New insights into mechanism for the effect of resveratrol preconditioning against cerebral ischemic stroke: Possible role of matrix metalloprotease-9

SummaryResveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, is found in a few edible materials and is well known for its phytoestrogenic and antioxidant properties. A growing body of in vivo and in vitro evidence indicates that resveratrol has protective effect on cerebral ischemic stroke. Here, we review the effect of resveratrol on cerebral ischemic stroke, and propose a possible mechanism. During acute phases after stroke, resveratrol preconditioning suppresses matrix metalloprotease-9 activity to ameliorate blood–brain barrier disruption, edema formation and neuronal cell death caused by ischemia and reperfusion. But during delayed phases after stroke, resveratrol preconditioning conduces to cerebral angiogenesis and brain regeneration through increasing matrix metalloprotease-9 activity and expression. Resveratrol’s effect on matrix metalloprotease-9 is distinguishing in different phases because of temporal and spatial redistribution of matrix metalloprotease-9 within the cells of the neurovascular unit after cerebral ischemia. This paper also hypothesizes that resveratrol treatment after cerebral ischemia might be beneficial for cerebral angiogenesis and brain regeneration during delayed phases after stroke.