Treat not only the head

Gut Repair helps prevent dementia after stroke

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

Stroke is one of the leading causes of neurodegeneration, but until now, scientists have not had a tool for targeted exposure in order to preserve cognitive functions. Now they demonstrate that restoring intestinal integrity can prevent the risks of dementia after a stroke by reducing the amount of molecules toxic to brain cells in the bloodstream.

According to recent studies, more than half of patients develop cognitive impairment after a stroke, and about one third are diagnosed with dementia. Scientists from The University of Texas conducted research on the brain-intestine axis and found that work to restore the integrity of the intestine can prevent cognitive decline after a stroke.

Article by Mani et al. Intestinal epithelial stem cell transplants as a novel therapy for cerebrovascular stroke is published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.

Traditional methods of treatment are aimed at the brain, although the intestines quickly begin to respond to changes caused by a stroke. For example, intestinal permeability increases, which leads to the release into the bloodstream of molecules toxic to brain cells, which are usually synthesized in the intestine. Soon, this increases inflammation and worsens the existing brain damage caused by stroke.

In search of a solution, scientists tested the effect of transplantation of intestinal epithelial stem cells from a healthy donor.

In mouse models, treatment has been shown to reduce stroke mortality, reduce the number of damaged tissues, restore intestinal integrity, and prevent cognitive impairment and the development of signs of depression.

"Understanding the important role of a healthy gut on the brain after a stroke may allow us to obtain more effective tools to prevent severe and irreversible consequences," commented co—author Farida Sohrabji.

Now scientists intend to evaluate the effect of the dosage of therapy, as well as the timing of drug administration on the outcomes of complications.

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