Astroglial Cells: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury
Wojciech Czyżewski, Marek Mazurek, Leon Sakwa, Michał Szymoniuk, Jennifer T. Pham, Barbara Pasierb, Jakub Litak, Ewa Czyżewska, Michał Turek, Bartłomiej Piotrowski, Kamil Torres, Radosław Rola
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represents a significant health concern, necessitating advanced therapeutic interventions. This detailed review explores the critical roles of astrocytes, key cellular constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), in both the pathophysiology and possible rehabilitation of TBI. Following injury, astrocytes exhibit reactive transformations, differentiating into pro-inflammatory (A1) and neuroprotective (A2) phenotypes. This paper elucidates the interactions of astrocytes with neurons, their role in neuroinflammation, and the potential for their therapeutic exploitation. Emphasized strategies encompass the utilization of endocannabinoid and calcium signaling pathways, hormone-based treatments like 17β-estradiol, biological therapies employing anti-HBGB1 monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy targeting Connexin 43, and the innovative technique of astrocyte transplantation as a means to repair damaged neural tissues.