The Nrf2 Pathway in Ischemic Stroke: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
• Current treatments for acute ischemic stroke have limitations and do not address the post-stroke oxidative cascade.
• The transcription factor Nrf2 regulates antioxidant and defense proteins, making it a potential therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the protective role of Nrf2 in experimental ischemic stroke models.
• To highlight molecular events in the ischemic cascade modulated by Nrf2.
• To discuss challenges in developing Nrf2 activators for acute ischemic stroke treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies on Nrf2 in experimental ischemic stroke models.
• Analysis of molecular events in the ischemic cascade.
• Discussion of pharmacological strategies targeting Nrf2.

Main Results:

• Nrf2 activation demonstrates a protective effect in experimental ischemic stroke.
• Nrf2 modulates key molecular events within the ischemic cascade.
• The therapeutic application of Nrf2 activators faces challenges related to cellular response times.

Conclusions:

• Nrf2 is a promising target for mitigating oxidative stress in ischemic stroke.
• Further research is needed to overcome the challenges of using Nrf2 activators in acute stroke settings.
• The temporal dynamics of Nrf2 activation present a hurdle for immediate clinical application.