Scientists find a big cause of stroke

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In groundbreaking research by the University of California, Irvine, scientists have unveiled a novel cause for brain hemorrhages that challenges previous beliefs.

Their study, published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, reveals that the interaction between aged red blood cells and brain capillaries can lead to cerebral microbleeds, a significant finding for understanding and treating various age-related brain conditions.

The Study: Observing Red Blood Cells and Brain Capillaries

Led by Dr. Mark Fisher and Dr. Xiangmin Xu, the research team conducted an innovative study to observe this phenomenon.

They induced oxidative stress in red blood cells using tert-butyl hydroperoxide, labeled these cells with a fluorescent marker, and then injected them into mice.

The scientists witnessed these red blood cells stalling in the brain’s capillaries and followed their subsequent removal process, a key event leading to hemorrhages.

Breakthrough Findings: A New Mechanism for Hemorrhage

The study’s findings challenge the longstanding assumption that cerebral hemorrhages are solely due to blood vessel injury.

Instead, it was observed that the aged red blood cells, when interacting with brain capillaries, could be engulfed by microglia inflammatory cells, triggering the formation of brain hemorrhages.

Clinical Implications and Future Research

This discovery opens new avenues for understanding conditions associated with cerebral microbleeds, such as hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, and ischemic stroke.

“Our findings may have profound clinical implications,” stated Dr. Fisher, emphasizing the significance of red blood cell damage in the development of cerebral hemorrhages.

The research team plans to further examine the regulation of brain capillary clearance and its relationship to other stroke forms.

Conclusion: A Step Forward in Stroke and Hemorrhage Treatment

This study marks a significant advancement in the understanding of brain health, particularly in older adults.

By identifying an alternative source for the development of cerebral hemorrhages, it paves the way for targeted treatments and prevention strategies, potentially benefiting millions of individuals affected by age-related brain conditions.

If you care about stroke, please read studies about Half of people with heart rhythm diseases dying of heart attack, stroke and findings of New method reduces heart attacks and strokes over five years.

For more information about health, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.

The research findings can be found in the Journal of Neuroinflammation.

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