Two-phase therapy for improving neuroprotection and neurogenesis: Preventive use of omega fatty acids plus Copolymer-1 immunization after stroke

Abstract

Stroke is a major global health issue, ranking as the second leading cause of death and the primary cause of disability worldwide. However, current therapeutic options remain limited. Nutritional supplementation as a form of primary prevention stands as a potential stroke therapeutic. In particular, the intake of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3FA) exerts anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that help reduce the risk of stroke. In parallel, treatment with Copolymer-1 (COP-1), a peptide with immunomodulatory properties through Th1/Th2/Th3 phenotype switching, similarly affords neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects in stroke models. To investigate the combined effects of these treatments, we designed a two-phase therapy: the first phase involved preventive supplementation with omega-3FA, while the second phase included COP-1 immunization following stroke injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: 1) control, 2) omega-3FA, 3) COP-1, and 4) omega-3FA + COP-1. Omega-3FAs were administered for 28 days before inducing stroke. Thirty minutes after reperfusion, the respective groups were immunized with COP-1. Seven days post-stroke, neurological deficits were assessed using the Zea-Longa scale, infarct volumes with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and levels of neurogenesis via immunofluorescence imaging. The results showed that the two-phase therapy produced significant synergistic effects, markedly reducing neurological deficits, and infarct volumes, while enhancing neurogenic activities in neurogenic niches. This combined approach underscores the potential of integrating nutritional and pharmacological strategies to enhance stroke recovery.