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Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases to reduce blood brain barrier disruption and haemorrhagic transformation in ischaemic stroke: Go broad or go narrow?

Kawa, Hala; Ahmed, Zubair; Majid, Arshad; Chen, Ruoli

Authors

Hala Kawa

Zubair Ahmed

Arshad Majid



Abstract

Ischaemic stroke characterises impulsive cerebral-region hypoxia due to deep intracerebral arteriole blockage, often accompanied by permanent cerebral infarction and cognitive impairment. Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and thrombectomy remain the only guidance-approved therapies. However, emerging data draws clear links between such therapies and haemorrhage transformation, which occur when cerebral vasculature is damaged during ischaemia/reperfusion. Studies have shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a significant role in haemorrhage transformation, by depleting the extracellular matrix (ECM) and disrupting the blood brain barrier (BBB). Inhibitors of MMPs may be used to prevent ischaemic stroke patients from BBB disruption and haemorrhage transformation, particularly for those receiving rtPA treatment. Preclinical studies found that inhibition of MMPs with agents or in knock out mice, effectively reduced BBB disruption and infarct volume, leading to improved ischaemic stroke outcomes. At present, MMP inhibition is not an approved therapy for stroke patients. There remain concerns about timing, dosing, duration of MMP inhibition and selection of either broad spectrum or specific MMP inhibitors for stroke patients. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on MMP inhibition in ischaemic stroke and explore whether a broad spectrum or a specific MMP inhibitor should be used for ischaemic stroke patient treatment. It is crucial to inhibit MMP activities early and sufficiently to ensure BBB intact during ischaemia and reperfusion, but also to reduce side effects of MMP inhibitors to minimum. Recent advance in stroke therapy by thrombectomy could aid in such treatment with intra-arterially delivery of MMP inhibitors (and/or antioxidants). [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.]

Citation

Kawa, H., Ahmed, Z., Majid, A., & Chen, R. (in press). Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases to reduce blood brain barrier disruption and haemorrhagic transformation in ischaemic stroke: Go broad or go narrow?. Neuropharmacology, 262, Article 110192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110192

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 14, 2024
Online Publication Date Oct 16, 2024
Deposit Date Dec 18, 2024
Journal Neuropharmacology
Print ISSN 0028-3908
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 262
Article Number 110192
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110192
Keywords Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP inhibitors, Blood brain barrier (BBB), Haemorrhage transformation, Ischaemic stroke
Public URL https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/972096
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028390824003617?via%3Dihub