Repetitive xenon treatment improves post-stroke sensorimotor and neuropsychiatric dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Stroke survivors often face lasting sensorimotor and emotional challenges.
• Developing effective treatments for post-stroke recovery is a critical unmet need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of xenon gas encapsulated in liposomes for stroke-induced sensorimotor and mood impairments.
• To explore the effects of xenon-liposome treatment on gut microbiota and cytokine profiles post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• Ischemic stroke was induced in rats using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
• Rats received repeated intravenous xenon-liposome treatment post-ischemia.
• Behavioral tests (adhesive removal, rotarod, elevated-plus maze, forced swimming) assessed sensorimotor and emotional recovery.
• Gut microbiome composition was analyzed using 16S ribosomal-RNA gene sequencing.
• Plasma cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, etc.) were measured.

Main Results:

• Xenon-liposome treatment significantly ameliorated sensorimotor deficits and anxiety/depression-like behaviors in stroke rats.
• Treatment altered gut microbiota, decreasing Clostridium and Lactobacillus while increasing Prevotella.
• Plasma IL-6 levels were significantly augmented in the xenon-treated group by day 35 post-ischemia.
• No significant changes were observed in other tested microbiota or cytokines.

Conclusions:

• Xenon-liposomes demonstrate safety and efficacy in improving behavioral recovery after ischemic stroke in rats.
• The treatment may exert its effects through modulation of the gut microbiome and IL-6 signaling.
• Xenon-liposome therapy holds promise for clinical translation in stroke patients.