Mini review: neuroprotection of nanomaterials containing antioxidants in cerebral ischemia models

Resumo

Stroke, especially ischemic stroke, is a major public health problem worldwide, however, currently there are few treatments available for this disease. Antioxidants have been the target of searches for new therapies, but many of their properties hinder pharmacological use, such as low bioavailability and autoxidation. Nanotechnology can be used to improve these properties and deliver the compounds to the brain. Thus, this integrative review analyzed studies that have used nanostructures containing actives with antioxidant properties with protective effects against the damage followed cerebral ischemia. The results indicated that all the nanostructured actives used had efficient neuroprotective action and antioxidant potential, both in vitro and in vivo, which was demonstrated by the increase in the levels of antioxidant enzyme activities, decrease on lipid peroxidation, and reduction on cellular apoptosis and tissue infarction. Several studies also showed additional neurobehavioral improvement in rodents. Therefore, the nanostructuring of active compounds with antioxidant properties can be a good adjuvant in the treatment of the ischemic stroke, as it can effectively enhance the bioavailability of these compounds and provide better access to the damaged region to induce protection to the brain.