ABSTRACT
Objective
Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide with more than half of survivors living with serious neurological sequelae thus, it has recently attracted considerable attention in the field of medical research. Neurogenesis is the process of formation of new neurons in the brain, including the human brain, from neural stem/progenitor cells [NS/PCs] which reside in neurogenic niches that contain the necessary substances for NS/PC proliferation, differentiation, migration, and maturation into functioning neurons which can integrate into a pre-existing neural network.
Neurogenesis can be modulated by many exogenous and endogenous factors, pathological conditions. Both brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and flavonoids can modulate the neurogenic process in physiological conditions and after various pathological conditions including ischemic insults.
Aims
This review aims to discuss neurogenesis after ischemic insults and to determine the role of flavonoids and BDNF on neurogenesis under physiological and pathological conditions with a concentration on ischemic insults to the brain in particular.
Method
Relevant articles assessing the impact of flavonoids and BDNF on neurogenic processes in various physiological/pathological conditions including ischemic insults within the timeline of 1965 until 2023 were searched using the PubMed database.
Conclusions
The selected studies have shown that ischemic insults to the brain induce NS/PC proliferation, differentiation, migration, and maturation into functioning neurons integrating into a pre-existing neural network. Flavonoids and BDNF can modulate neurogenesis in the brain in various physiological/pathological conditions including ischemic insults. In conclusion, flavonoids and BDNF may be involved in post-ischemic brain repair processes through enhancing endogenous neurogenesis.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Esen Yılmaz
Esen Yilmaz, MD, PhD at Medical Physiology, Research Areas, Neurogenesis.
Saltuk Bugra Baltaci
Saltuk Bugra Baltaci, PhD Medical Physiology, Dr. Lecturer, Istanbul Medipol University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Research Areas, Treatment Methods in LTP and Brain Ischemia-Reperfusion.
Rasim Mogulkoc
Rasim Mogulkoc, PhD in Medical Physiology, professor in the Department of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine, his research interests are brain ischemia-reperfusion and flavonoids.
Abdulkerim Kasım Baltaci
Abdulkerim Kasım Baltaci, PhD in Medical Physiology, professor in the Department of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine, his research interests are the effects of zinc and zinc carrier proteins on body functions.