New insights into the roles of oligodendrocytes regulation in ischemic stroke recovery

Blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of a cardiac arrest porcine model: Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202602000-00043/figure1/v/2025-05-05T160104Z/r/image-tiff Global brain ischemia and neurological deficit are consequences of cardiac arrest that lead to high mortality. Despite advancements in resuscitation science, our limited understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying post-cardiac arrest brain injury have hindered the development of effective neuroprotective strategies. Previous studies primarily focused on neuronal death, potentially overlooking the contributions of non-neuronal cells and intercellular communication to the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest-induced brain injury. To address these gaps, we hypothesized that single-cell transcriptomic analysis could uncover previously unidentified cellular subpopulations, altered cell communication networks, and novel molecular mechanisms involved in post-cardiac arrest brain injury. In this study, we performed a single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the hippocampus from pigs with ventricular fibrillation-induced cardiac arrest at 6 and 24 hours following the return of spontaneous circulation, and from sham control pigs. Sequencing results revealed changes in the proportions of different cell types, suggesting post-arrest disruption in the blood-brain barrier and infiltration of neutrophils. These results were validated through western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. We also identified and validated a unique subcluster of activated microglia with high expression of S100A8, which increased over time following cardiac arrest. This subcluster simultaneously exhibited significant M1/M2 polarization and expressed key functional genes related to chemokines and interleukins. Additionally, we revealed the post-cardiac arrest dysfunction of oligodendrocytes and the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into oligodendrocytes. Cell communication analysis identified enhanced post-cardiac arrest communication between neutrophils and microglia that was mediated by neutrophil-derived resistin, driving pro-inflammatory microglial polarization. Our findings provide a comprehensive single-cell map of the post-cardiac arrest hippocampus, offering potential novel targets for neuroprotection and repair following cardiac arrest.

Perilipin-2 mediates ferroptosis in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and myelin injury after ischemic stroke

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202507000-00024/figure1/v/2024-09-09T124005Z/r/image-tiff Differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells into mature myelin-forming oligodendrocytes contributes to remyelination. Failure of remyelination due to oligodendrocyte progenitor cell death can result in severe nerve damage. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death caused by membrane rupture induced by lipid peroxidation, and plays an important role in the pathological process of ischemic stroke. However, there are few studies on oligodendrocyte progenitor cell ferroptosis. We analyzed transcriptome sequencing data from GEO databases and identified a role of ferroptosis in oligodendrocyte progenitor cell death and myelin injury after cerebral ischemia. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that perilipin-2 (PLIN2) was involved in oligodendrocyte progenitor cell ferroptosis. PLIN2 is a lipid storage protein and a marker of hypoxia-sensitive lipid droplet accumulation. For further investigation, we established a mouse model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. We found significant myelin damage after cerebral ischemia, as well as oligodendrocyte progenitor cell death and increased lipid peroxidation levels around the infarct area. The ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1, rescued oligodendrocyte progenitor cell death and subsequent myelin injury. We also found increased PLIN2 levels in the peri-infarct area that co-localized with oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Plin2 knockdown rescued demyelination and improved neurological deficits. Our findings suggest that targeting PLIN2 to regulate oligodendrocyte progenitor cell ferroptosis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for rescuing myelin damage after cerebral ischemia.

Lethal Interactions of neuronal networks in epilepsy mediated by both synaptic and volume transmission indicate approaches to prevention

Neuronal network interactions are important in normal brain physiology and also in brain disorders. Many mesoscopic networks, including the auditory and respiratory network, mediate a single brain function. Macroscopic networks, including the locomotor network, central autonomic network (CAN), and many seizure networks involve interactions among multiple mesoscopic networks. Network interactions are mediated by neuroactive substances, acting via synaptic transmission, which mediate rapid interactions between networks. Slower, but vitally important network interactions, are mediated by volume transmission. Changes in the interactions between networks, mediated by neuroactive substances, can significantly alter network function and interactions. The acoustic startle response involves interactions between auditory and locomotor networks, and also includes brainstem reticular formation (BRF) nuclei, which participate in many different networks. In the fear-potentiated startle paradigm this network interacts positively with the amygdala, induced by conditioning. Seizure networks can interact negatively with the respiratory network, which becomes lethal in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a tragic emergent property of the seizure network. SUDEP models that exhibit audiogenic seizures (AGSz) involve interactions between the auditory and locomotor networks with BRF nuclei. In the DBA/1 mouse SUDEP model the AGSz network interacts negatively with the respiratory network, resulting in postictal apnea. The apnea is lethal unless the CAN is able to initiate autoresuscitation. These network interactions involve synaptic transmission, mediated by GABA and glutamate and volume transmission mediated by adenosine, CO2 and serotonin. Altering these interaction mechanisms may prevent SUDEP. These epilepsy network interactions illustrate the complex mechanisms that can occur among neuronal networks.

Estradiol Promotes Myelin Repair in the Spinal Cord of Female Mice in a CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor-Independent Manner

In the adult central nervous system (CNS), myelin regeneration primarily occurs through the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells into mature oligodendrocytes. In men, declining testosterone levels accelerate the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), while in women, menopause worsens MS-related disability. We previously demonstrated that functional testes and testosterone are required for the spontaneous remyelination of a focal lysolecithin (LPC)-induced demyelinating lesion in the spinal cords of male mice. Testosterone-dependent myelin repair was dependent on the induction of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 in astrocytes that repopulated the lesion and on cooperation between androgen-receptor signaling and CXCR4 signaling. In the present study, we investigated whether ovaries and estradiol have a comparable key role in female mice. Ovariectomy prevents, the appearance of astrocytes, while treatment with estradiol enhances astrocyte numbers and promotes remyelination by oligodendrocytes within the LPC-demyelinated lesion. Unlike testosterone, estradiol did not induce CXCR4 expression, and its effects remained unaffected by the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. As was seen with testosterone treatment, the presence of astrocytes and myelinating oligodendrocytes within the LPC lesion of estradiol-treated females prevented the incursion of Schwann cells. These findings highlight estradiol's crucial role in CNS remyelination in females, providing a strong rationale for estrogen-replacement therapy in estrogen-deficient and menopausal women with MS.

Clemastine Reduces post-stroke Neurodegeneration by Alleviating Endoplasmic Reticulum stress-mediated Demyelination and Cognitive Impairment Through PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway

The progressive brain damage following ischemic stroke is primarily due to oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory pathways. Post-stroke neurodegeneration can lead to the loss of neurons and glial cells, including oligodendrocytes, contributing to demyelination. Following ischemic stroke, reperfusion results in increased intracellular calcium, generation of free radicals, and inflammation culminating in accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen augmenting the ER stress. ER stress has been shown to aggravate post-stroke neurodegeneration by triggering neuronal apoptosis and also contributing towards demyelination of neurons. To address the limitations of current stroke therapies, repurposing of drugs as future adjunctive therapy may be promising. Clemastine, an antihistaminic drug, improves post stroke outcome as evident in the present study. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were treated with clemastine following ischemic stroke. Harvested brain tissues were subjected to different biochemical assays, molecular assays, and histopathological analysis. Clemastine was able to reduce infarct size, alleviate oxidative stress, improve neuronal count, and functional outcomes. Clemastine downregulated genes and proteins responsible for ER stress, apoptosis and demyelination as shown by the western blot and qPCR results. Our study suggests that clemastine may alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated demyelination by modulating PERK/ATF4/CHOP axis, and may be used as one of the adjunctive therapies for stroke in future.

Type I collagen secreted in white matter lesions inhibits remyelination and functional recovery

White matter injury is caused by cerebral blood flow disturbances associated with stroke and demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Remyelination is induced spontaneously after white matter injury, but progressive multiple sclerosis and white matter stroke are usually characterised by remyelination failure. However, the mechanisms underlying impaired remyelination in lesions caused by demyelination and stroke remain unclear. In the current study, we demonstrated that collagen fibres accumulated in the demyelinated lesions of multiple sclerosis patients (age range 23-80 years) and white matter lesions of stroke patients (age range 80-87 years), suggesting that the accumulation of collagen fibres correlates with remyelination failure in these lesions. To investigate the function of collagen fibres in the white matter lesions, we generated two types of white matter injury in mice. We induced focal demyelination by lysolecithin (LPC) injection and ischemic stroke by endothelin 1 (ET1) injection into the internal capsule. We found that type I collagen fibres were secreted in ET1-induced lesions with impaired white matter regeneration in the chronic phase of disease. We also showed that monocyte-derived macrophages that infiltrated into lesions from the peripheral blood produced type I collagen after white matter injury, and that type I collagen also exacerbated microglial activation, astrogliosis, and axonal injury. Finally, we demonstrated that oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination were inhibited in the presence of type I collagen after LPC-induced demyelination. These results suggest that type I collagen secreted by monocyte-derived macrophages inhibited white matter regeneration, and therefore, the modulation of type I collagen metabolism might be a novel therapeutic target for white matter injury.

Neuroinflammation and energy metabolism: a dual perspective on ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is a prevalent form of cerebrovascular accident, with its pathogenesis involving the intricate interplay between neuroinflammation and energy metabolism. Cerebral ischemia disrupts oxygen and energy supply, triggering metabolic dysregulation and activating neuroinflammatory responses, ultimately resulting in cellular damage. This review provides an exhaustive analysis of the complex mechanisms of ischemic stroke, with a particular focus on the interaction between neuroinflammation and energy metabolism. The interruption of oxygen and energy supply due to cerebral ischemia initiates metabolic dysregulation and activates neuroinflammatory responses, including the release of inflammatory cytokines and the activation of immune cells, contributing to cellular damage and further metabolic disturbances. Studies indicate that dysregulation of energy metabolism significantly impairs neural cell function and interacts with neuroinflammation, exacerbating ischemic brain injury. Therapeutic strategies primarily concentrate on modulating energy metabolism and suppressing neuroinflammatory responses, emphasizing the importance of in-depth research into their interaction to provide a theoretical foundation for new treatment strategies for ischemic stroke. Future research should focus on how to balance anti-inflammatory treatment with energy regulation to minimize neural damage and promote recovery.

Hypoxic Neuroinflammation in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath around the central nervous system axons, leading to neurological dysfunction. Although the initial damage is driven by inflammation, hypoxia has been reported in several brain regions of MS patients, but the significance of this for prognosis and treatment remains unclear. Neuroinflammation can induce hypoxia, and hypoxia can induce and exacerbate neuroinflammation, forming a vicious cycle. Within MS lesions, demyelination is often followed by remyelination, which may restore neurological function. However, demyelinated axons are vulnerable to damage, which leads to the accumulation of the permanent neurological dysfunction typical in MS, with this vulnerability heightened during hypoxia. Clinically approved therapies for MS are immunomodulatory, which can reduce relapse frequency/severity, but there is a lack of pro-regenerative therapies for MS, for example promoting remyelination. All tissues have protective responses to hypoxia, which may be relevant to MS lesions, especially during remyelinating episodes. When oxygen levels are reduced in the brain, constitutively expressed hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) are stabilised, upregulating hundreds of genes, including neuroprotective factors. Furthermore, astrocytes upregulate heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in the early stage of MS. HB-EGF promotes protective mechanisms and induces oligodendrocyte and neuron differentiation and survival. This review article outlines the neuroinflammation and hypoxia cycle in MS pathology and identifies potential therapeutic targets to limit neurodegeneration and/or promote regeneration. Both HIF and HB-EGF signalling pathways induce endogenous protection mechanisms in the CNS, promoting neuroprotection and remyelination directly, but also indirectly by modulating the immune response in MS. Promoting such endogenous protective signalling pathways could be an effective therapy for MS patients.

Neuroserpin normalization by mesenchymal stem cell therapy after encephalopathy of prematurity in neonatal rats

BACKGROUND

Hypoxic-ischemia (HI), infection/inflammation and reperfusion injury are pathogenic factors of encephalopathy of prematurity, which involves maturational/neurotrophic disturbances in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) and neurons/axons. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might facilitate neuroserpin production, which is neurotrophic for OPC/neurons. This study investigated MSC effects on developmental disturbances after lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-sensitized HI/reperfusion (LHIR) injury and the relation to neuroserpin expression.

METHODS

Postnatal day 2 (P2) rat pups received intraperitoneal LPS (5 µg/kg) injection followed by HI (unilateral common-carotid-artery ligation and 6.5% oxygen exposure for 90 min) and post-HI reperfusion (release of ligation). MSCs (5 × 104 cells) were injected into the left lateral ventricle at 24 h post-LHIR. Neurological tests and brain tissue examinations were performed between P5 and P56.

RESULTS

After LHIR injury, MSC therapy significantly reduced cell death in subplate neurons, attenuated axonal damage, and facilitated synaptophysin synthesis in the cortex. It also alleviated OPC maturation arrest and preserved the complexity of myelinated axons in the white matter, leading to cognitive, motor and behavioral functional improvements. These beneficial effects were linked to restored neuroserpin expression in subplate neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

MSC therapy ameliorated developmental disturbances after LHIR injury through protection of neuroserpin expression, serving as a promising approach for treating encephalopathy of prematurity.

IMPACT

Neuroserpin is secreted by subplate neurons and may regulate the development of neurons and oligodendrocyte-axon contact for myelination in the premature brain. LPS-sensitized hypoxic-ischemia/reperfusion (LHIR) injury caused the developmental disturbances of neurons/axons and oligodendrocytes, and lowered neuroserpin levels in a neonatal rat model simulating encephalopathy of prematurity. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy alleviated the developmental disturbances after LHIR injury through protection of neuroserpin expression in subplate neurons, offering a new perspective on potential treatment for encephalopathy of prematurity.

Psychopharmacological and Neuroregenerative Effects of a NF-κB Inhibitor under Conditions of Modeled Ethanol-Induced Encephalopathy

We studied the psychopharmacological effects of a NF-κB inhibitor, a stimulator of the functions of progenitor cells of the nervous tissue, under conditions of modeled ethanol-induced encephalopathy. The pharmacological agent improved indicators of the orientation and exploratory behavior and reproducibility of the conditioned passive avoidance reflex in experimental animals. These effects developed against the background of a significant increase in the content and proliferative activity of neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of the brain and intensification of their specialization. The results indicate the prospects of developing fundamentally new agents with regenerative activity based on NF-κB blockers for the treatment of alcoholic encephalopathy.

Blood-brain barrier breakdown in brain ischemia: Insights from MRI perfusion imaging

Brain ischemia is a major cause of neurological dysfunction and mortality worldwide. It occurs not only acutely, such as in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but also in chronic conditions like cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Any other conditions resulting in brain hypoperfusion can also lead to ischemia. Ischemic events can cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and, ultimately, white matter alterations, contributing to neurological deficits and long-term functional impairments. Hence, understanding the mechanisms of BBB breakdown and white matter injury across various ischemic conditions is critical for developing effective interventions and improving patient outcomes. This review discusses the proposed mechanisms of ischemia-related BBB breakdown. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) techniques sensitive to BBB permeability changes are described, including dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE-MRI) and dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI), two perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI). These PWI techniques provide valuable insights that improve our understanding of the complex early pathophysiology of brain ischemia, which can lead to better assessment and management. Finally, in this review, we explore the implications of the mentioned neuroimaging findings, which emphasize the potential of neuroimaging biomarkers to guide personalized treatment and inform novel neuroprotective strategies. This review highlights the importance of investigating BBB changes in brain ischemia and the critical role of advanced neuroimaging in improving patient care and advancing stroke research.

Promoting remyelination in central nervous system diseases: Potentials and prospects of natural products and herbal medicine

Myelin damage is frequently associated with central nervous system (CNS) diseases and is a critical factor influencing neurological function and disease prognosis. Nevertheless, the majority of current treatments for the CNS concentrate on gray matter injury and repair strategies, while clinical interventions specifically targeting myelin repair remain unavailable. In recent years, natural products and herbal medicine have achieved considerable progress in the domain of myelin repair, given their remarkable curative effect and low toxic side effects, demonstrating significant therapeutic potential. In this review, we present a rather comprehensive account of the mechanisms underlying myelin formation, injury, and repair, with a particular emphasis on the interactions between oligodendrocytes and other glial cells. Furthermore, we summarize the natural products and herbal medicine currently employed in remyelination along with their mechanisms of action, highlighting the potential and challenges of certain natural compounds to enhance myelin repair. This review aims to facilitate the expedited development of innovative therapeutics derived from natural products and herbal medicine and furnish novel insights into myelin repair in the CNS.

Oligodendrocytes, the Forgotten Target of Gene Therapy

If the billions of oligodendrocytes (OLs) populating the central nervous system (CNS) of patients could express their feelings, they would undoubtedly tell gene therapists about their frustration with the other neural cell populations, neurons, microglia, or astrocytes, which have been the favorite targets of gene transfer experiments. This review questions why OLs have been left out of most gene therapy attempts. The first explanation is that the pathogenic role of OLs is still discussed in most CNS diseases. Another reason is that the so-called ubiquitous CAG, CBA, CBh, or CMV promoters-widely used in gene therapy studies-are unable or poorly able to activate the transcription of episomal transgene copies brought by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in OLs. Accordingly, transgene expression in OLs has either not been found or not been evaluated in most gene therapy studies in rodents or non-human primates. The aims of the current review are to give OLs their rightful place among the neural cells that future gene therapy could target and to encourage researchers to test the effect of OL transduction in various CNS diseases.

First-in-human study to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of intravenous SHPL-49 following single- and multiple-ascending-dose administration in healthy adults

SHPL-49 is an innovative glycoside derivative that is synthesized by structural modifications of salidroside，demonstrating therapeutic effects on animal models of ischemia in pre-clinical experiments. A phase I, single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single and multiple dose administration study of SHPL-49 was conducted in healthy Chinese volunteers. In single-ascending-dose (SAD) study, 32 subjects randomized 6:2 to receive SHPL-49 (30 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg) or placebo with 30 minutes infusion. In multiple-ascending-dose (MAD) study, subjects were randomized 6:2 to receive SHPL-49 (75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg) or placebo with 30 minutes infusion every 8 h for 7 days. Safety evaluations were conducted throughout the studies. Plasma and urine concentrations of SHPL-49 were detected and its metabolites were identified. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods. SHPL-49 was generally safe and well-tolerated at single ascending doses (30-300 mg) and multiple ascending doses (75-300 mg). All adverse events were mild and resolved without any intervention. No serious adverse events were reported. In the SAD study, SHPL-49 exhibited dose-proportional plasma pharmacokinetics, with peak plasma concentration (Cmax) ranging from 673.83 to 6275.00 ng/mL, area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-t) ranging from 338.57 to 3732.67 h·ng/mL, and elimination half-life (t1/2) ranging from 0.49 to 0.67 h. In the MAD, the exposure was also dose-proportional and there was no significant accumulation following multiple dosing. Four metabolites were identified in urine and plasma. SHPL-49 shows a favorable pharmacokinetic, safety, and tolerability profile in healthy Chinese volunteers following a single- and multiple-ascending- dose administration in this study. For future therapeutic investigations, it is recommended to administer SHPL-49 intravenously at 8-hour intervals with a dosage range of 150-300 mg.

The dynamics of oligodendrocyte populations following permanent ischemia promotes long-term spontaneous remyelination of damaged area

Stroke is a major public health concern, with limited clinically approved interventions available to enhance sensorimotor recovery beyond reperfusion. Remarkably, spontaneous recovery is observed in certain stroke patients, suggesting the existence of a brain self-repair mechanism not yet fully understood. In a rat model of permanent cerebral ischemia, we described an increase in oligodendrocytes expressing 3RTau in damaged area. Considering that restoration of myelin integrity ameliorates symptoms in many neurodegenerative diseases, here we hypothesize that this cellular response could trigger remyelination. Our results revealed after ischemia an early recruitment of OPCs to damaged area, followed by their differentiation into 3RTau+ pre-myelinating cells and subsequent into remyelinating oligodendrocytes. Using rat brain slices and mouse primary culture we confirmed the presence of 3RTau in pre-myelinating and a subset of mature oligodendrocytes. The myelin status analysis confirmed long-term remyelination in the damaged area. Postmortem samples from stroke subjects showed a reduction in oligodendrocytes, 3RTau+ cells, and myelin complexity in subcortical white matter. In conclusion, the dynamics of oligodendrocyte populations after ischemia reveals a spontaneous brain self-repair mechanism which restores the functionality of neuronal circuits long-term by remyelination of damaged area. This is evidenced by the improvement of sensorimotor functions in ischemic rats. A deep understanding of this mechanism could be valuable in the search for alternative oligodendrocyte-based, therapeutic interventions to reduce the effects of stroke.

Investigating recovery after a spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage in zebrafish larvae

Intracerebral haemorrhage is a debilitating stroke sub-type with high morbidity and mortality rates. For survivors, rehabilitation is a long process, and with no available therapeutics to limit the immediate pathophysiology of the haemorrhage, recovery is dependent on individual neuroplasticity. We have previously shown that zebrafish larvae can be used to model spontaneous brain haemorrhage. Zebrafish exhibit innate recovery mechanisms and are often used as a model system for investigation into regeneration after injury, including injury to the nervous system. Here, we investigate the spontaneous and immediate recovery in zebrafish larvae following an intracerebral haemorrhage at 2 days post-fertilisation, during pre-protected stages and over the first 3 weeks of life. We have shown that following the onset of bleed at ∼2 days post-fertilisation zebrafish are capable of clearing the haematoma through the ventricles. Brain cell damage associated with intracerebral haemorrhage is resolved within 48 h, and this recovery is associated with survival rates equal to wildtype and non-haemorrhaged sibling control animals. Larvae express more nestin-positive neural progenitor cells 24 h after injury when the most damage is observed, and through mass spectrometry analysis, we have determined that these cells are highly proliferative and may specially differentiate into oligodendrocytes. This study provides an insight into the haematoma resolution processes in a live, intact organism, and may suggest potential therapeutic approaches to support the recovery of intracerebral haemorrhage patients.

Single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveals glial cell type-specific responses to ischemic stroke in male rodents

Neuroglia critically shape the brain´s response to ischemic stroke. However, their phenotypic heterogeneity impedes a holistic understanding of the cellular composition of the early ischemic lesion. Here we present a single cell resolution transcriptomics dataset of the brain´s acute response to infarction. Oligodendrocyte lineage cells and astrocytes range among the most transcriptionally perturbed populations and exhibit infarction- and subtype-specific molecular signatures. Specifically, we find infarction restricted proliferating oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), mature oligodendrocytes and reactive astrocytes, exhibiting transcriptional commonalities in response to ischemic injury. OPCs and reactive astrocytes are involved in a shared immuno-glial cross talk with stroke-specific myeloid cells. Within the perilesional zone, osteopontin positive myeloid cells accumulate in close proximity to CD44+ proliferating OPCs and reactive astrocytes. In vitro, osteopontin increases the migratory capacity of OPCs. Collectively, our study highlights molecular cross talk events which might govern the cellular composition of acutely infarcted brain tissue.

The immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture treatment for ischemic stroke: research progress, prospects, and future direction

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Complicated mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of IS. Immunomodulatory mechanisms are crucial to IS. Acupuncture is a traditional non-drug treatment that has been extensively used to treat IS. The exploration of neuroimmune modulation will broaden the understanding of the mechanisms underlying acupuncture treatment. This review summarizes the immune response of immune cells, immune cytokines, and immune organs after an IS. The immunomodulatory mechanisms of acupuncture treatment on the central nervous system and peripheral immunity, as well as the factors that influence the effects of acupuncture treatment, were summarized. We suggest prospects and future directions for research on immunomodulatory mechanisms of acupuncture treatment for IS based on current progress, and we hope that these will provide inspiration for researchers. Additionally, acupuncture has shown favorable outcomes in the treatment of immune-based nervous system diseases, generating new directions for research on possible targets and treatments for immune-based nervous system diseases.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Linggui Zhugan decoction in stroke: Insights from network pharmacology and single-cell transcriptomics analysis

Linggui Zhugan decoction (LZD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in managing poststroke cognitive impairment and hemiplegia. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its efficacy remain incompletely elucidated. The active ingredients and target proteins of LZD were retrieved from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform database, which is specifically designed for traditional Chinese medicine research. The stroke-related genes were obtained from publicly available databases. Protein-protein interaction, enrichment analysis, and single-cell data analysis were conducted to identify key cells, targets, and pathways. Molecular docking was employed to assess the binding affinity between key components and targets. Network pharmacology analysis identified 190 active ingredients and 248 targets in LZD. These targets were significantly enriched in processes and pathways such as cellular response to lipid, orexin receptor pathway, and were significantly associated with Cerebral infarction and Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion. Intersection analysis with 2035 stroke-related genes revealed 144 potential targets, which exhibited 2870 interactions and were significantly enriched in signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT single pathway, MAPK single pathway, and tumor necrosis factor single pathway. Gene set variation analysis showed that the targets of LZD exhibited higher enrichment scores in microglia, M2 macrophages, endothelial cells, and neutrophils, while lower enrichment scores were observed in oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated a strong binding affinity between key active ingredients and targets. Network pharmacology and single-cell sequencing analysis elucidated the key cells, pathways, targets, and components involved in the therapeutic mechanism of LZD for the treatment of stroke.

Single nucleus RNA sequencing reveals glial cell type-specific responses to ischemic stroke

Reactive neuroglia critically shape the braińs response to ischemic stroke. However, their phenotypic heterogeneity impedes a holistic understanding of the cellular composition and microenvironment of the early ischemic lesion. Here we generated a single cell resolution transcriptomics dataset of the injured brain during the acute recovery from permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. This approach unveiled infarction and subtype specific molecular signatures in oligodendrocyte lineage cells and astrocytes, which ranged among the most transcriptionally perturbed cell types in our dataset. Specifically, we characterized and compared infarction restricted proliferating oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), mature oligodendrocytes and heterogeneous reactive astrocyte populations. Our analyses unveiled unexpected commonalities in the transcriptional response of oligodendrocyte lineage cells and astrocytes to ischemic injury. Moreover, OPCs and reactive astrocytes were involved in a shared immuno-glial cross talk with stroke specific myeloid cells. In situ, osteopontin positive myeloid cells accumulated in close proximity to proliferating OPCs and reactive astrocytes, which expressed the osteopontin receptor CD44, within the perilesional zone specifically. In vitro, osteopontin increased the migratory capacity of OPCs. Collectively, our study highlights molecular cross talk events which might govern the cellular composition and microenvironment of infarcted brain tissue in the early stages of recovery.