Anti-apoptotic and angiogenic effects of intelectin-1 in rat cerebral ischemia

Ischemic stroke is an acute life-threatening disease, which causes neurological dysfunction. The formation of new blood vessels around the infarct is vital to the restoration of perfusion and healing of brain tissue. Studies have shown that intelectin-1 (omentin) promotes endothelial cell function and angiogenesis in response to ischemia and inhibits apoptosis in rats with unilateral hind limb surgery. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective role of intelectin-1 following focal cerebral ischemia. We specifically assessed the effect of increased expression of intelectin-1 in promoting angiogenesis and reducing apoptosis. The treatment was administered using a lentiviral vector, 7 days prior to surgery. The surgery was performed using the established middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats, and the outcome was evaluated 7 days after injury. Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in brain infarction volume following LV-intelectin-1 treatment. Additionally, CD34 and capillary density were increased in the cerebral ischemic penumbra. Real-time PCR and Western blot revealed an increased expression of intelectin-1, and phosphorylation of eNOS and AKT with enhanced expression of bcl-2 in brain tissues. These data suggest that the successful delivery of LV-intelectin-1 ameliorated ischemic brain injury. It promoted endothelial cell function and revasc ularization, and inhibited apoptosis in response to ischemia by stimulating the Akt-eNOS signaling pathway.