Neuroprotection in Ischemic Stroke

Neuroprotection is a therapeutic procedure, which attempts to save brain tissue neurons from irreversible injury. In the last two decades, many pre-clinical (experimental) studies have been done on animal models, which have convincingly shown that different pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions may reduce ischemic brain injury by acting on elements of ischemic cascade or preventing reperfusion injury. Even though we have been using the STAIR guidelines for pre-clinical and clinical testing of drugs in neuroprotection for nearly ten years, clinical studies of neuroprotective drugs (in humans) have not shown adequate neuroprotective effect in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Despite previous failures, clinical studies in the field of neuroprotection are continuing. At this moment, we are waiting for the results of ongoing studies. The most promising interventional or pharmacological agents are hypothermia, albumins, lovastatin, magnesium and citicoline. It is believed that the future of neuroprotection will be based on the usage of thrombolytic therapy along with new neuroprotective agents or procedures.