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Pinoșanu EA, Pîrșcoveanu D, Albu CV, Burada E, Pîrvu A, Surugiu R, Sandu RE, Serb AF. Rhoa/ROCK, mTOR and Secretome-Based Treatments for Ischemic Stroke: New Perspectives. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3484-3501. [PMID: 38666949 PMCID: PMC11049286 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke triggers a complex cascade of cellular and molecular events leading to neuronal damage and tissue injury. This review explores the potential therapeutic avenues targeting cellular signaling pathways implicated in stroke pathophysiology. Specifically, it focuses on the articles that highlight the roles of RhoA/ROCK and mTOR signaling pathways in ischemic brain injury and their therapeutic implications. The RhoA/ROCK pathway modulates various cellular processes, including cytoskeletal dynamics and inflammation, while mTOR signaling regulates cell growth, proliferation, and autophagy. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of targeting these pathways in stroke models, offering insights into potential treatment strategies. However, challenges such as off-target effects and the need for tissue-specific targeting remain. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests the therapeutic potential of MSC secretome in stroke treatment, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative approaches. Future research directions include elucidating the precise mechanisms of action, optimizing treatment protocols, and translating preclinical findings into clinical practice for improved stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Anca Pinoșanu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (E.A.P.); (D.P.); (C.V.A.)
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania
| | - Denisa Pîrșcoveanu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (E.A.P.); (D.P.); (C.V.A.)
| | - Carmen Valeria Albu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (E.A.P.); (D.P.); (C.V.A.)
| | - Emilia Burada
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Andrei Pîrvu
- Dolj County Regional Centre of Medical Genetics, Clinical Emergency County Hospital Craiova, St. Tabaci, No. 1, 200642 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Roxana Surugiu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Raluca Elena Sandu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (E.A.P.); (D.P.); (C.V.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Alina Florina Serb
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Biochemistry Discipline, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq., No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
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Pinoșanu EA, Surugiu R, Burada E, Pîrșcoveanu D, Stănciulescu CE, Sandu RE, Pisoschi C, Albu CV. Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Concurrent COVID-19 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16790. [PMID: 38069113 PMCID: PMC10706234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains a debilitating cerebrovascular condition associated with oxidative stress, while COVID-19 has emerged as a global health crisis with multifaceted systemic implications. This study investigates the hypothesis that patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke alongside COVID-19 exhibit elevated oxidative stress markers and altered antioxidant defense mechanisms compared to those with acute ischemic stroke. We conducted a single-center prospective cross-sectional study to investigate oxidative stress balance through oxidative damage markers: TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level) and PCARB (protein carbonyls); antioxidant defense mechanisms: TAC (total antioxidant capacity), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), GSH (reduced glutathione), CAT (catalase), and SOD (superoxide dismutase); as well as inflammatory response markers: NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), CRP (C-reactive protein), and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Statistical analyses and correlation models were employed to elucidate potential associations and predictive factors. Our results revealed increased oxidative stress, predominantly indicated by elevated levels of TBARS in individuals experiencing ischemic stroke alongside a concurrent COVID-19 infection (p < 0.0001). The Stroke-COVID group displayed notably elevated levels of GSH (p = 0.0139 *), GPx (p < 0.0001 ****), SOD (p = 0.0363 *), and CAT (p = 0.0237 *) activities. Multivariate analysis found a significant association for TBARS (p < 0.0001 ****), PCARB (p = 0.0259 *), and GPx activity (p < 0.0001 ****), together with NLR (p = 0.0220 *) and CRP (p = 0.0008 ***). Notably, the interplay between stroke and COVID-19 infection appears to amplify oxidative damage, potentially contributing to exacerbated neurological deficits and poorer outcomes. This study highlights the intricate relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and concurrent health conditions. Understanding these interactions may open avenues for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at ameliorating oxidative damage in patients with acute ischemic stroke and COVID-19, ultimately improving their prognosis and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Anca Pinoșanu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (E.A.P.); (D.P.); (C.V.A.)
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania
| | - Roxana Surugiu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (R.S.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Emilia Burada
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Denisa Pîrșcoveanu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (E.A.P.); (D.P.); (C.V.A.)
| | - Camelia Elena Stănciulescu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (R.S.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Raluca Elena Sandu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (E.A.P.); (D.P.); (C.V.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (R.S.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Cătălina Pisoschi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (R.S.); (C.E.S.)
| | - Carmen Valeria Albu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, St. Petru Rares, No. 2-4, 200433 Craiova, Romania; (E.A.P.); (D.P.); (C.V.A.)
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