Proinflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Genes in Stroke Pathogenesis

The brain's response to ischemic injury is an acute and long-term inflammatory process. This process involves activation of resident cells (mainly microglia, hematogenous macrophages), production of proinflammatory mediators and infiltration of various proinflammatory cells (mainly neutrophils and lymphocytes). These cells play an essential role in ischemic brain tissue by releasing either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory mediators at different time points. However, the exact pathogenesis of proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory genes in this process has not yet been elucidated. This review aims to investigate the inflammatory process of stroke, especially the role of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in the pathogenesis of stroke. We also summarize the current clinical trials of drugs that target the inflammatory mechanism for intervention.