Angiogenesis in Ischemic Stroke and Angiogenic Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine

Abstract

Stroke is one of the major causes of death and adult disability worldwide. The underlying pathophysiology of stroke is highly complicated, consisting of impairments of multiple signalling pathways, and numerous pathological processes such as acidosis, glutamate excitotoxicity, calcium overload, cerebral inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The current treatment for ischemic stroke is limited to thromolytics such as recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). tPA has a very narrow therapeutic window, making it suitable to only a minority of stroke patients. Hence, there is great urgency to develop new therapies that can protect brain tissue from ischemic damage. Recent studies have shown that new vessel formation after stroke not only replenishes blood flow to the ischemic area of the brain, but also promotes neurogenesis and improves neurological functions in both animal models and patients. Therefore, drugs that can promote angiogenesis after ischemic stroke can provide therapeutic benefits in stroke management. In this regard, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has a long history in treating stroke and the associated diseases. A number of studies have demonstrated the pro-angiogenic effects of various Chinese herbs and herbal formulations in both in vitro and in vivo settings. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on angiogenesis in the context of ischemic stroke and discuss the potential use of CHM in stroke management through modulation of angiogenesis.

Emerging Roles of microRNAs in Ischemic Stroke: As Possible Therapeutic Agents

“…Currently, effective treatment for ischemic stroke is limited to recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) [173]. tPA is the only appropriate thrombolytic agent available for acute ischemic stroke treatment [174,175].…”

The evolving role of neuro‐immune interaction in brain repair after cerebral ischemic stroke

“…Local resident microglia can secrete proangiogenesis cytokines such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and nitric oxide . The role of microglia on the post–stroke neurovascular unit largely depends on the phenotype of microglia.…”

Fast‐switching high‐voltage porous‐tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for rapid detection of antirheumatic drugs in adulterated herbal dietary supplements

“…Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease that can cause pain, disability and premature death. It is reported that RA could be treated and controlled effectively using antirheumatic HDSs . With the growing interest in the development of antirheumatic HDSs, the quality control of these drugs is a challenging task, especially detection of synthetic antirheumatic drugs in HDSs …”

“…It is reported that RA could be treated and controlled effectively using antirheumatic HDSs. [4][5][6] With the growing interest in the development of antirheumatic HDSs, the quality control of these drugs is a challenging task, especially detection of synthetic antirheumatic drugs in HDSs. 1,4 Various analytical techniques based on chromatography, spectroscopy, bioassays, mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, and other successful methods have been used for determination of synthetic drugs in adulterated HDSs.…”