Therapeutic potential of hepatocyte growth factor against cerebral ischemia (review)

Abstract

The effective treatment for cerebral ischemia has not yet been established. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent pleiotropic cytokine that is involved in cell and tissue regeneration, including in the central nervous system. Studies have demonstrated that an exogenous administra­tion of HGF protects brain tissue from ischemic damage. In response to binding to the receptor cMet, HGF activates the downstream signaling pathways (including the phospha­tidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, Ras/MAPK and signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways) which leads to various cellular responses involved in angiogenesis, glial scar forma­tion, antiapoptosis and neurogenesis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the present understanding of the thera­peutic potential of HGF in cerebral ischemia.