic stroke, pathological damage of ischemic brain injury, and neural tissue repair after ischemic brain injury. However, the precise role of HMGB1 in ischemic stroke remains to be elucidated. METHODS Comprehensive literature search and narrative review to summarize the current field of HMGB1 in cerebral ischemic based on the basic structure, structural modification, and functional roles of HMGB1 described in the literature. RESULTS Studies have exhibited the crucial roles of HMGB1 in cell death, immunity and inflammation, thrombosis, and remodeling and repair. HMGB1 released after cerebral infarction is extensively involved in the pathological injury process in the early stage of cerebral infarction, whereas it is involved in the promotion of brain tissue repair and remodeling in the late stage of cerebral infarction. HMGB1 plays a neurotrophic role in acute white matter stroke, whereas it causes sustained activation of inflammation and plays a damaging role in chronic white matter ischemia. CONCLUSIONS HMGB1 plays a complex role in cerebral infarction, which is related to not only the modification of HMGB1 and bound receptors but also different stages and subtypes of cerebral infarction. future studies on HMGB1 should investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of HMGB1 after cerebral infarction. Moreover, future studies on HMGB1 should attempt to integrate different stages and infarct subtypes of cerebral infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- Department of NeurologyXi'an No. 3 Hospitalthe Affiliated Hospital of Northest UniversityXi'anShaanxiP.R. China
| | - Shuwen Wang
- Department of NeurologyXi'an No. 3 Hospitalthe Affiliated Hospital of Northest UniversityXi'anShaanxiP.R. China
| | - Jiangfeng Li
- Department of Neurosurgerythe First Hospital of Yu'linYu'linShaanxiChina
| | - Nannan Han
- Department of NeurologyXi'an No. 3 Hospitalthe Affiliated Hospital of Northest UniversityXi'anShaanxiP.R. China
| | - Hanming Ge
- Department of NeurologyXi'an No. 3 Hospitalthe Affiliated Hospital of Northest UniversityXi'anShaanxiP.R. China
| | - Gejuan Zhang
- Department of NeurologyXi'an No. 3 Hospitalthe Affiliated Hospital of Northest UniversityXi'anShaanxiP.R. China
| | - Mingze Chang
- Department of NeurologyXi'an No. 3 Hospitalthe Affiliated Hospital of Northest UniversityXi'anShaanxiP.R. China
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Shen Z, Xiang M, Chen C, Ding F, Wang Y, Shang C, Xin L, Zhang Y, Cui X. Glutamate excitotoxicity: Potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113125. [PMID: 35609367 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity is an important mechanism leading to post ischemic stroke damage. After acute stroke, the sudden reduction in cerebral blood flow is most initially followed by ion transport protein dysfunction and disruption of ion homeostasis, which in turn leads to impaired glutamate release, reuptake, and excessive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation, promoting neuronal death. Despite extensive evidence from preclinical studies suggesting that excessive NMDAR stimulation during ischemic stroke is a central step in post-stroke damage, NMDAR blockers have failed to translate into clinical stroke treatment. Current treatment options for stroke are very limited, and there is therefore a great need to develop new targets for neuroprotective therapeutic agents in ischemic stroke to extend the therapeutic time window. In this review, we highlight recent findings on glutamate release, reuptake mechanisms, NMDAR and its downstream cellular signaling pathways in post-ischemic stroke damage, and review the pathological changes in each link to help develop viable new therapeutic targets. We then also summarize potential neuroprotective drugs and therapeutic approaches for these new targets in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihuan Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China; Clinical Medical School, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Mi Xiang
- Department of Cardiovascular, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Fan Ding
- Department of Cardiovascular, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China; Clinical Medical School, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yuling Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China; Clinical Medical School, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chang Shang
- Department of Cardiovascular, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China; Clinical Medical School, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Laiyun Xin
- Department of Cardiovascular, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Xiangning Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.
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Han G, Song L, Ding Z, Wang Q, Yan Y, Huang J, Ma C. The Important Double-Edged Role of Astrocytes in Neurovascular Unit After Ischemic Stroke. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:833431. [PMID: 35462697 PMCID: PMC9021601 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.833431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, neurovascular unit (NVU) which is composed of neurons, astrocytes (Ast), microglia (MG), vascular cells and extracellular matrix (ECM), has become an attractive field in ischemic stroke. As the important component of NVU, Ast closely interacts with other constituents, which has been playing double-edged sword roles, beneficial or detrimental after ischemic stroke. Based on the pathophysiological changes, we evaluated some strategies for targeting Ast in treating ischemic stroke. The present review is focused on the roles of Ast in NVU and its complex signaling molecular network after ischemic stroke, which may be a prospective approach to the treatment of ischemic diseases in central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyuan Han
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital, Datong, China
| | - Lijuan Song
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Lijuan Song,
| | - Zhibin Ding
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qing Wang
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yuqing Yan
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
- Yuqing Yan,
| | - Jianjun Huang
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital, Datong, China
- Jianjun Huang,
| | - Cungen Ma
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
- Cungen Ma,
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The Assessment of Endovascular Therapies in Ischemic Stroke: Management, Problems and Future Approaches. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071864. [PMID: 35407472 PMCID: PMC8999747 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke accounts for over 80% of all strokes and is one of the leading causes of mortality and permanent disability worldwide. Intravenous administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is an approved treatment strategy for acute ischemic stroke of large arteries within 4.5 h of onset, and mechanical thrombectomy can be used for large arteries occlusion up to 24 h after onset. Improving diagnostic work up for acute treatment, reducing onset-to-needle time and urgent radiological access angiographic CT images (angioCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are real problems for many healthcare systems, which limits the number of patients with good prognosis in real world compared to the results of randomized controlled trials. The applied endovascular procedures demonstrated high efficacy, but some cellular mechanisms, following reperfusion, are still unknown. Changes in the morphology and function of mitochondria associated with reperfusion and ischemia-reperfusion neuronal death are still understudied research fields. Moreover, future research is needed to elucidate the relationship between continuously refined imaging techniques and the variable structure or physical properties of the clot along with vascular permeability and the pleiotropism of ischemic reperfusion lesions in the penumbra, in order to define targeted preventive procedures promoting long-term health benefits.
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Yu G, Zhang Y, Ning B. Reactive Astrocytes in Central Nervous System Injury: Subgroup and Potential Therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:792764. [PMID: 35002629 PMCID: PMC8733560 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.792764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injury, which includes both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), is associated with irreversible loss of neurological function and high medical care costs. Currently, no effective treatment exists to improve the prognosis of patients. Astrocytes comprise the largest population of glial cells in the CNS and, with the advancements in the field of neurology, are increasingly recognized as having key functions in both the brain and the spinal cord. When stimulated by disease or injury, astrocytes become activated and undergo a series of changes, including alterations in gene expression, hypertrophy, the loss of inherent functions, and the acquisition of new ones. Studies have shown that astrocytes are highly heterogeneous with respect to their gene expression profiles, and this heterogeneity accounts for their observed context-dependent phenotypic diversity. In the inured CNS, activated astrocytes play a dual role both as regulators of neuroinflammation and in scar formation. Identifying the subpopulations of reactive astrocytes that exert beneficial or harmful effects will aid in deciphering the pathological mechanisms underlying CNS injuries and ultimately provide a theoretical basis for the development of effective strategies for the treatment of associated conditions. Following CNS injury, as the disease progresses, astrocyte phenotypes undergo continuous changes. Although current research methods do not allow a comprehensive and accurate classification of astrocyte subpopulations in complex pathological contexts, they can nonetheless aid in understanding the roles of astrocytes in disease. In this review, after a brief introduction to the pathology of CNS injury, we summarize current knowledge regarding astrocyte activation following CNS injury, including: (a) the regulatory factors involved in this process; (b) the functions of different astrocyte subgroups based on the existing classification of astrocytes; and (c) attempts at astrocyte-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- GuiLian Yu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Ning
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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