Exploring the Role of MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 Ratio in Subacute Stroke Recovery: A Prospective Observational Study.

Despite the significant changes that unfold during the subacute phase of stroke, few studies have examined recovery abilities during this critical period. As neuroinflammation subsides and tissue degradation diminishes, the processes of neuroplasticity and angiogenesis intensify. An important factor in brain physiology and pathology, particularly neuroplasticity, is matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9).

Circulating Serum VEGF, IGF-1 and MMP-9 and Expression of Their Genes as Potential Prognostic Markers of Recovery in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation-A Prospective Observational Study.

The key period in post-stroke recovery is the first three months due to the high activity of spontaneous and therapeutic-induced processes related to neuroplasticity, angiogenesis and reperfusion. Therefore, the present study examines the expression of VEGF, IGF-1 and MMP-9 proteins and their genes to identify biomarkers that can prognose brain repair ability and thus estimate the outcome of stroke. It also identifies possible associations with clinical scales, including cognitive assessment and depression scales.

Neuroimaging Techniques as Potential Tools for Assessment of Angiogenesis and Neuroplasticity Processes after Stroke and Their Clinical Implications for Rehabilitation and Stroke Recovery Prognosis.

Stroke as the most frequent cause of disability is a challenge for the healthcare system as well as an important socio-economic issue. Therefore, there are currently a lot of studies dedicated to stroke recovery. Stroke recovery processes include angiogenesis and neuroplasticity and advances in neuroimaging techniques may provide indirect description of this action and become quantifiable indicators of these processes as well as responses to the therapeutical interventions.

Novel Advances to Post-Stroke Aphasia Pharmacology and Rehabilitation.

Aphasia is one of the most common clinical features of functional impairment after a stroke. Approximately 21-40% of stroke patients sustain permanent aphasia, which progressively worsens one's quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes. Post-stroke aphasia treatment strategies include speech language therapies, cognitive neurorehabilitation, telerehabilitation, computer-based management, experimental pharmacotherapy, and physical medicine.

Biomarkers of Angiogenesis and Neuroplasticity as Promising Clinical Tools for Stroke Recovery Evaluation.

Several key issues impact the clinical practice of stroke rehabilitation including a patient's medical history, stroke experience, the potential for recovery, and the selection of the most effective type of therapy. Until clinicians have answers to these concerns, the treatment and rehabilitation are rather intuitive, with standard procedures carried out based on subjective estimations using clinical scales. Therefore, there is a need to find biomarkers that could predict brain recovery potential in stroke patients.

New Strategies for Rehabilitation and Pharmacological Treatment of Fatigue Syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with an inflammatory demyelinating basis and a progressive course. The course of the disease is very diverse and unpredictable. Patients face many problems on a daily basis, such as problems with vision; sensory, balance, and gait disturbances; pain; muscle weakness; spasticity; tremor; urinary and fecal disorders; depression; and rapidly growing fatigue, which significantly influences quality of life among MS patients.