Minocycline for short-term neuroprotection.
Minocycline is a widely used tetracycline antibiotic. For decades, it has been used to treat various gram-positive and gram-negative infections. Minocycline was recently shown to have neuroprotective properties in animal models of acute neurologic injury. As a neuroprotective agent, the drug appears more effective than other treatment options. In addition to its high penetration of the blood-brain barrier, minocycline is a safe compound commonly used to treat chronic infections. Its several mechanisms of action in neuroprotection -- antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic effects, and protease inhibition -- make it a desirable candidate as therapy for acute neurologic injury, such as ischemic stroke. Minocycline is ready for clinical trials of acute neurologic injury.
Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30912, USA.
Hazem F
HF
Elewa
Hend
H
Hilali
David C
DC
Hess
Livia S
LS
Machado
Susan C
SC
Fagan
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000517:prevention & control; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000187:drug effects; D008911:Minocycline / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D008911:Minocycline