The interaction between intestinal microenvironment and stroke

Abstract

Background: Stroke is not only a major cause of disability but also the third leading cause of death, following heart disease and cancer. It has been established that stroke causes permanent disability in 80% of survivors. However, current treatment options for this patient population are limited. Inflammation and immune response are major features that are well-recognized to occur after a stroke. The gastrointestinal tract hosts complex microbial communities, the largest pool of immune cells, and forms a bidirectional regulation brain-gut axis with the brain. Recent experimental and clinical studies have highlighted the importance of the relationship between the intestinal microenvironment and stroke. Over the years, the influence of the intestine on stroke has emerged as an important and dynamic research direction in biology and medicine. Aims: In this review, we describe the structure and function of the intestinal microenvironment and highlight its cross-talk relationship with stroke. In addition, we discuss potential strategies aiming to target the intestinal microenvironment during stroke treatment. Conclusion: The structure and function of the intestinal environment can influence neurological function and cerebral ischemic outcome. Improving the intestinal microenvironment by targeting the gut microbiota may be a new direction in treating stroke.