Aquaporin-4 in Cerebral Edema Following Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Exploration of Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Purpose of Review: Although multifaceted factors contribute towards the high mortality and morbidity associated with cerebral ischemia, the development of cerebral edema with brain swelling remains the most significant predictor of the outcome. The present review summarizes the most recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms associated with development of ischemia/reperfusion induced cerebral edema, and highlights possible therapeutic intervention with a focus on Aquaporin-4 as a target. Recent Findings: Although a many factors have emerged as candidate mediators of cerebral edema inhibition following cerebral ischemia but Aquaporins remain as the most potential mediators amongst all of them. A many pharmacological molecule are used to treat brain swelling after brain stroke but targeting Aquaporin-4 by Piroxicam a NSAID is first to be worked out by us which have novel outcome with multidimensional neuroprotective action following cerebral ischemia in animal model. Summary: Obliterating blood–brain barrier permeability is the most approaching strategy to manage brain edema and associated swelling but acting on protein like Aquaporin-4 may act as a time ahead approach to intervene brain edema following cerebral ischemia and any pharmacological molecule able to modulate this can be a successful therapeutic strategy.