Neuroprotective drugs

Abstract

Cerebral nerve injury is a critical condition and one often encountered in the management of patients in the clinical field. Pathological conditions such as cerebral ischemia, head trauma, and hypoxia can result in marked impairment of cerebral function, even if the patient's life is saved. We have been studying the mechanisms underlying pathologically induced neuronal cell death with the aim of developing new therapeutic methods of minimizing neuronal damage after insult. Many advances have been made in intensive care technologies aimed at salvaging neuronal cells on the brink of death and recovering brain function as our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon has deepened. A breakthrough has yet to be achieved, however, in the development of effective therapies. Many potential treatments for brain injury have been identified in experimental studies, and a number of neuroprotective drugs have undergone preclinical development. None of this, however, has translated into clinical success. There are many reasons for these contradictory results, including the different types of brain injury and therapeutic window involved. Here, we outline the current status of neuroprotective agents, both preclinically and clinically, and also identify problems associated with translating neuroprotection from bench to bedside.