Neuroprotective effect of ischemic postconditioning against hyperperfusion and its mechanisms of neuroprotection.

Background: In recent years, stroke and ischemia-reperfusion injury has motivated researchers to find new ways to reduce the complications. Although reperfusion is essential for brain survival, it is like a double-edged sword that may cause further damage to the brain. Ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) refers to the control of blood flow in postischemia-reperfusion that can reduce ischemia-reperfusion injuries.

Materials and methods: Articles were collected by searching for the terms: Ischemic postconditioning and neuroprotective and ischemic postconditioning and hyperperfusion. Suitable articles were collected from electronic databases, including ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, Biological Abstract, Chemical Abstract, and Google Scholar.

Results: New investigations show that IPostC has protection against hyperperfusion by reducing the amount of blood flow during reperfusion and thus reducing infarction volume, preventing the blood-brain barrier damage, and reducing the rate of apoptosis through the activation of innate protective systems. Numerous mechanisms have been suggested for IPostC, which include reduction of free radical production, apoptosis, inflammatory factors, and activation of endogenous protective pathways.

Conclusion: It seems that postconditioning can prevent damage to the brain by reducing the flow and blood pressure caused by hyperperfusion. It can protect the brain against damages such as stroke and hyperperfusion by activating various endogenous protection systems. In the present review article, we tried to evaluate both useful aspects of IPostC, neuroprotective effects, and fight against hyperperfusion.