|
||
| |||||||
|
Fractalkine receptor antagonists: Novel approaches to stroke Stroke is a common cardiovascular disorder affecting 600,000 Americans each year. The treatment of ischemic stroke remains one of the most challenging areas of medicine today. At present, only one agent is approved (Alteplase, rt-PA), and for only a brief window of time (onset of symptoms, for less than three hours). Alteplase acts as a thrombolytic, allowing reperfusion; however, this re-establishment of blood flow can in its own right cause further problems through the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the production of free radicals. Due to the paucity of effective treatments stroke is the most common cause of long-term serious disability in the US, with about 50% of patients suffering moderate or severe hemiplegia. Between 15-30% of ischemic stroke victims are permanently disabled, and 20% require prolonged institutional care. Thus improved treatments of stroke are required and those that target the inflammatory process may be of particular use. In this respect, fractalkine (also known as neurotactin) offers exciting possibilities. This CX(3)C chemokine is upregulated during brain inflammation, and there is accumulating evidence that it induces chemotaxis by binding to its receptor CX(3)CR1 on leukocytes and microglia. Harvard researchers have now generated fractalkine-deficient mice to study its role in post-ischemic brain injury. After transient focal cerebral ischemia, fractalkine-deficient mice had a 28% reduction in infarction size and lower mortality rate, when compared to wild-type littermates. The findings of this study indicate a possible role for fractalkine in augmenting postischemic injury and mortality after transient focal cerebral ischemia and offers direct evidence that the identification of CX(3)CR1 antagonists may contribute to improved treatment of stroke..
Adapted from Soriano et al, J Neuroimmunol 2002 Apr;125(1-2):59-65 Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
|
| ||||||||
