Anti-inflammatory strategies in stroke: a potential therapeutic target

Stroke is an acute condition characterized by a sudden decrease in blood flow to brain tissue, resulting in immediate deprivation of both glucose and oxygen. Different mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of stroke, but increasing evidence suggests that one of the processes worsening clinical outcome is inflammation with the synthesis and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that activate several cells contributing to the progression of brain injury. Monoclonal antibody therapy has proved useful and safe for the treatment of several systemic diseases. In contrast, the evidence is limited for the treatment of stroke. More studies are needed in order to standardize the method of treatment and establish if it is safe and effective.