The Oxidative Status and Na+/K+-ATPase Activity in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Control Study.

Background: Oxidative stress is involved in pathogenesis of some psychiatric disorders. To examine the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), we aimed to determine oxidative stress indices, including malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and red blood cells (RBC) membrane, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum glutathione (GSH) levels, serum antioxidant vitamins (A and E), and Na+/K+-ATPase activity, in patients with the mentioned disorder vs. healthy controls. Method: 39 OCD patients diagnosed based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and 39 volunteer healthy subjects were included in this study. MDA levels in serum and RBC membrane were measured using fluorometric method. Serum TAC level, serum GSH level, and Na+/K+-ATPase activity were also measured using spectrophotometric methods. Serum levels of vitamins were calculated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Result: There was a significantly higher MDA level in serum (p < 0.0001) and RBC membrane (p = 0.002) of OCD patients compared with those in controls. A significant reduction in vitamin A (p = 0.001) and vitamin E (p = 0.024) levels was found in OCD patients vs. controls. There was significantly lower activity of erythrocyte membrane Na+/K+-ATPase in RBC membrane of OCD patients vs. controls (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings indicate significantly higher levels MDA in both serum and RBC membrane, lower levels of serum vitamins A and E, and lower activity of membrane Na+/K+-ATPase in OCD patients compared to controls. These suggest an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant factors in OCD patients that might play a fundamental role in the etiopathogenesis of OCD.

Trace and essential elements as vital components to improve the performance of the male reproductive system: Implications in cell signaling pathways.

Successful male fertilization requires the main processes such as normal spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction. The progress of these processes depends on some endogenous and exogenous factors. So, the optimal level of ions and essential and rare elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, calcium, and so on in various types of cells of the reproductive system could affect conception and male fertility rates. The function of trace elements in the male reproductive system could be exerted through some cellular and molecular processes, such as the management of active oxygen species, involvement in the action of membrane channels, regulation of enzyme activity, regulation of gene expression and hormone levels, and modulation of signaling cascades. In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the role of trace elements in improving male reproductive performance. Also, special attention is paid to the cellular aspects and the involved molecular signaling cascades.

Neuroprotective effects of alpha-pinene against behavioral deficits in ketamine-induced mice model of schizophrenia: Focusing on oxidative stress status.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a profound neurological disorder that affects approximately 1% of the global population. Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) is a natural and active monoterpene found in coniferous tree oil, primarily pine, with diverse pharmacological characteristics, including antioxidative, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. This research study delves into the neuroprotective effects of α-pinene on oxidative stress, memory deficits, and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in a ketamine-induced mice model of SCZ using male mice. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: vehicle, control, positive control, ketamine, α-pinene at 50 mg/kg, and α-pinene at 100 mg/kg. Treatment of the ketamine-induced mice model of SCZ with α-pinene yielded significant improvements in depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, it significantly elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), dopamine levels, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities while markedly reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The current study establishes that α-pinene treatment effectively mitigates oxidative damage, cognitive deficits, and depressive and anxiogenic-like behaviors in the brains of ketamine-treated mice. Therefore, α-pinene treatment is an efficacious approach to forestall the neurobehavioral and neurobiochemical adverse effects of the ketamine-induced SCZ model of mice.

The influence of propolis plus Hyoscyamus niger L. against COVID-19: A phase II, multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

The incubation period of COVID-19 symptoms, along with the proliferation and high transmission rate of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is the cause of an uncontrolled epidemic worldwide. Vaccination is the front line of prevention, and antiinflammatory and antiviral drugs are the treatment of this disease. In addition, some herbal therapy approaches can be a good way to deal with this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of propolis syrup with Hyoscyamus niger L. extract in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 with acute disease conditions in a double-blinded approach. The study was performed on 140 patients with COVID-19 in a double-blind, randomized, and multicentral approach. The main inclusion criterion was the presence of a severe type of COVID-19 disease. The duration of treatment with syrup was 6 days and 30 CC per day in the form of three meals. On Days 0, 2, 4, and 6, arterial blood oxygen levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cell, as well as the patient's clinical symptoms such as fever and chills, cough and shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms, were recorded and analyzed. Propolis syrup with H. niger L. significantly reduces cough from the second day, relieving shortness of breath on the fourth day, and significantly reduces CRP, weakness, and lethargy, as well as significantly increased arterial blood oxygen pressure on the sixth day compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). The results in patients are such that in the most severe conditions of the disease 80% < SpO2 (oxygen saturation), the healing process of the syrup on reducing CRP and increasing arterial blood oxygen pressure from the fourth day is significantly different compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). The use of syrup is associated with a reduction of 3.6 days in the hospitalization period compared with the placebo group. Propolis syrup with H. niger L. has effectiveness in the viral and inflammatory phases on clinical symptoms and blood parameters and arterial blood oxygen levels of patients with COVID-19. Also, it reduces referrals to the intensive care unit and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. So, this syrup promises to be an effective treatment in the great challenge of COVID-19.

The impact of pre-donation viral markers screening of new blood donors on blood safety.

BACKGROUND: The risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) remains a concern in transfusion medicine. Since the rate of infection among first-time blood donors is higher than repeated donors, strategies to enhance blood safety can focus on new donors. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pre-donation viral screening of new donors on blood safety. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The pre-donation screening of new donors was implemented in the Kurdistan blood center. In this program, new donors who met the blood donation criteria were informed about the program and only a blood sample was donated for HBs Ag, HCV Ab, and HIV Ab testing. New donors with negative results were invited to donate blood after 12 weeks. A unit of blood was collected from eligible returned donors. Laboratory tests were performed again using the same methods. Finally, the prevalence of confirmed positive TTI results among donated blood in Kurdistan blood center was compared before and after the establishment of program. RESULTS: During the study, 4,434 new donors were screened for viral markers. A total of 41 new donors (0.92%, 95% CI, 0.007-0.13) had repeatedly reactive results and infection was confirmed in blood sample of 24 donors (0.54%, 95% CI, 0.003-0.008). Overall, 56% of new donors returned for blood donation. Prevalence of confirmed TTIs markers in collected blood units was 0.27% and 0 before and after implementing program, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that Pre-donation screening can reduce the risk of TTI transmission by identifying infected donors at the pre-donation phase.

The eNOS-G894T genetic polymorphism and risk of preeclampsia: A case-control study, an updated meta-analysis, and a bioinformatic assay.

OBJECTIVES: Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide and involves vascular endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the G894T polymorphism in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene and the risk of preeclampsia in a case-control design in an Iranian population, which was followed by a meta-analysis and an in silico approach. METHODS: In the case-control study, 300 people including 135 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 165 healthy pregnant women were included. The genotype of G894T polymorphism was determined by the PCR-RFLP method. We searched authoritative scientific databases to find eligible studies for meta-analysis. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was estimated to find the strength of the association of the mentioned polymorphism with the risk of preeclampsia. In addition, the effect of G894T transversion on eNOS gene function was evaluated by some bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: Our case-control data showed that the G894T polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. In the meta-analysis, 33 eligible studies were included, and the results showed that the G894T polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia in the overall analysis and some stratified analyses. In addition, the structural analysis showed that the G894T variant can affect the splicing process as well as the protein stability. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, the aforementioned polymorphism may be a risk factor for preeclampsia and could be considered a potential molecular biomarker for screening susceptible individuals.

CYP1A1 common gene polymorphisms and ischemic stroke risk: a meta-analysis and a structural examination.

Aim: CYP1A1 is a metabolizing enzyme and key polymorphisms in its gene may contribute to the risk of ischemic stroke. This study aimed to investigate the association of the rs4646903 and rs1048943 polymorphisms of CYP1A1 with stroke risk in a meta-analysis and a bioinformatic approach. Materials & methods: An electronic search was conducted and, after the screening procedure, six eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. Some bioinformatic tools were employed to analyze the effects of rs4646903 and rs1048943 on CYP1A1 gene function. Results: There was a significant association between rs4646903 and the reduced risk of ischemic stroke, whereas there was no significant association for rs1048943. In silico analysis showed that rs4646903 and rs1048943 polymorphisms could affect the gene expression and cofactor affinity, respectively. Conclusion: Based on these results, rs4646903 may be a protective genetic factor against ischemic stroke.

Epigenetic modifications and obsessive-compulsive disorder: what do we know?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic, severe disabling neuropsychiatric disorder whose pathophysiology is not yet well defined. Generally, the symptom onset occurs during pre-adult life and affects subjects in different life aspects, including professional and social relationships. Although robust evidence indicates the presence of genetic factors in the etiopathology of OCD, the entirely mechanisms are not totally clarified. Thus, the possible interactions between genes and environmental risk factors mediated by epigenetic mechanisms should be sought. Therefore, we provide a review of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms related to OCD with a deep focus on the regulation of critical genes of the central nervous system seeking possible potential biomarkers.

Administration of stem cells against cardiovascular diseases with a focus on molecular mechanisms: Current knowledge and prospects.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a serious global concern for public and human health. Despite the emergence of significant therapeutic advances, it is still the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. As a result, extensive efforts are underway to develop practical therapeutic approaches. Stem cell-based therapies could be considered a promising strategy for the treatment of CVDs. The efficacy of stem cell-based therapeutic approaches is demonstrated through recent laboratory and clinical studies due to their inherent regenerative properties, proliferative nature, and their capacity to differentiate into different cells such as cardiomyocytes. These properties could improve cardiovascular functioning leading to heart regeneration. The two most common types of stem cells with the potential to cure heart diseases are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Several studies have demonstrated the use, efficacy, and safety of MSC and iPSCs-based therapies for the treatment of CVDs. In this study, we explain the application of stem cells, especially iPSCs and MSCs, in the treatment of CVDs with a focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms and then discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and perspectives of using this technology in the treatment of these diseases.

A common genetic variation in paraoxonase 1 and risk of breast cancer: a literature review, meta-analysis, and in silico analysis.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an enzyme with multifactorial antioxidant activity, has a protective role against oxidative stress, which is supposed to contribute to the development of cancers including breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation of PON1-L55M common genetic polymorphism with the risk of breast cancer in a meta-analysis approach which was followed by an in silico analysis. The eligible studies were collected from valid electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Quantitative synthesis was performed to report the strength of PON1-L55M polymorphism with breast cancer. Some bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the effects of L55M variation on PON1 gene function. The meta-analysis revealed that there are significant associations between the mentioned polymorphism and breast cancer in M vs. L, MM vs. LL, LM vs. LL, MM + LM vs. LL, and MM vs. LL + LM genetic models. Besides, similar results were observed in the stratified analyses based on ethnicity, genotyping method, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in control groups, and sample size. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the PON1 could be damaging to the protein function. Our findings propose that the PON1-L55M genetic polymorphism might be a genetic risk factor for the risk of breast cancer.

Molecular mechanisms involved in anosmia induced by SARS-CoV-2, with a focus on the transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS2.

Since 2020, SARS-CoV-2 has caused a pandemic virus that has posed many challenges worldwide. Infection with this virus can result in a number of symptoms, one of which is anosmia. Olfactory dysfunction can be a temporary or long-term viral complication caused by a disorder of the olfactory neuroepithelium. Processes such as inflammation, apoptosis, and neuronal damage are involved in the development of SARS-CoV-2-induced anosmia. One of the receptors that play a key role in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cell is the transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS2, which facilitates this process by cleaving the viral S protein. The gene encoding TMPRSS2 is located on chromosome 21. It contains 15 exons and has many genetic variations, some of which increase the risk of disease. Delta strains have been shown to be more dependent on TMPRSS2 for cell entry than Omicron strains. Blockade of this receptor by serine protease inhibitors such as camostat and nafamostat can be helpful for treating SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, including anosmia. Proper understanding of the different functional aspects of this serine protease can help to overcome the therapeutic challenges of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, including anosmia. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular events involved in anosmia induced by SARS-CoV-2 with a focus on the function of the TMPRSS2 receptor.

Calcitriol Ameliorates Brain Injury in the Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Through Nrf2/HO-1 Signalling Axis: An in Silico and in Vivo Study.

OBJECTIVES: Calcitriol has been revealed to exert neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke; however, its role and the underlying mechanisms in brain injury induced by ischemia are not well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the neuroprotective effects of calcitriol pretreatment and to assess the possible neuroprotective function of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signalling pathway against brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the rat models which was followed by a bioinformatics approach. METHODS: The experimental I/R model induction was performed in male Wistar rats for 1 h followed by 23 h reperfusion. Calcitriol was administered intraperitoneally for 7 days prior to stroke. Following ischemia induction 24 h later, neurobehavioral deficits and infarction volume were examined. Oxidative stress was assessed by measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The protein and mRNA expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 were determined by western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. A molecular docking approach was applied to identify the interaction value of Keap1 with calcitriol. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that calcitriol significantly decreased infarction volume and ameliorated neurological deficits in brain I/R. MDA and NO levels were decreased and TAC level was elevated significantly after calcitriol pretreatment. Furthermore, calcitriol upregulated the expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein and mRNA in ischemic brain. Molecular modelling demonstrated that calcitriol could interact with the pocket of Keap1 by an appropriate binding energy. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that calcitriol protects the brain against I/R injury. This effect may pass through inhibition of oxidative stress and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation and this may arise by interaction of Keap1 and calcitriol.

Calcitriol Pretreatment Attenuates Glutamate Neurotoxicity by Regulating NMDAR and CYP46A1 Gene Expression in Rats Subjected to Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion.

Although the neuroprotective effects of calcitriol have been demonstrated in a variety of neurological diseases, such as stroke, the precise molecular mechanism has yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of calcitriol as a neuroprotective agent via CYP46A1 and glutamate receptors in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model. The MCAO technique was performed on adult male Wistar rats to induce focal cerebral ischemia for 1 hour followed by 23 hours of reperfusion. Calcitriol was given for 7 days prior to stroke induction. Sensorimotor functional tests were done 24 hours after ischemia/reperfusion, and infarct volume was estimated by tetrazolium chloride staining of brain sections. Gene expression of NR2A, NR2B, NR3B, and CYP46A1 was evaluated by RT-PCR followed by western blotting for NR3B protein. Our data revealed that calcitriol pretreatment reduced lesion volume and improved ischemic neurobehavioral parameters. Calcitriol therapy altered the expression of glutamate receptor and CYP46A1 genes. A possible molecular mechanism of calcitriol to reduce the severity and complications of ischemia may be through alterations of glutamate receptor and CYP46A1 gene expression.

Influence of FOXP3 gene polymorphisms on the risk of preeclampsia: a meta-analysis and a bioinformatic approach.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Preeclampsia (PE), a multifactorial disorder, is the main cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Genetic polymorphisms in key proteins involved in the immune system may change the risk of PE risk. In this study, we examined the association of two rs2232365 and rs3761548 common polymorphisms of the FOXP3 immune response gene with PE susceptibility by a meta-analysis which was followed by an in-silico analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through a systematic search in databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, we find eligible studies for meta-analysis. Some bioinformatics tools were used to detect the impact of rs2232365 and rs3761548 polymorphisms on the FOXP3 gene function. RESULTS: Our data revealed that there is a significant association between rs3761548 polymorphism and decreased risk of PE. In addition, we observed a significant association between rs2232365 and increased risk of mild preeclampsia. Also, our bioinformatic analysis showed that both rs2232365 and rs3761548 polymorphisms could affect FOXP3 gene function. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, the rs3761548 genetic variation could be a protective factor against PE risk. While the rs2232365 polymorphism may be a genetic risk factor for mild preeclampsia. Therefore, as a preliminary study, these genetic variations could be considered molecular biomarkers for PE disorder.

Primordial germ cells can be differentiated by retinoic acid and progesterone induction from embryonic stem cells.

This study aimed to examine the expression of the genes associated with different development stages of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). The cells were cultured in three groups of control, 10-8 M of all-trans retinoic acid and the combination of 10-7 M of Progesterone and retinoic acid for 7, 12, 17, and 22 days. Immunofluorescent and Quantitative RT-PCR were used to evaluate the effect of progesterone on the differentiation of mESCs into primordial germ cells. RA-treated cells exhibited increased expression of Fragilis, Stella, Dazl, Stra8, Sycp3, and Gdf9 genes and decreased expression of Oct4, Mvh genes compared to the non-treated controls. Furthermore, RA in combination with progesterone (RA?P) led to increased expression of Oct4, Fragilis, Stella, Dazl, Sycp3, Gdf9 and decreased expression of Mvh, and Stra8 genes compared to the RA-treated scenario. Immunofluorescence detection of Stella and Mvh showed that the expression levels of the cells treated with RA+P are much higher than those of the other groups. Our project showed that under the influence of the induced factors, mESCs can spontaneously differentiate into germ cells. Also, the combination of RA+P can enhance and accelerate the differentiation of mESCs into germ cells.

Prevalence of Dyspepsia in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal problem. The present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of dyspepsia in Iran. METHODS: The present study was registered at PROSPERO with the code CRD42019148610. It was carried out based on MOOSE and reporting was performed according to the PRISMA protocol. Systematic search of the literature was performed in July 2019 on international databases of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science (ISI), Cochrane Library, EBSCO, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, Science Direct, and local databases as well as the Google Scholar search engine. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 and Chi-square tests. All analyses were done using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. RESULTS: Overall, 14 studies with a sample size of 54,118 subjects entered in this meta-analysis. The prevalence of dyspepsia in Iran was 14.6% (95% CI: 9.6-21.7). Large heterogeneity was detected among studies (I2=99.62%, P<0.001). The prevalence of dysmotility-like, ulcer-like, and unspecified dyspepsia was estimated to be 9.7% (95% CI: 4.9-18.4), 12.1% (95% CI: 5.2-25.7) and 17.0% (95% CI: 7.8-33.4), respectively. The prevalence of dyspepsia in Iranian men and women was found at 11.1% (95% CI: 6.3-18.8) and 17.8% (95% CI: 10.0-29.7), respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dyspepsia in Iran is relatively high. However, it is lower than global estimates.

The -592C>A variation of IL-10 gene and susceptibility to chronic periodontitis: A genetic association study and in-silico analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a common inflammatory disorder with a considerable impact of genetic variations in the interleukin family on predisposition to this disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between the -592C>A polymorphism of the interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene with CP risk in an Iranian population. This experimental study was followed by a meta-analysis and in silico examination. METHODS: In a case-control study, 270 subjects, including 135 patients with CP and 135 healthy controls, were enrolled. The -592C>A genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. In the meta-analysis, valid databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to examine the association between -592C>A and CP. In silico analysis was conducted using bioinformatics tools to evaluate the impact of the -592C>A polymorphism on IL-10 gene function. RESULTS: Our case-control study revealed a significant association between polymorphism and CP risk. Overall, we found significant associations between -592C>A genetic variation and CP and stratified meta-analysis. In silico analysis revealed that this polymorphism could change the pattern of the transcription binding site upstream of the IL-10 gene. It may also alter the hsa-miR-101-3p miRNA-targeted sequence upstream of IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, the -592C>A variation in IL-10 may be a genetic risk factor for susceptibility to chronic periodontitis. However, further studies in different ethnicities and results adjusted for clinical and demographic characteristics are needed to obtain more accurate deductions.

Genetic variations as molecular diagnostic factors for idiopathic male infertility: current knowledge and future perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Infertility is a major health problem, worldwide, which affects 10-15% of couples. About half a percent of infertility cases are related to male-related factors. Male infertility is a complex disease that is the result of various insults as lifestyle issues, genetics, and epigenetic factors. Idiopathic infertility is responsible for 30% of total cases. The genetic factors responsible for male infertility include chromosomal abnormalities, deletions of chromosome Y, and mutations and genetic variations of key genes. AREAS COVERED: In this review article, we aim to narrate performed studies on polymorphisms of essential genes involved in male infertility including folate metabolizing genes, oxidative stress-related genes, inflammation, and cellular pathways related to spermatogenesis. Moreover, possible pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for genetic polymorphisms are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Analysis and assessment of these genetic variations could help in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic male infertility.

G-Protein-Coupled Receptors and Ischemic Stroke: a Focus on Molecular Function and Therapeutic Potential.

In ischemic stroke, there is only one approved drug, tissue plasminogen activator, to be used in clinical conditions for thrombolysis. New neuroprotective therapies for ischemic stroke are desperately needed. Several targets and pathways have been shown to confer neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the most frequently targeted receptors for developing novel therapeutics for central nervous system disorders. GPCRs are a large family of cell surface receptors that response to a wide variety of extracellular stimuli. GPCRs are involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. More than 90% of the identified non-sensory GPCRs are expressed in the brain, where they play important roles in regulating mood, pain, vision, immune responses, cognition, and synaptic transmission. There is also good evidence that GPCRs are implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke. This review narrates the pathophysiological role and possible targeted therapy of GPCRs in ischemic stroke.