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J Pathol 2019 Jan 11. Epub 2019 Jan 11.

William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a severe inflammatory insult associated with numerous pathologies such as myocardial infarction, stroke and acute kidney injury. I/R injury is characterized by a rapid influx of activated neutrophils secreting toxic free radical species and degrading enzymes that can irreversibly damage the tissue, thus impairing organ functions. Significant efforts have been invested in identifying therapeutic targets to suppress neutrophil recruitment and activation post I/R injury. Read More

Stroke 2018 Dec;49(12):3039-3049

Neuroprotection Research Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (Y.J., N.L., Q.W., Z.Y., L.L., J.Y., S.G., B.J.A., E.H.L., X.W.).

Background and Purpose- The complexity and heterogeneity of stroke, as well as the associated comorbidities, may render neuroprotective drugs less efficacious in clinical practice. Therefore, the development of targeted therapies to specific patient subsets has become a high priority in translational stroke research. Ischemic stroke with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a nearly double mortality rate and worse neurological outcomes. Read More

Circ Genom Precis Med 2018 Sep;11(9):e002115

Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Division Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, The Netherlands (S.W.v.d.L., M.A.S., S.H., H.M.d.R., G.P.).

Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in part caused by lipid uptake in the vascular wall, but the exact underlying mechanisms leading to acute myocardial infarction and stroke remain poorly understood. Large consortia identified genetic susceptibility loci that associate with large artery ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease. However, deciphering their underlying mechanisms are challenging. Read More

Front Neurosci 2018 5;12:556. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States.

The release of inflammatory molecules such as prostaglandins (e.g., PGF) is associated with brain damage following an intracerebral hemorrhagic (ICH) stroke; however, the role of PGF and its cognate FP receptor in ICH remains unclear. Read More

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018 Nov 28;27(11):3336-3341. Epub 2018 Aug 28.

Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia. Electronic address:

Background: Genome-wide expression studies (GWES), using microarray platforms, have allowed a deeper understanding of the molecular factors involved in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke (IS), one of the main global causes of mortality and disability.

Methods: In the current work, we carried out a meta-analysis of available GWES for IS. Bioinformatics and computational biology analyses were applied to identify enriched functional categories and convergence with other genomic datasets for IS. Read More

JAMA Cardiol 2018 Aug;3(8):721-728

Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.

Importance: Asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease, and atrial fibrillation (AF) share several common pathophysiological mechanisms. Research on the association between asthma and atrial fibrillation is lacking, and to our knowledge, no previous studies have assessed the dose-response association between levels of asthma control and AF.

Objective: To assess the association between asthma, levels of asthma control, and AF. Read More

Eur J Pharmacol 2018 Aug 20;833:531-544. Epub 2018 Jun 20.

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA. Electronic address:

Ischemic stroke is a devastating and debilitating medical condition with limited therapeutic options. However, accumulating evidence indicates a central role of inflammation in all aspects of stroke including its initiation, the progression of injury, and recovery or wound healing. A central target of inflammation is disruption of the blood brain barrier or neurovascular unit. Read More

Nat Rev Neurol 2018 Jul;14(7):433-445

Department of Neurology and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Immune-mediated disorders of the CNS in children are a complex group of demyelinating, inflammatory, parainfectious and postinfectious disorders with heterogeneous pathobiological mechanisms and clinical manifestations, often associated with fundamental derangement in immune regulation. In this Review, we aim to provide an update on our knowledge of neuroimmune disorders and highlight areas of research that are priorities for improving clinical management. We outline the clinical features of neuroimmune disorders, the current approaches to their treatment and new approaches in development. Read More

Neurol Sci 2018 Jun;39(Suppl 1):33-37

Neurology and Stroke Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162, Milan, Italy.

Migraine is a common type of headache in young adults, with an estimated prevalence of 4% before puberty and as high as 25% in women by their mid to late 30s. About one third of migraineurs experience transient neurological symptoms known as auras, which characterize a variant known as migraine with aura. Many evidences have shown an increased risk of vascular events in patients affected by migraine, particularly among women and among migraine patients with aura. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2018 Oct 19;153(5):659-665. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Department of Dermatology, San Martino Policlinic, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.

Although psoriasis is predominantly a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, it has been known to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Patients with psoriasis, particularly with moderate to severe forms, present an increased rate of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke. However the pathophysiology of the relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular risk and comorbidities has not yet completely known. Read More

Curr Med Res Opin 2018 Nov 3;34(11):1933-1943. Epub 2018 May 3.

c Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular disease, Department of Cardiology , Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , PR China.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) serves as a biologically active organ with important endocrine and inflammatory function. Review An accumulating body of evidence suggests that EAT is associated with the initiation, perpetuation, and recurrence of AF, but the precise role of EAT in AF pathogenesis is not completely elucidated. Read More

Curr Opin Neurol 2018 06;31(3):318-324

Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Purpose Of Review: The immune system serves a critical role in protecting the host against various pathogens. However, under circumstances, once triggered by the infectious process, it may be detrimental to the host. This may be as a result of nonspecific immune activation or due to a targeted immune response to a specific host antigen. Read More

Mol Neurobiol 2018 Oct 27;55(10):7900-7920. Epub 2018 Feb 27.

Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Avenue, Wittenborg Bldg, Room-231, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.

Neurological diseases, including acute attacks (e.g., ischemic stroke) and chronic neurodegenerative diseases (e. Read More

Thromb Haemost 2018 02 29;118(2):229-250. Epub 2018 Jan 29.

Laboratory for Clinical Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Atherothrombosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and long-term morbidity. Platelets and coagulation proteases, interacting with circulating cells and in different vascular beds, modify several complex pathologies including atherosclerosis. In the second Maastricht Consensus Conference on Thrombosis, this theme was addressed by diverse scientists from bench to bedside. Read More

Pharmacol Ther 2018 Aug 9;188:26-35. Epub 2018 Mar 9.

Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China. Electronic address:

Despite several advances in percutaneous coronary intervention and the discovery of new drugs, the incidence of myocardial infarction and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has not decreased markedly in China. The quality of life is affected seriously, which further results in great social and family burden. Many drugs, from the century-old aspirin to the newly FDA-approved Byvalson, have been proven to be effective in the treatment and prevention of CVD. Read More

Behav Sci (Basel) 2018 Jan 18;8(1). Epub 2018 Jan 18.

Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave. 31 e/158 y 190, Cubanacan, P.O. Box 6162, Playa, Havana 10600, Cuba.

Myelin loss has a crucial impact on behavior disabilities associated to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Ischemic Stroke (IS). Although several MS therapies are approved, none of them promote remyelination in patients, limiting their ability for chronic recovery. With no available therapeutic options, enhanced demyelination in stroke survivors is correlated with a poorer behavioral recovery. Read More

Stroke 2018 01 6;49(1):155-164. Epub 2017 Dec 6.

From the Department of Neurology (M. Gelderblom, P.L., V.T., P.A., B.R., C.G., T.M.), Institute of Neuropathology (C.B., M. Glatzel), Department for Neuroradiological Diagnosis and Intervention (J.S.), and Institute of Immunology (E.T.), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; Department d'Isquèmia Cerebral i Neurodegeneració, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Spain (M. Gallizioli, A.M.P.); Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Germany (T.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Germany (T.K.); and Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (T.V.A.).

Background And Purpose: Inflammatory mechanisms can exacerbate ischemic tissue damage and worsen clinical outcome in patients with stroke. Both αβ and γδ T cells are established mediators of tissue damage in stroke, and the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in inducing the early events of T cell activation and differentiation in stroke is not well understood.

Methods: In a murine model of experimental stroke, we defined the immune phenotype of infiltrating DC subsets based on flow cytometry of surface markers, the expression of ontogenetic markers, and cytokine levels. Read More

J Neuroinflammation 2017 Dec 4;14(1):238. Epub 2017 Dec 4.

Translational Neuroimmunology Lab, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.

Background: Viral encephalitis is a dangerous compromise between the need to robustly clear pathogen from the brain and the need to protect neurons from bystander injury. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection of C57Bl/6 mice is a model of viral encephalitis in which the compromise results in hippocampal damage and permanent neurological sequelae. We previously identified brain-infiltrating inflammatory monocytes as the primary driver of this hippocampal pathology, but the mechanisms involved in recruiting these cells to the brain were unclear. Read More

Neuroscience 2018 02 8;371:60-74. Epub 2017 Nov 8.

Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China. Electronic address:

Although the receptor-interacting protein 1 kinase (RIP1K)-regulated necroptosis can be evoked by cerebral ischemia, the effects of RIP1K in mediating neuronal and astrocytic cell death and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study evaluates the contribution of RIP1K to ischemic stroke-induced neuronal and astrocytic cell death, and the activation of autophagic-lysosomal pathway. Using an in vitro oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in primary cultured neurons or astrocytes and a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) model in rats or mice, we observed the role of RIP1K in the ischemic neuronal and astrocytic cell death and the underlying mechanisms by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of RIP1K. Read More

Alcohol Res 2017 ;38(2):219-241

Mariann R. Piano, Ph.D., is a Professor in and Department Head of the Department of Biobehavioral Health Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Alcohol use has complex effects on cardiovascular (CV) health. The associations between drinking and CV diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and cardiomyopathy have been studied extensively and are outlined in this review. Although many behavioral, genetic, and biologic variants influence the interconnection between alcohol use and CV disease, dose and pattern of alcohol consumption seem to modulate this most. Read More

Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2017 Nov 3;21(11):692-697. Epub 2017 Oct 3.

1 Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, Guangdong, China .

Background: Clusterin (CLU) is implicated in the inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms of epilepsy, and the CLU gene has been associated with a number of other neurological diseases. In this study, we investigated the genetic association of CLU polymorphisms with epilepsy in a Han Chinese population.

Methods: A total of 249 epileptic patients and 289 healthy controls were included in this study. Read More

J Thromb Thrombolysis 2017 Oct;44(3):377-385

Instituto de Cardiología y Medicina Vascular, TecSalud and Centro de Investigacion Biomedica del Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a worldwide disease related with mortality, cardiovascular disability, impaired quality of life and, cause major long-term complications. Clinicians related to the acute and long-term patients care must be involved in the molecular mechanisms of thrombosis. The vessel wall and its inner lining of the endothelium are critical to the maintenance of a patent vasculature. Read More

Curr Atheroscler Rep 2017 Jun;19(6):28

Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.

Purpose Of Review: This review discusses the recent evidence for a selection of blood-based emerging risk factors, with particular reference to their relation with coronary heart disease and stroke.

Recent Findings: For lipid-related emerging risk factors, recent findings indicate that increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is unlikely to reduce cardiovascular risk, whereas reducing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) may be beneficial. For inflammatory and hemostatic biomarkers, genetic studies suggest that IL-6 (a pro-inflammatory cytokine) and several coagulation factors are causal for cardiovascular disease, but such studies do not support a causal role for C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. Read More

Cell Death Dis 2017 02 16;8(2):e2618. Epub 2017 Feb 16.

Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Science; Department of Pharmacology and Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Pharmacology; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.

Our previous study and others have demonstrated that autophagy is activated in ischemic astrocytes and contributes to astrocytic cell death. However, the mechanisms of ischemia-induced autophagy remain largely unknown. In this study, we established a rat's model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and an in vitro oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model. Read More

Curr Opin Cardiol 2017 Feb 4. Epub 2017 Feb 4.

aCardiovascular Genetics Center, University of Girona - IDIBGI bCentro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV) cDepartment of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Girona dCardiomyopathies Unit, Hospital Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain.

Purpose Of Review: Atrial fibrillation is an important cause of morbidity in the aging population. The mechanisms responsible for the triggering and maintenance of the chaotic atrial rhythm are still poorly understood. In this review, we will focus on the genetic aspects of atrial fibrillation, to understand causality, with special emphasis on recent studies published in the field. Read More

Circ Res 2017 Feb;120(3):472-495

From the Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health (A.K.B., M.S.V.E.) and Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons (A.K.B., C.E., M.S.V.E.), Columbia University, New York, NY.

Stroke is a heterogeneous syndrome, and determining risk factors and treatment depends on the specific pathogenesis of stroke. Risk factors for stroke can be categorized as modifiable and nonmodifiable. Age, sex, and race/ethnicity are nonmodifiable risk factors for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, while hypertension, smoking, diet, and physical inactivity are among some of the more commonly reported modifiable risk factors. Read More

Stroke 2017 01 29;48(1):204-212. Epub 2016 Nov 29.

From the Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12) (I.B.-F., M.I.C., J.G.Z., J.M.P., O.H., V.G.R., I.L., M.A.M.), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) (J.D.-A., J.M.G.-S., M.G., I.G.-R.), and Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (I.B.-F., M.I.C., J.M.P., O.H., J.D.-A., M.G., I.L., I.G.-R., M.A.M.), Universidad Complutense (UCM), Madrid, Spain.

Background And Purpose: Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability characterized by physical, cognitive, and emotional disturbances. Unfortunately, pharmacological options are scarce. The cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2R) is neuroprotective in acute experimental stroke by anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Read More

Neurol Res 2017 Jan 7;39(1):23-29. Epub 2016 Nov 7.

b Department of Neurology , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China.

Objective: Cerebellar fastigial nucleus stimulation (FNS) has been shown to protect against cerebral ischemic injury. Peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPARγ) has been reported to cause neuroprotection in animal models of stroke. The present study was performed to explore the neuroprotective mechanisms of FNS treatment in experimental stroke. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2017 ;956:61-84

Institute of Environmental Health, Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.

Excessive dietary salt (sodium chloride) intake is associated with an increased risk for hypertension, which in turn is especially a major risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular pathologies, but also kidney diseases. Besides, high salt intake or preference for salty food is discussed to be positive associated with stomach cancer, and according to recent studies probably also obesity risk. On the other hand a reduction of dietary salt intake leads to a considerable reduction in blood pressure, especially in hypertensive patients but to a lesser extent also in normotensives as several meta-analyses of interventional studies have shown. Read More

Pulse (Basel) 2016 Sep 14;4(2-3):61-68. Epub 2016 Jul 14.

Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Background: Polymorphisms of -174G/C and -572C/G in the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter gene can affect both transcription and secretion of IL-6 and may be involved in the inflammatory mechanisms in early and delayed phases after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The role of these polymorphisms remains unclear for the pathogenesis of ICH.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Google Scholar searches were conducted from January 1, 1950 to February 29, 2016 and were supplemented with relevant articles identified in the references. Read More

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017 01 21;1863(1):152-164. Epub 2016 Sep 21.

CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Habsiguda, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India. Electronic address:

Cerebral ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Therapeutic interventions to minimize ischemia-induced neural damage are limited due to poor understanding of molecular mechanisms mediating complex pathophysiology in stroke. Recently, epigenetic mechanisms mostly histone lysine (K) acetylation and deacetylation have been implicated in ischemic brain damage and have expanded the dimensions of potential therapeutic intervention to the systemic/local administration of histone deacetylase inhibitors. Read More

Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016 12 14;81(Pt B):254-270. Epub 2016 Sep 14.

University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, 14642 Rochester, NY, USA. Electronic address:

Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) is a vascular disease of proven genetic origin, which may arise sporadically or is inherited as an autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance and highly variable expressivity. CCM lesions exhibit a range of different phenotypes, including wide inter-individual differences in lesion number, size, and susceptibility to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Lesions may remain asymptomatic or result in pathological conditions of various type and severity at any age, with symptoms ranging from recurrent headaches to severe neurological deficits, seizures, and stroke. Read More

Stem Cells Transl Med 2016 Aug 22;5(8):1067-78. Epub 2016 Jun 22.

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Nephrology, Pulmonology, and Neurology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.

Unlabelled: : Overcoming the insufficient survival of cell grafts is an essential objective in cell-based therapy. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease/redox factor 1 (APE1) promotes cell survival and may enhance the therapeutic effect of engrafted cells. The aim of this study is to determine whether APE1 overexpression in cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) could ameliorate the efficiency of cell-based therapy. Read More

Endocr Rev 2016 06 9;37(3):278-316. Epub 2016 May 9.

Gender Medicine Unit (A.K.-W., J.H.), Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; and Metabolic Unit (G.P.), Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, 35127 Padua, Italy.

The steep rise of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated complications go along with mounting evidence of clinically important sex and gender differences. T2DM is more frequently diagnosed at lower age and body mass index in men; however, the most prominent risk factor, which is obesity, is more common in women. Generally, large sex-ratio differences across countries are observed. Read More

Circulation 2016 Jun 6;133(23):2263-78. Epub 2016 May 6.

From Departments of Medicine (Y.H., S.S., S.D., P.S., Z.L., P.D.) and Medical Pharmacology and Physiology (Y.H., S.S., M.W., D.W., H.Y., R.K.), University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia; and Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA (S.-Y.S., R.T., P.L.-R.).

Background: We have previously shown that systemic infusion of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and reduces atherosclerotic burden in apolipoprotein E (Apoe)-deficient mice. Monocytes/macrophages express high levels of IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) and play a pivotal role in atherogenesis, but the potential effects of IGF-1 on their function are unknown.

Methods And Results: To determine mechanisms whereby IGF-1 reduces atherosclerosis and to explore the potential involvement of monocytes/macrophages, we created monocyte/macrophage-specific IGF1R knockout (MΦ-IGF1R-KO) mice on an Apoe(-/-) background. Read More

Cell Death Differ 2016 09 22;23(9):1515-28. Epub 2016 Apr 22.

Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Bidirectional interactions between astrocytes and neurons have physiological roles in the central nervous system and an altered state or dysfunction of such interactions may be associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Astrocytes exert structural, metabolic and functional effects on neurons, which can be either neurotoxic or neuroprotective. Their neurotoxic effect is mediated via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) involving pro-inflammatory cytokines (e. Read More

J Neurol Sci 2016 Mar 15;362:27-32. Epub 2016 Jan 15.

Discipline Anatomy and Histology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

Dementias of old age, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), pose a growing threat to the longevity and quality of life of individuals as well as whole societies world-wide. The risk factors are both genetic and environmental (life-style) and there is an overlap with similar factors predisposing to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Using a case-control genetic approach, we have identified a SNP (rs10507391) in ALOX5 gene, previously associated with an increased risk of stroke, as a novel genetic risk factor for AD. Read More

Autophagy 2016 ;12(1):1-222

kb Emory University, School of Medicine , Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Atlanta , GA , USA.

Mol Cell Biochem 2016 Jan 23;412(1-2):101-10. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Graduate School of Agriculture, Tamagawa University, 6-1-1 Tamagawa-gakuen, Machida, Tokyo, 194-8610, Japan.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is widely used as an analgesic/antipyretic drug. It exhibits a wide range of biological effects, including preventative effects against heart attack and stroke, and the induction of apoptosis in various cancer cells. We previously found that ASA inhibits melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells. Read More

Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016 Aug 21;36(6):981-988. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.

Stroke was regarded as a severe disorder with high morbidity and high mortality worldwide, ischemic stroke (IS) accounts for 85 to 90 % of new increased stroke cases. Partial mechanisms were elucidated by genetic factors including genomic instability such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Previous reports demonstrated that inflammation was involved in IS, NLRP3 [nucleotide-binding domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3], acting as a specific inflammatory gene, however, its function and influence on IS was not well clarified. Read More

J Neuroimmunol 2015 Dec 21;289:111-20. Epub 2015 Oct 21.

U.O.C. Division of Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Immunology [SIMT], Regional Reference Laboratory of Transplant Immunology [LIT], Department of Internal Medicine and Specialistics, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU), Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy; IRCCS Research Institute SDN, Naples, Italy.

Inflammation and immune response play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke giving their contribution to tissue damage and repair. Emerging evidence supports the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms such as methylation, histone modification and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of stroke. Interestingly, epigenetics can influence the molecular events involved in ischemic injury by controlling the switch from pro- to anti-inflammatory response, however, this is still a field to be fully explored. Read More

Curr Neurovasc Res 2015 ;12(4):321-33

Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, c/ Irunlarrea 1, 31008- Pamplona, Spain.

Ischemic stroke patients often show high concentrations of circulating inflammatory markers that are associated with increased risk of recurrence. Epigenetic mechanisms could be involved in obesity, inflammation and stroke. The objective of this research was to investigate, in obese patients suffering a previous stroke, the effects of a nutritional program on anthropometric and biochemical variables, and on the methylation patterns of two stroke-related genes (KCNQ1: potassium channel, voltage gated KQT-like subfamily Q, member 1; and WT1: Wilms tumor 1). Read More

Atherosclerosis 2015 Aug 5;241(2):555-60. Epub 2015 May 5.

Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. Electronic address:

C-reactive protein (CRP) level is associated with the 10-year risk of an atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD), suggesting presence of systemic inflammation probably long before ASVD is present. Where, however, does this systemic inflammation come from? One active area of research has been the study of dental infection and various forms of periodontal disease (PD), both of which are highly prevalent in populations at risk for ASVD. Recent data show that ASVD and PD interact with each other via systemic release of specific pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, small signal molecules and enzymes which modulate initiation and progression of the chronic inflammatory reaction involved in both diseases. Read More

World J Cardiol 2015 Mar;7(3):134-43

Rajesh Vijayvergiya, Ramalingam Vadivelu, Department of Cardiology, Advanced Cardiac Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.

Though a century old hypothesis, infection as a cause for atherosclerosis is still a debatable issue. Epidemiological and clinical studies had shown a possible association but inhomogeneity in the study population and study methods along with potential confounders have yielded conflicting results. Infection triggers a chronic inflammatory state which along with other mechanisms such as dyslipidemia, hyper-homocysteinemia, hypercoagulability, impaired glucose metabolism and endothelial dysfunction, contribute in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Read More

Cytotherapy 2015 Jun 19;17(6):775-785. Epub 2015 Mar 19.

Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; The Robertston Clinical and Translational Cell Therapy Program, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; The Carolinas Cord Blood Bank, Durham, North Carolina, USA.

Recovery from neurological injuries is typically incomplete and often results in significant and permanent disabilities. Currently, most available therapies are limited to supportive or palliative measures, aimed at managing the symptoms of the condition. Because restorative therapies targeting the underlying cause of most neurological diseases do not exist, cell therapies targeting anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and regenerative potential hold great promise. Read More

Circ Cardiovasc Genet 2015 Apr 7;8(2):398-409. Epub 2015 Feb 7.

Background: The burden of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) is associated with an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and death. WMH are highly heritable, but their genetic underpinnings are incompletely characterized. To identify novel genetic variants influencing WMH burden, we conducted a meta-analysis of multiethnic genome-wide association studies. Read More

Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2015 Mar;26(2):131-5

aDepartment of Preventive Medicine, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang bShenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong cHongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, PR China.

Previous studies showed that selenoprotein S (SELS) was associated with a range of inflammatory markers, and its gene expression was influenced by a polymorphism in the promoter region. The genetic basis of the ischemic stroke has now been largely determined, so the aim of the study was to examine the role of SELS genetic variants in the ischemic stroke risk in a Chinese population. We conducted a case-control study with 239 ischemic stroke patients and 240 controls. Read More

Mol Oral Microbiol 2015 Jun 29;30(3):171-85. Epub 2014 Dec 29.

Center for Anti-inflammatory Therapeutics, School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.

Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease in the USA where it is a leading cause of illness and death. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause for heart attack and stroke. Most commonly, people develop atherosclerosis as a result of diabetes, genetic risk factors, high blood pressure, a high-fat diet, obesity, high blood cholesterol levels, and smoking. Read More

Circ Res 2015 Jan 31;116(3):407-17. Epub 2014 Oct 31.

From the Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (G.C., H.B.S., T.H., Y.Y., Y.S., P.D., J.S., R.W., F.K.S., M.N.); Stroke and Neurovascular Regulation Laboratory, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Charlestown (F.H., Y.W., M.A.M.); Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (N.S., D.T.S.); and Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (R.W.).

Rationale: The mechanisms leading to an expanded neutrophil and monocyte supply after stroke are incompletely understood.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in mice leads to activation of hematopoietic bone marrow stem cells.

Methods And Results: Serial in vivo bioluminescence reporter gene imaging in mice with tMCAO revealed that bone marrow cell cycling peaked 4 days after stroke (P<0. Read More

Fluids Barriers CNS 2014 10;11:18. Epub 2014 Aug 10.

Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA.

This article reviews current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the initial hemorrhage and secondary blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in primary spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in adults. Multiple etiologies are associated with ICH, for example, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, vascular malformations and coagulopathies (genetic or drug-induced). After the initial bleed, there can be continued bleeding over the first 24 hours, so-called hematoma expansion, which is associated with adverse outcomes. Read More