Advances in nanomedicines: a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic cerebral stroke treatment

Nanomedicine (Lond). 2024 Apr;19(9):811-835. doi: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0266. Epub 2024 Mar 6.

Abstract

Ischemic stroke, prevalent among the elderly, necessitates attention to reperfusion injury post treatment. Limited drug access to the brain, owing to the blood-brain barrier, restricts clinical applications. Identifying efficient drug carriers capable of penetrating this barrier is crucial. Blood-brain barrier transporters play a vital role in nutrient transport to the brain. Recently, nanoparticles emerged as drug carriers, enhancing drug permeability via surface-modified ligands. This article introduces the blood-brain barrier structure, elucidates reperfusion injury pathogenesis, compiles ischemic stroke treatment drugs, explores nanomaterials for drug encapsulation and emphasizes their advantages over conventional drugs. Utilizing nanoparticles as drug-delivery systems offers targeting and efficiency benefits absent in traditional drugs. The prospects for nanomedicine in stroke treatment are promising.

Keywords: blood–brain barrier; ischemic stroke; nanoparticles; reperfusion injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain Ischemia* / drug therapy
  • Drug Carriers / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Stroke* / drug therapy
  • Nanomedicine
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Reperfusion Injury* / drug therapy
  • Stroke* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Drug Carriers