What’s new in stroke: Insights for clinical practice with Neuropolen
Major Gheorghe GIURGIU1, Prof. dr. Manole COJOCARU2,3
1Deniplant-Aide Sante Medical Center, Biomedicine, Bucharest, Romania
deniplant@gmail.com; Telephone: +40 744 827 881
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5449-2712
2Academy of Romanian Scientists
3Titu Maiorescu University, Faculty of Medicine, Bucharest, Romania cojocaru.manole@gmail.com; Telephone: +40 723 326 663
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7192-7490
Background Disturbances along the brain-gut-microbiota axis may significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of stroke. Alterations in the gut microbiota composition induce increased permeability of the gut barrier and immune activation leading to systemic inflammation, which in turn may impair the blood-brain barrier and promote neuroinflammation, neural injury, and ultimately stroke. Nutrition is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of stroke. In addition, the use of nutraceuticals can be part of a comprehensive approach in stroke.
Objective There is a strong link between stroke and chronic inflammation. Modification of the gut microbiota composition by nutraceuticals may create new preventive and therapeutic options in stroke. To arrive at these observations, the authors examined how Neuropolen and diet affect stroke. We are currently assessing whether indoles can also stimulate formation of neurons in stroke.
Materials and methods Imbalances in the gut microbiota can be also associated with the stroke. There is increasing interest in the role of the peripheral immune system in stroke.
Results It has now been shown that microbiota affects brain functions through various metabolites with potentially positive or, conversely, toxic properties. The immune system has a prominent role in stroke pathogenesis with both innate and adaptive immunity in the central nervous system.
Conclusion Stroke is the most common cause of adult disability. When blood flow to the brain is stopped or reduced during a stroke, some brain cells die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need. Existing evidence suggests that nutraceuticals and lifestyle changes may reduce disability and save lives.
Keywords: stroke, gut microbiota, brain-gut-microbiota axis, nutraceuticals, Neuropolen