beware of calcium overload

Beware of too much calcium. Already implicated in memory loss, too much calcium can increase the risk of having a stroke. This discovery, made by American researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, offers doctors a new approach to reduce the risk of stroke in patients. The results of the work were published on November 9 in the journal Stroke.

Soccer waves

Immune cells, called microglia, are flooded with calcium waves following ischemic strokes, which are caused by a disruption of blood flow to the brain. “These calcium waves trigger harmful inflammation that can worsen the effects of the stroke“Continues Petr Tvrdik, author of the study. Blocking these calcium waves can help control harmful inflammation and offer doctors a way to reduce the consequences of ischemic stroke.”This publication culminates in several years of research on this hitherto unrecognized aspect of stroke pathology.“Said Petr Tvrdik.

For several years, lack of blood flow to the brain during ischemic strokes has been shown to cause surges of abnormal brain activity, called cortical propagating depolarizations (CSDs). These waves are harmful and can lead to further brain damage. While working on mice, the scientists found that ischemic strokes trigger calcium waves that pass through microglial immune cells. This calcium overload “triggers CSDs on a recurring and progressive basis“The researchers noted.

An already promising drug

The researchers went further and used a drug aimed at reducing calcium waves. The results showed a 25% reduction in these waves in the mouse. This gives hope that a similar approach can be used to reduce the damaging effects of calcium waves in stroke patients “,although more research is needed“, They add.