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Updated: Aug 26, 2025
Three-dimensional Confocal Analysis of Microglia/macrophage Markers of Polarization in Experimental Brain Injury
Published on: September 4, 2013
The dual function of microglial polarization and its treatment targets in ischemic stroke
Yong Mo1, Weilin Xu2, Kaijing Fu1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China.
Abstract:
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and death worldwide, with ischemic stroke occurring in ~5% of the global population every year. Recently, many studies have been conducted on the inflammatory response after stroke. Microglial/macrophage polarization has a dual function and is critical to the pathology of ischemic stroke. Microglial/macrophage activation is important in reducing neuronal apoptosis, enhancing neurogenesis, and promoting functional recovery after ischemic stroke. In this review, we investigate the physiological characteristics and functions of microglia in the brain, the activation and phenotypic polarization of microglia and macrophages after stroke, the signaling mechanisms of polarization states, and the contribution of microglia to brain pathology and repair. We summarize recent advances in stroke-related microglia research, highlighting breakthroughs in therapeutic strategies for microglial responses after stroke, thereby providing new ideas for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Insights
Microglia and macrophages play a critical role in ischemic stroke recovery. Understanding their polarization is key to developing new therapeutic strategies for stroke treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Stroke is a leading global cause of death and disability.
- Ischemic stroke affects approximately 5% of the world's population annually.
- The inflammatory response post-stroke is a significant area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological characteristics and functions of microglia in the brain.
- To explore microglial/macrophage activation and polarization after ischemic stroke.
- To examine signaling mechanisms and the contribution of microglia to brain pathology and repair.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advances in stroke-related microglia research.
- Analysis of microglial/macrophage polarization and its signaling pathways.
- Synthesis of information on therapeutic strategies targeting microglial responses.
Main Results:
- Microglial/macrophage polarization exhibits dual functions critical to ischemic stroke pathology.
- Activated microglia/macrophages are vital for reducing neuronal apoptosis, enhancing neurogenesis, and promoting functional recovery.
- Recent research highlights breakthroughs in modulating microglial responses for stroke treatment.
Conclusions:
- Microglial/macrophage polarization is a crucial factor in ischemic stroke outcomes.
- Targeting microglial responses offers promising therapeutic avenues for stroke treatment.
- Further research into microglial functions can lead to innovative strategies for stroke recovery.
