Preparing your immune system to shield you from complications during a stroke: a crucial consideration.
Every year, 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke, a condition that can cause a range of symptoms such as brain swelling, tissue death, seizures, bladder problems, and long-term depression. Despite the efforts of thousands of dedicated healthcare professionals, therapy options for stroke patients remain minimal. However, a team of neurologists and immunologists from the University of Pittsburgh has made a significant breakthrough in the quest for effective stroke treatments.
The researchers have discovered that B cells, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in providing fast-acting and lasting protection against ischemic stroke. This discovery, published in the journal Nature, highlights the importance of B cells in mediating rapid and durable defense, which could have significant implications for stroke treatment strategies.
While microglia and monocytes are also immune cells involved in stroke, this specific discovery underscores the unique role of B cells in the immune response following a stroke. The team found that B cells offer a protective effect, which could potentially revolutionise the way we approach stroke treatment.
The researchers identified a unique subset of white blood cells, CD8+ regulatory-like T cells (CD8+TRLs), as the "first responders" in a stroke. These cells are easily accessible because they circulate in the blood before they enter the injured brain. The team is now focusing on creating shelf-stable and ready-to-use CD8+TRLs or a cocktail of neuro-protective signaling molecules released by those cells to help the hundreds of thousands of patients who are ineligible for other treatments.
Another promising development comes from the discovery that Thymoquinone, an immune system modulator found in the oil from the Nigella sativa plant, helps balance the immune response for optimal protection during a stroke. This could potentially provide a natural and effective means of supporting the immune system during a stroke.
Passive stretching, a simple exercise, has also been found to improve blood flow, decrease arterial stiffness, and increase blood flow and dilation. This could potentially reduce the risk of stroke, especially considering that COVID-19 taught us that infection and inflammation can increase stroke risk. Vitamin D3, which appears to stimulate the type I interferon signaling system in the body, providing a first-line of defense against bacteria and viruses, could also play a role in stroke prevention.
Researchers have also found that the risk of suffering an ischemic stroke was more than five times higher during the week following a hospital visit for a UTI, as compared to during the year before the infection. This highlights the importance of maintaining good urinary health in reducing the risk of stroke.
While these findings are promising, it is important to note that these treatments must be administered very early after a stroke to be effective. The team is now working on developing ways to make these treatments more accessible and efficient, with the hope of one day providing effective treatment for all stroke patients.
Jun Chen, M.D., Ph.D., co-senior author, states that he feels for the first time that he is seeing a promising future for clinical translation that will benefit patients. This breakthrough research offers hope for the millions of people affected by stroke each year, and could potentially revolutionise the way we approach stroke treatment in the future.
- The discovery of B cells' crucial role in providing protection against ischemic stroke, reported in the journal Nature, suggests potential new therapies and treatments for stroke patients.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, passive stretching has been found to improve blood flow and potentially reduce stroke risk, especially in light of increased stroke risk due to inflammation caused by infections like COVID-19.
- Mental-health is also a crucial aspect of stroke care, as researchers have found that the risk of stroke is more than five times higher during the week following a hospital visit for a UTI, underscoring the importance of maintaining good urinary health for stroke prevention.
