Current Synthesis and Systematic Review of Main Eﬀects of Calf Blood Deproteinized Medicine (Actovegin®) in Ischemic Stroke

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093181 · Published: April 30, 2020

Simple Explanation

This paper reviews the effects of Actovegin®, a calf blood extract, on ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked. The review looks at how Actovegin® might help protect the brain after a stroke. The study found that Actovegin® may help by improving tissue oxidation, energy metabolism, and glucose availability. It also reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death processes that can worsen brain damage after a stroke. The authors conclude that because there is no definitive cure for brain damage, Actovegin® warrants further study. Its benefits, like neuroprotective and metabolic effects, could contribute to an integrated treatment approach for stroke patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Level 3: Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Actovegin® improves tissue oxygen and glucose consumption and energy production, especially in the hippocampus, an area linked to learning and memory.
2
Actovegin® reduces oxidative stress by inhibiting the nuclear enzyme poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), which can compromise glycolysis and mitochondria respiration, leading eventually to cellular death.
3
Actovegin® reduces apoptosis processes induced by beta amyloid peptides (Aβ25–35).

Research Summary

This systematic review examines the potential benefits of Actovegin® in treating ischemic stroke, focusing on its pleiotropic actions on injury pathways. The review highlights Actovegin®'s actions in targeting tissue oxidation, energy metabolism, and glucose availability, combating ischemic processes and oxidative stress, and decreasing inflammation and apoptosis-like processes. The conclusion suggests that Actovegin® warrants further study as a potential therapeutic agent, given the limited options for definitively healing CNS lesions, emphasizing the need for periodic reassessment of its benefits and risks.

Practical Implications

Further Research

Encourages more in-depth studies into Actovegin®'s mechanisms and clinical efficacy in stroke patients.

Therapeutic Potential

Highlights the potential of Actovegin® as part of an integrated treatment approach for ischemic stroke, focusing on its neuroprotective and metabolic effects.

Clinical Management

Suggests that clinicians should consider Actovegin® as a therapeutic option, within a balanced risk-benefit assessment, for stroke patients, especially given the limited definitive treatments for CNS lesions.

Study Limitations

1
The bibliographic resources regarding the use of Actovegin® in ischemic stroke are scarce.
2
The difficulty in identifying the effects of each compound separately within Actovegin® due to its complex mixture of bioactive components.
3
Potential missed works despite rigorous selection filters due to the mixed course of collecting bibliographic resources.

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