A new study has revealed a new kind of microglia that is associated with stroke in the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injured brain.
Microglia are the primary immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), they are known to eliminate unwanted germs and debris and remove dying neurons.
Researchers led by Professor Sung Ho Park, in collaboration with a research team, led by Professor Goo Taeg Oh from Ewha Womans University, which are associated with Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have identified a type of microglia that has protective a function.
The new type of microglia identified by the researchers has enhanced antioxidant function and markers similar to those of disease-associated microglia (DAM), these were designated as stroke-associated (SAM).
By use of animal experiments, researchers were able to demonstrate that the presence of the typical antioxidant gene, Peroxiredoxi-1 (Prdx1), protects against acute I/R injury and is required for SAM activation and the consequent reduction go microglial cell death and inflammatory responses.
Additionally, after performing transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) surgery to induce ischemic stroke in mice.
The research team discovered that Prdx1 mice were more severely injured by acute I/R injury.
This was confirmed by TTC staining, neurological deficit scores, motor tests and the survival rate, indicating that Prdx1 has a protective function.
Leader of the study, Professor Sung Ho Park says: “In this study, we have, for the first time, identified a specialised and distinctive type of microglia with enhanced antioxidant function in stroke mice.
“Prdx1-dependent SAM may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for protecting microglial function and treating brain I/R injury.
“Although this new cluster will require further study, our findings provide a new perspective that Prdx1-mediated microglial heterogeneity is important in ischemic stroke.”
