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Therapeutic potential of targeting hydrogen peroxide metabolism in the treatment of brain ischaemia
Author(s) -
Armogida Marta,
Nisticò Robert,
Mercuri Nicola Biagio
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01912.x
Subject(s) - neuroprotection , superoxide dismutase , glutathione peroxidase , catalase , pharmacology , hydrogen peroxide , ischaemic stroke , in vivo , reactive oxygen species , superoxide , stroke (engine) , ischemia , neuroscience , antioxidant , enzyme , biochemistry , chemistry , medicine , biology , genetics , mechanical engineering , engineering
For many years after its discovery, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) was viewed as a toxic molecule to human tissues; however, in light of recent findings, it is being recognized as an ubiquitous endogenous molecule of life as its biological role has been better elucidated. Indeed, increasing evidence suggests that H 2 O 2 may act as a second messenger with a pro‐survival role in several physiological processes. In addition, our group has recently demonstrated neuroprotective effects of H 2 O 2 on in vitro and in vivo ischaemic models through a catalase (CAT) enzyme‐mediated mechanism. Therefore, the present review summarizes experimental data supporting a neuroprotective potential of H 2 O 2 in ischaemic stroke that has been principally achieved by means of pharmacological and genetic strategies that modify either the activity or the expression of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and CAT enzymes, which are key regulators of H 2 O 2 metabolism. It also critically discusses a translational impact concerning the role played by H 2 O 2 in ischaemic stroke. Based on these data, we hope that further research will be done in order to better understand the mechanisms underlying H 2 O 2 functions and to promote successful H 2 O 2 signalling based therapy in ischaemic stroke.