Stroke endangers people's health, and the "China Brain Project" brings hope for recovery!

In January 2023, Tong Xiaoping's research team from Songjiang Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , in collaboration with Wan Jieqing's research team from the affiliated Renji Hospital, published their latest research results entitled "Kir4.1 channel activation in NG2 glia contributes toremyelination in ischemic stroke" in the internationally authoritative journal eBioMedicine, a subsidiary of Lacent. They applied transgenic technology, visualized whole-cell patch clamp recording, transmission electron microscopy, small animal magnetic resonance imaging, in vivo behavioral analysis and other experimental techniques to reveal the new mechanism of the effect of NG2 glial cells on neuronal demyelination caused by ischemic stroke.

The stroke mentioned in the study, also known as cerebrovascular accident or stroke , is a major disease that affects the health of Chinese residents. It can cause clinical symptoms such as limb paralysis (hemiplegia), language disorders, dysphagia, cognitive impairment, and mental depression. It has the characteristics of high incidence, high recurrence rate, high disability rate, high mortality rate, heavy economic burden, and great harm to society and family. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, one person in the world suffers a stroke every 6 seconds, and one person dies or becomes permanently disabled due to a stroke every 21 seconds. In the National Science and Technology Innovation 2030-"Brain Science and Brain-like Research" major project, namely the "China Brain Project" , scientists are actively looking for the pathogenesis of stroke, as well as exploring and digging out disease prevention and treatment strategies for stroke from the root and source.

● Progress in brain science in stroke research

1. Innovation in brain imaging technology

The development of brain science is inseparable from advanced imaging technology. In the study of cerebrovascular diseases, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and high-resolution angiography provide doctors with non-invasive means to observe cerebral blood flow, brain tissue damage and neural network reorganization. These technologies not only help to make a clear diagnosis in the early stage of stroke, but also help doctors assess the prognosis of patients.

2. Research on neuroprotective mechanisms

After a stroke, the death of nerve cells and damage to brain tissue is a complex process. Brain science research is committed to revealing the neuroprotective mechanism in this process, in order to find treatments that can reduce brain cell death and promote brain tissue repair. For example, researchers have tried and found a natural Chinese herbal compound, luteolin, that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and cause the opening of Kir4.1 ion channels. Treating mice with cerebral ischemia with luteolin can increase the Kir4.1 channel current of NG2 glial cells, further promote axonal myelin regeneration, reduce the area of ​​cerebral infarction in mice, and ultimately improve the neuromotor function of mice.

3. Exploration of neuroplasticity

The phenomenon of "functional reorganization" can be observed in stroke patients. For example, if the area of ​​the brain that controls arm movement is damaged, other undamaged areas may take over this function and restore some arm movement function. This is a manifestation of neuroplasticity, which refers to the ability of brain cells (neurons) to reorganize and adapt after injury to restore or replace lost functions. Neuroplasticity research is a cutting-edge topic in the field of brain science, which explores how the brain adapts to new situations by changing its structure and function after injury. This adaptability may be manifested as the formation of new neural connections, the strengthening of existing connections, or changes in the way signals are transmitted between neurons. In the study of stroke, the study of neuroplasticity is particularly important. By gaining a deeper understanding of how the brain repairs itself after injury, it provides a theoretical basis for the development of new treatments and rehabilitation strategies. These methods are designed to promote the self-repair process of the brain in stroke patients, help them restore lost functions, and improve their quality of life.

This area of ​​research not only brings hope for recovery to stroke patients, but also provides valuable insights into our understanding and knowledge of the complexity and resilience of the brain.

● Application of brain-like research in cerebrovascular diseases

1. Computer model simulating cerebral vascular network

An important direction of brain-like research is to build computer models that simulate the workings of the brain. In the study of cerebrovascular diseases, scientists use these models to simulate the hemodynamic changes in the cerebral vascular network and the response of brain tissue after blood vessel blockage or rupture. These models not only help us understand the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular diseases, but also provide valuable references for drug development and clinical treatment.

2. Application of artificial intelligence in disease prediction and diagnosis

The development of artificial intelligence technology has provided new possibilities for the early diagnosis and prognosis assessment of cerebrovascular diseases. By analyzing a large amount of medical imaging data, clinical information, and genetic data, artificial intelligence algorithms can assist doctors in more accurately identifying lesions, predicting disease progression, and developing personalized treatment plans.

3. Exploration of brain-computer interface in rehabilitation medicine

Brain-machine interface (BMI) technology is a technology that can convert brain activity into control signals for external devices. In the rehabilitation treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, BMI technology is expected to help patients train and recover motor function by controlling prostheses or external devices through their thoughts. This technology can not only improve the rehabilitation effect, but also enhance the patient's self-confidence and quality of life.

● Prospects and challenges

The results of brain science and brain-like research are gradually being transformed into clinical applications. For example, some drugs based on neuroprotective mechanisms have entered the clinical trial stage, which is expected to provide new treatment options for patients with cerebrovascular diseases. At the same time, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic systems have also begun to be used in hospitals to help doctors improve diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. In addition, BMI technology in rehabilitation medicine is also gradually moving from the laboratory to the clinic, bringing new hope for patients' functional recovery.

Correspondingly, brain science and brain-like research still face many challenges in the field of cerebrovascular diseases. First, the complexity of the brain and individual differences limit the universality of research results; second, the clinical transformation of new technologies requires strict safety and effectiveness verification; finally, high R&D costs and treatment costs are also one of the factors restricting the widespread application of these technologies.

● Believe

With the advancement of science and technology and the increasing attention paid by society to cerebrovascular diseases, we have reason to believe that the "China Brain Project" will continue to contribute more to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

This work was originally created by the health science team of Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine

Author: Zhu Qinting, General Practitioner, Resident Physician Standardized Training Base for Resident Physicians, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Corresponding author: Shen Hua, deputy chief physician of general practice, Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Image source: Composed by the author and then created by AI

Fund project: 2023 Science Popularization Project of Songjiang District, Shanghai

(2023SJKPZ016)