Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. It happens when blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked, causing immediate injury to brain cells.
For many years, doctors have focused on restoring blood flow as quickly as possible.
However, patients often continue to experience worsening symptoms even after the initial event. A new study published in Cell Metabolism explains why this happens and suggests a new way to treat stroke.
The research was carried out by a team from the Institute for Basic Science, working with other scientists. They focused on understanding what happens inside the brain after a stroke.
In particular, they studied astrocytes, which are special support cells that help protect neurons. Normally, astrocytes are helpful and play an important role in keeping the brain healthy.
After a stroke, astrocytes react quickly and form a protective barrier around the damaged area. This barrier has been seen as beneficial because it can limit the spread of injury. However, the new study shows that this process can go wrong. Instead of protecting the brain, astrocytes can start to contribute to further damage.
The researchers found that a molecule called hydrogen peroxide increases sharply after a stroke. This molecule is part of the body’s response to stress, but in high amounts, it can be harmful. It causes astrocytes to produce type I collagen, a protein that builds up in the brain tissue.
As collagen accumulates, it changes the environment around neurons. It activates other cells and sends signals that lead to gradual neuron death. This explains why brain damage continues even after blood flow is restored.
To confirm their findings, the scientists blocked collagen production. When they did this, brain cells were protected, and damage was reduced. This showed that collagen is a major cause of ongoing injury.
The team then tested a new treatment aimed at stopping the process early. They used a drug called KDS12025, which lowers hydrogen peroxide levels. By targeting the root cause, the drug prevented the entire chain reaction from happening.
In experiments with mice, the treatment reduced brain damage and improved movement. More importantly, it worked even when given two days after the stroke. This is very different from current treatments, which must be given within a few hours.
The researchers also tested the drug in monkeys. The results were very promising. Treated animals recovered their ability to grasp objects, while untreated animals remained impaired. This suggests that the treatment could have real benefits for humans.
This discovery changes the way we think about stroke. It shows that the injury is not just immediate, but continues over time. This means there is a larger opportunity to treat patients and improve outcomes.
The study also suggests that similar processes may occur in other brain diseases, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. This could make the findings even more important for future research.
In summary, this study provides a new understanding of how stroke damages the brain and offers a potential new treatment approach.
By targeting hydrogen peroxide and preventing collagen production, it may be possible to stop ongoing damage and improve recovery. While more studies are needed, this research gives hope that stroke treatment could become more effective in the future.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how to eat to prevent stroke, and diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
Source: Institute for Basic Science.
