The role of citicoline in neuroprotection and neurorepair in ischemic stroke

José Álvarez-Sabín, Gustavo C. Román

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Advances in acute stroke therapy resulting from thrombolytic treatment, endovascular procedures, and stroke units have improved significantly stroke survival and prognosis; however, for the large majority of patients lacking access to advanced therapies stroke mortality and residual morbidity remain high and many patients become incapacitated by motor and cognitive deficits, with loss of independence in activities of daily living. Therefore, over the past several years, research has been directed to limit the brain lesions produced by acute ischemia (neuroprotection) and to increase the recovery, plasticity and neuroregenerative processes that complement rehabilitation and enhance the possibility of recovery and return to normal functions (neurorepair). Citicoline has therapeutic effects at several stages of the ischemic cascade in acute ischemic stroke and has demonstrated efficiency in a multiplicity of animal models of acute stroke. Long-term treatment with citicoline is safe and effective, improving post-stroke cognitive decline and enhancing patients' functional recovery. Prolonged citicoline administration at optimal doses has been demonstrated to be remarkably well tolerated and to enhance endogenous mechanisms of neurogenesis and neurorepair contributing to physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1395-1414
Number of pages20
JournalBrain Sciences
Volume3
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2013

Keywords

  • Citicoline
  • Hemorrhagic stroke
  • Ischemic stroke
  • Neurogenesis
  • Neuronal plasticity
  • Neuroprotection
  • Neurorepair
  • Synaptogenesis
  • Vascular cognitive disorders
  • Vascular dementia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of citicoline in neuroprotection and neurorepair in ischemic stroke'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this