The mechanisms that regulate neuronal pyroptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: current theories and recent advances

Abstract

Early or ultra-early pharmacological thrombolysis together with mechanical thrombectomy are key treatments for ischemic stroke, and both are aimed at vascular recanalization and improved collateral circulation. While these methods enhance tissue perfusion in the ischemic penumbra, they also trigger complex neurotoxic reactions, including apoptosis, acidosis, ion imbalance, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis, exacerbating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Pyroptosis, a recently discovered form of programmed cell death driven by inflammation, plays a significant role in neuronal death during CIRI. This study reviews the regulatory mechanisms of pyroptosis in CIRI.

Keywords

ischemia-reperfusion injury / pyroptosis / connexin 43