Preconditioning and postconditioning for neuroprotection: the most recent evidence

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Stroke is a major cause of death and disability.
• Perioperative stroke is a significant complication during anesthesia.
• Limited pharmacological treatments exist for perioperative stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the concepts of preconditioning, including remote ischemic preconditioning and anesthetic preconditioning.
• To discuss the emerging field of postconditioning.
• To summarize recent advancements in preconditioning research for stroke prevention.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preconditioning and postconditioning strategies.
• Analysis of current research on anesthetic and remote ischemic preconditioning.
• Synthesis of recent discoveries in the field.

Main Results:

• Preconditioning involves applying a subtoxic stimulus to induce protective effects.
• Remote ischemic preconditioning and anesthetic preconditioning are key areas of study.
• Postconditioning is also emerging as a potential protective strategy.

Conclusions:

• Preconditioning and postconditioning represent promising avenues for mitigating perioperative stroke.
• Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical practice.
• Anesthesia and stroke research are rapidly evolving fields.