Molecular Basis of Sex Difference in Neuroprotection induced by Hypoxia Preconditioning in Zebrafish.

Hypoxia, the major cause of ischemic injury, leads to debilitating disease in infants via birth asphyxia and cerebral palsy, whereas in adults via heart attack and stroke. A widespread, natural protective phenomenon termed 'hypoxic preconditioning' (PH) occurs when prior exposures to hypoxia eventually result in robust hypoxia resistance. Accordingly, we have developed and optimized a novel model of hypoxic preconditioning in adult zebrafish to mimic the tolerance of mini stroke(s) in human, which appears to protect against the severe damage inflicted by a major stroke event.

Revealing sex-specific molecular changes in hypoxia-ischemia induced neural damage and subsequent recovery using zebrafish model.

Functional recovery from hypoxia-ischemia depends on an individual's response to the ischemic damage and recovery. Many of the neurological disorders, including cerebral stroke have sex-specific characteristics. Deciphering the differential molecular mechanisms of sex-specific recovery from hypoxic-ischemic insult can improve medical practice in the treatment of cerebral stroke.