Angiogenesis and stem cell transplantation as potential treatments of cerebral ischemic stroke.

ABSTRACT

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of human death and disability. Although stroke survivors may gain spontaneous partial functional recovery, they often suffer from sensory-motor dysfunctions, behavioral/neurological alterations, and various degrees of paralysis. Currently, limited clinical intervention is available to prevent ischemic damage and restore lost function in stroke victims. In addition to the extensive research on protective maneuvers against ischemia-induced cell death, increasing attention has been focused on potential strategies of promoting tissue repair and functional recovery in the damaged post-ischemic brain. Angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels, may contribute to cell survival and functional recovery of the area of insult. The study of angiogenesis will increase the understanding of the mechanism underlying post-ischemia neurovascular plasticity and regeneration. Additionally, stem cell transplantation has emerged in the last few years as a potential therapy for ischemic stroke, because of their capability to differentiate into multiple cell types and the possibility that they may provide trophic support for cell survival, tissue repair, and functional recovery.