Caspase Inhibitors

Abstract

In ischemic stroke, apoptosis persists for days to weeks after the onset of an ischemic event. Cysteine-ASPartic proteASEs (caspases) are key mediators of apoptosis and neurodegeneration in stroke. The impact of caspase activity is not restricted to neuronal death, as caspases can exacerbate inflammation and alter glial function. Thus, caspases are logical therapeutic targets for this disease, but they have never been clinically evaluated due to a paucity of ideal drug candidates. Recent developments in caspase inhibition and drug delivery offer novel neuroprotective strategies for stroke, which are deliberated in this review.

Endothelial cell-derived exosomes protect SH-SY5Y nerve cells against ischemia/reperfusion injury

“…No effective therapy is currently available for treating cerebral ischemia ( 5 ). Evidence from clinical and in vivo studies suggest that apoptosis of nerve cells produce significant benefits for cerebral ischemia injury ( 6 ). A possible mechanism is thought to be associated with endothelial dysfunction in cerebral ischemia ( 7 ).…”

Suppression of microRNA‐144‐3p attenuates oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation‐induced neuronal injury by promoting Brg1/Nrf2/ARE signaling

“…Ischemia and reperfusion in the brain results in hypoxia, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress leading to neuron necrosis and apoptosis . Evidence has suggested that preventing neuronal injury leads to significant benefits for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury . Therefore, it is of great importance to gain a better understanding of the delicate mechanism of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury underlying ischemia/reperfusion injury‐induced neuronal injury, which may help the development of novel and effective therapies for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.…”

Prospective clinical biomarkers of caspase-mediated apoptosis associated with neuronal and neurovascular damage following stroke and other severe brain injuries: Implications for chronic neurodegeneration

“…Thus, taking into account the brain's very limited capacity for neurogenesis and regeneration,[ 38 40 41 42 43 44 ] apoptotic cell death pathways may represent potential targets for therapeutic treatment of brain injuries and stroke. [ 45 ] In the CNS, necrosis primarily occurs in neurons whereas apoptosis is present in both in neuronal and nonneuronal cells. Understanding of the detailed molecular mechanisms and recognition of spatiotemporal profiles of apoptotic pathways in different acute brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases are an important step for target-based development of novel therapeutic strategies for acute injury as well as neurological disorders.…”

“…Preclinical evidence indicates that delayed activation of caspase-mediated apoptosis following stroke, TBI, intracerebral hemorrhage, and SAH primarily occurs in potentially treatable penumbral and perilesional areas providing potential therapeutic opportunities for targeting apoptotic pathways to limit the expansion of brain lesions. [ 45 176 ]…”