Portrait of glial scar in neurological diseases

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 2018 · DOI: 10.1177/2058738418801406 · Published: August 28, 2018

Pharmacology Neurology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Scar formation in the central nervous system (CNS) can lead to permanent deficits, especially in neurological diseases, causing loss of sensorimotor function and reduced quality of life. Glial scar formation involves the activation of astrocytes, infiltration of immune cells, and deposition of extracellular matrix, which can inhibit axonal regeneration and impede functional recovery. Recent studies suggest that glial scars can also play a role in neural protection and functional improvement, depending on the specific type of injury and the molecules and signaling involved.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Glial scar formation involves the activation of resident astrocytes, which surround the lesion core and wall off intact neurons in neurological damages.
2
Key molecules such as MMP9, AQP4, CX30, and CX43, along with transcription factors like STAT3, OLIG2, and SMAD, play crucial roles in regulating glial scar formation.
3
Neuroinflammation, involving cytokines like IL-6 and IL-1, significantly influences astrogliosis and glial scar formation after CNS injury.

Research Summary

Glial scar formation is a complex response to injury in the central nervous system, involving astrocytes, immune cells, and extracellular matrix deposition, which can both inhibit and promote neural regeneration. The specific roles of astrocytes and their responses after glial scar formation vary depending on the severity of the injury and the specific type of neurological disease. Modulation of key molecules and signaling mechanisms involved in glial scar formation may improve neuronal functional recovery and reduce the inhibitory environment in CNS injuries.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Targets

Uncovering the mechanisms of scar formation in the CNS may reveal rewarding therapeutic targets for treating CNS diseases such as chronic neuroinflammation, brain stroke, and spinal cord injury.

Functional Recovery

Modulating key molecules and signaling mechanisms involved in glial scar formation may improve neuronal functional recovery and reduce the inhibitory environment in CNS injuries.

Neuroprotection Strategies

Understanding the neuroprotective benefits of glial scars can guide the development of strategies to harness these benefits while minimizing the detrimental effects.

Study Limitations

1
The exact role of glial scar formation depends on the specific type of neurologic disease and its severity.
2
Each function of glial scars in neuropathology is determined by diverse key molecules and individual signal mechanisms.
3
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay of factors influencing glial scar formation and its impact on neurological outcomes.

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