Neurovascular Unit: A critical role in ischemic stroke

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cerebrovascular Medicine
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide.
• Current IS treatments, primarily focused on recanalization, are often insufficient or inaccessible.
• The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays a critical role in IS pathophysiology and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relationship between NVU changes and IS outcomes.
• To explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting the NVU for IS management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on the neurovascular unit and ischemic stroke.
• Analysis of the NVU's roles in blood-brain barrier regulation, cell protection, inflammation, and repair.
• Summary of noncoding RNA influences and NVU-targeted therapies for IS.

Main Results:

• The NVU is intricately linked to IS outcomes, including recanalization and prognosis.
• NVU functions encompass blood-brain barrier integrity, cellular survival, immune responses, and repair mechanisms.
• Noncoding RNAs significantly impact NVU function in the context of IS.

Conclusions:

• The homeostatic state of the NVU is crucial for both IS pathophysiology and neurovascular repair.
• Targeting the NVU presents a promising avenue for developing new and improved IS treatments.
• Further research into NVU-based therapies could significantly expand treatment options for stroke patients.