Stroke at gunpoint
Damage in ischemic stroke is mediated by abnormalities in the Cdk5 enzyme
American scientists have discovered a target for a future neuroprotective drug in the acute period of stroke. Abnormal activity of Cdk5 protein kinase leads to the death of nerve cells in the ischemic stroke model, and its inhibition preserves them. The researchers examined the model in vivo on rodents and in vitro – on brain slices. Article by Meyer et al. Ischemic Stroke Injury Is Mediated by Aberrant Cdk5 published in The Journal of Neuroscience (the press release Blocking key enzyme minimizes stroke injury can be read on the UT Southwestern – VM website).
When the Cdk5 enzyme was inhibited, the destruction of nerve cells was blocked even after an hour of hypoxemia, the volume of infarction decreased after occlusion of the medial cerebral artery in rodents. It is assumed that blocking Cdk5 protein kinase in patients with acute stroke will reduce the number of deaths and neurological complications.
Several pharmaceutical companies have already been working on the creation of Cdk5 protein kinase inhibitors. It was planned to use them for a long time in Alzheimer's disease. No drug has been registered, since the normal operation of Cdk5 is absolutely necessary for the human brain – this enzyme is involved in the transmission of signals between nerve cells. At the same time, its abnormal activity causes the death of neurons in conditions of lack of oxygen. In acute stroke, Cdk5 inhibitors are not supposed to be administered for a long time, which allows us to count on the safety of the drugs being created.
The main method of treatment of ischemic stroke is currently the restoration of blood circulation with the help of drug thrombolysis. It is indicated to administer thrombolytic drugs when a patient is admitted to a hospital within 4-6 hours from the onset of the disease, which is not always possible.
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity, disability and mortality. A significant proportion of patients are admitted to the hospital when the time window for treatment has ended. A drug with a noticeable neuroprotective effect should improve the outcomes of the disease.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru01.07.2014