Neuropeptides MIF and Selank Show Promise in Experimental Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding into the brain, is a devastating condition with high mortality and severe long-term disability. Current treatments primarily focus on managing acute symptoms and preventing re-bleeding, but effective neuroprotective strategies to minimize brain damage and improve functional recovery are still lacking. This study investigates the potential of two neuropeptides, MIF (Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor) and Selank, as therapeutic agents for hemorrhagic stroke in an experimental setting, specifically addressing their efficacy when administered via intraperitoneal injection.

Both neuropeptides significantly improved neurological outcomes and reduced brain injury. The MIF group showed a 38% improvement in neurological deficit scores by day 7 compared to vehicle (p<0.01), while the Selank group demonstrated a 32% improvement (p<0.05). Brain edema was notably reduced, with MIF leading to a 28% decrease and Selank a 25% decrease in water content in the peri-hematomal region (p<0.01 for both). Histological analysis revealed a significant reduction in hematoma volume and neuronal cell death. > The most striking finding was a 43% reduction in total infarct volume in the MIF-treated group and a 37% reduction in the Selank-treated group compared to controls (p<0.001 for both), indicating substantial neuroprotection. Furthermore, both treatments significantly suppressed inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-alpha by over 50% and reduced caspase-3 activity, a key apoptotic enzyme, by 45% and 40% respectively (p<0.01).