Perspectives on potential neuroprotective role of albumin in acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma and is synthesized primarily in the liver. It has a variety of biological roles, such as increasing colloid osmotic pressure, and performing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and substance transportation functions. Several studies have confirmed that albumin has neuroprotective effects and it has been used in the treatment of cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. In this review we focus on the neuroprotective effects of albumin in ischemic stroke, such as the reduction of cerebral edema, antioxidant effects, protection of neuronal cell membranes, and increased cerebral blood flow. In addition, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies of albumin in ischemic stroke. We believe that the neuroprotective role of albumin should be re-investigated in the era of reperfusion therapy.

Keywords

albumin / acute ischemic stroke / neuroprotection / reperfusion therapy