Argon: a novel therapeutic option to treat neuronal ischemia and reperfusion injuries?

Abstract

Neuronal injury and neuroprotection: Ischemia and reperfusion injuries in neuronal cells such as acute ischemic stroke - represent the third leading cause of death in the world. Current therapeutic concepts mainly aim to re-establish cerebral blood flow within a time window of less than 3 hours with the goal of limiting secondary brain injury. Secondary brain injury of the “penumbra” develops exponentially, causing severe mental and physical disabilities. The resulting morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages leads to an enormous economic burden. Neurons are well-known to possess a limited potential to recover and regenerate their basic function once damaged. Therefore the protection and especially the therapy of neuronal injuries in cells and organ systems has emerged as a major focus of research in recent years. The aim is to maximize neuronal function not only by restoring sufficient blood flow to the areas at risk, but also by protecting neuronal cells with various novel interventions. Many of these interventions, such as intravascular cooling, focus on the reduction of neuronal metabolism in an effort to induce protection.