Effect of Cerebrolysin on circulating tight junction proteins after reperfusion therapy

Prof. Michalak discussed tight junction proteins and their role in maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Tight junctions, including transmembrane proteins (occludin, claudin, Junctional adhesion molecules) and cytoplasmic proteins (ZO-1), are crucial for controlling molecular transport and cell migration. Disruption of these proteins, caused by ischemia, hypoxia, inflammation, or oxidative stress, can lead to hemorrhagic transformation and futile reperfusion after stroke, despitesuccessful mechanical thrombectomy.

The presentation emphasized Cerebrolysin, a cerebroprotective agent, which stabilizes the BBB, reduces inflammatory response, protects against apoptosis and enhances neurogenesis. Experimental and clinical studies show that Cerebrolysin increases expression of tight junctions proteins in brain vessels while reducing their release into the blood, indicating BBB stabilization.