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Review
. 2024 Jan 12;13(2):148.
doi: 10.3390/cells13020148.

Astroglial Cells: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury

Wojciech Czyżewski  1   2 , Marek Mazurek  2 , Leon Sakwa  3 , Michał Szymoniuk  4 , Jennifer Pham  5 , Barbara Pasierb  6 , Jakub Litak  7 , Ewa Czyżewska  8 , Michał Turek  5 , Bartłomiej Piotrowski  9 , Kamil Torres  1 , Radosław Rola  2
Affiliations
Review

Astroglial Cells: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury

Wojciech Czyżewski et al. Cells. .

Abstract

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represents a significant health concern, necessitating advanced therapeutic interventions. This detailed review explores the critical roles of astrocytes, key cellular constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), in both the pathophysiology and possible rehabilitation of TBI. Following injury, astrocytes exhibit reactive transformations, differentiating into pro-inflammatory (A1) and neuroprotective (A2) phenotypes. This paper elucidates the interactions of astrocytes with neurons, their role in neuroinflammation, and the potential for their therapeutic exploitation. Emphasized strategies encompass the utilization of endocannabinoid and calcium signaling pathways, hormone-based treatments like 17β-estradiol, biological therapies employing anti-HBGB1 monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy targeting Connexin 43, and the innovative technique of astrocyte transplantation as a means to repair damaged neural tissues.

Keywords: astrocytes; astroglia; traumatic brain injury.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cascade of neuroinflammation in Traumatic Brain Injury: DAMPs, glial activation, and systemic consequences.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Consequences of stimulation A1 and A2 astrocytes in response to neuronal damage.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diagram of astrogliosis induced by TGF-β and Smad 2/3 signaling pathway and its effects.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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