Endogenous Neurogenesis: A Promising Avenue in Stroke Treatment

Corresponding Author:

Kurosh Rezaei-Moghaddam
Department of Neurology,
Oaxaca Techonology of University,
Oaxaca,
Mexico
E-mail: reza@shirazu.ac.ir

Received: 04-Jul-2024, Manuscript No. jestm-24-140738; Editor assigned: 09-Jul-2024, PreQC No. jestm-24-140738 (PQ); Reviewed: 23-Jul-2024, QC No. jestm-24-140738; Revised: 01-Aug-2024, Manuscript No. jestm-24-140738 (R); Published: 29-Aug-2024, DOI: 10.37532/jestm.2024.16(4).229-230

Introduction

Stroke, a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, poses significant challenges in healthcare. As medical science advances, researchers delve into innovative approaches beyond immediate intervention to enhance recovery and improve outcomes for stroke survivors. One such promising frontier lies in endogenous neurogenesis the brain’s innate ability to generate new neurons and neural cells. This natural regenerative process holds profound implications for stroke treatment, potentially offering new avenues for rehabilitation and recovery.

Description

Understanding stroke and its impact

Before delving into neurogenesis, understanding stroke is crucial. Stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to oxygen deprivation and subsequent cell death. This interruption can result from a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) in blood vessels supplying the brain. The aftermath of a stroke often includes neurological deficits such as impaired movement, speech difficulties, cognitive impairments and emotional changes, significantly affecting quality of life.

The promise of endogenous neurogenesis

In recent years, research has uncovered the brain’s capacity for neurogenesis throughout life, challenging long-held beliefs that neural cells cannot regenerate in adulthood. Endogenous neurogenesis refers to the production of new neurons and supporting cells within the brain itself. This process primarily occurs in two regions: The Subventricular Zone (SVZ) lining the lateral ventricles and the Subgranular Zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus.

Mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis

Endogenous neurogenesis involves intricate cellular processes orchestrated by various factors and signaling pathways. Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) residing in neurogenic niches within these brain regions proliferate and differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes crucial for neural circuitry, synaptic plasticity and myelination. Key signaling molecules like growth factors (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF), neurotransmitters and environmental cues play pivotal roles in regulating NSC activation, proliferation, migration and differentiation.

Role of endogenous neurogenesis in stroke recovery

In the context of stroke, neurogenesis serves as a reparative mechanism, potentially mitigating damage and facilitating recovery. Stroke-induced neurogenesis manifests as a response to injury, where NSCs and progenitor cells migrate to the damaged area, differentiate into neurons and integrate into existing neural circuits. This process is influenced by various factors including age, stroke severity and comorbidities, highlighting the complexity and variability in neurogenic responses across individuals.

Harnessing neurogenesis for therapeutic strategies

The discovery of endogenous neurogenesis has spurred interest in developing therapeutic strategies that harness this innate regenerative capacity to enhance stroke recovery. Experimental approaches include.

Pharmacological interventions: Drugs targeting neurogenic pathways (e.g., BDNF mimetics, growth factors) aim to enhance NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation, promoting neural repair and functional recovery post-stroke.

Stem cell therapies: Transplantation of exogenous NSCs or Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) into stroke-affected areas seeks to augment endogenous neurogenesis, replacing lost neurons and supporting neural network reorganization.

Physical and cognitive rehabilitation: Environmental enrichment, physical exercise and cognitive stimulation are shown to enhance neurogenesis, fostering neural plasticity and functional recovery following stroke.

Challenges and future directions

Despite promising preclinical findings, translating neurogenesis-based therapies into clinical practice poses challenges. Issues such as cell survival, integration, immune response modulation and timing of intervention require careful consideration. Additionally, variability in neurogenic responses among stroke patients necessitates personalized treatment approaches tailored to individual characteristics and stroke profiles.

Future research directions include refining therapeutic protocols, elucidating molecular mechanisms governing neurogenesis and exploring adjunctive therapies to optimize outcomes. Advances in imaging techniques and biomarker identification may enable real-time monitoring of neurogenic responses, facilitating precision medicine approaches in stroke management.

Conclusion

Endogenous neurogenesis represents a dynamic frontier in stroke research, offering novel insights and therapeutic strategies beyond traditional approaches. Leveraging the brain’s inherent regenerative capacity holds transformative potential in mitigating stroke-induced disabilities and improving long-term outcomes for affected individuals. As research progresses, collaborative efforts across disciplines will be pivotal in harnessing neurogenesis to usher in a new era of personalized stroke treatment and rehabilitation.