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The Role of Lactate in Ischemic Stroke: As an Energy Source and Signaling Molecule

Rui Zhang1, Xintong Li1,2, Kemeng Liu1,2

  • 1College of Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.

Current Protein & Peptide Science
|January 6, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Lactate plays a crucial role in brain energy metabolism after ischemic stroke. This study explores how lactate acts as an energy source and signaling molecule, offering neuroprotection and promoting recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, with ischemic stroke being the most common type.
  • Lactate is a key molecule in cellular energy metabolism, with significantly increased concentrations observed during cerebral ischemia and hypoxia.
  • Emerging research suggests lactate's potential role beyond energy supply, including signaling pathways relevant to brain injury.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of lactate in the context of ischemic stroke.
  • To investigate lactate as a primary energy substrate for brain tissue following ischemic events.
  • To analyze the neuroprotective, pro-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms mediated by lactate signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on lactate metabolism in the brain.
  • Analysis of studies investigating lactate's effects during cerebral ischemia and hypoxia.
  • Examination of molecular pathways linking lactate to neuroprotection, angiogenesis, and inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Lactate significantly enhances energy supply to ischemic brain regions, supporting neuronal survival.
  • Lactate functions as a signaling molecule, modulating neuroprotective, angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory responses.
  • Evidence supports lactate's therapeutic potential in mitigating ischemic stroke damage.

Conclusions:

  • Lactate is a critical endogenous compound with dual roles as an energy substrate and signaling molecule in ischemic stroke.
  • Understanding lactate's molecular mechanisms can pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies for stroke recovery.
  • Further research into lactate therapy holds promise for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.

Keywords:
Ischemic strokeangiogenesisanti-inflammation.glycolysislactateneuroprotection

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