Abstract
BackgroundStroke occurs more frequently in the elderly population and presents the number one leading cause of persistent disability worldwide. Lack of effective treatment to enhance brain repair and improve functional restoration in chronic stroke, the recovery phase of stroke, is a challenging medical problem to be solved in stroke research. Our early study has revealed the therapeutic effects of stem cell factor (SCF) in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) (SCF+G-CSF) on chronic stroke in young animals. However, whether this treatment is effective and safe to the aged population remains to be determined.MethodsCortical brain ischemia was produced in aged C57BL mice or aged spontaneously hypertensive rats. SCF+G-CSF or equal volume of vehicle solution was subcutaneously injected for 7 days beginning at 3–4 months after induction of cortical brain ischemia. Using the approaches of biochemistry assays, flow cytometry, pathology, and evaluation of functional outcome, several doses of SCF+G-CSF have been examined for their safety and efficiency on chronic stroke in aged animals.ResultsAll tested doses did not show acute or chronic toxicity in the aged animals. Additionally, SCF+G-CSF treatment in chronic stroke of aged animals mobilized bone marrow stem cells and improved functional outcome in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionsSCF+G-CSF treatment is a safe and effective approach to chronic stroke in the aged condition. This study provides important information needed for developing a new therapeutic strategy to improve the health of older adults with chronic stroke.
Highlights
Stroke occurs more frequently in the elderly population and presents the number one leading cause of persistent disability worldwide
The safety and efficiency of stem cell factor (SCF)+granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment on chronic stroke in aged mice Aged mice with experimental cortical stroke were randomly divided into 7 groups at 3–4 months after induction of cortical infarction: a saline control group and 6 groups with different tested doses
We observed that the levels of neither the liver function-related enzymes nor the kidney function-related chemicals were significantly increased by any dose of SCF+G-CSF (Figure 1)
Summary
Stroke occurs more frequently in the elderly population and presents the number one leading cause of persistent disability worldwide. Our early study has revealed the therapeutic effects of stem cell factor (SCF) in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) (SCF+G-CSF) on chronic stroke in young animals. Whether this treatment is effective and safe to the aged population remains to be determined. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for treatment of ischemic stroke patients in the acute phase [2]. This thrombolytic therapy must be initiated within 4.5 h of stroke onset. The effective intervention that can enhance stroke rehabilitation in the chronic phase is a critical need
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