[A potential neuroprotective and synaptic plasticity mechanism induced by estradiol through PI3K/GSK3beta in cerebral ischaemia].
OBJECTIVE
To review the basic molecular mechanisms that are triggered by neuroactive steroids related to protection and plasticity, and their possible therapeutic application in cases of cerebral ischaemia.


METHODS
The term 'neuroprotection' embraces a series of strategies and effects that are aimed at preventing, impeding or delaying anomalies in the functioning of the central nervous system. The neuroactive steroids, and particularly estradiol, have been widely reported owing to their neuroprotective action because they give rise to a wide range of cell signals and generate effects in genes by means of canonical pathways or through non-conventional mechanisms that are involved in neuronal survival, dendritogenesis and synapse remodelling. Thus, neuroactive steroids become an important long-term protective therapeutic alternative due to the fact that such effects converge on neuronal plasticity.


CONCLUSIONS
Further work needs to be carried out to study the mechanisms of action of neuroactive steroids, especially the non-conventional ones, which involve proteins such as GSK-3beta and beta-catenin. These proteins are involved in the functions of synaptic plasticity and survival, and play a crucial role in maintaining and recovering the functional integrity of the brain after the appearance of the lesions caused by cerebral ischaemia.
Barrera-Ocampo
A A
AA
Grupo de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Céspedes-Rubio
A E
AE
Cardona-Gómez
G P
GP
D000818:Animals; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
C514503:GSKIP protein, human; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D004958:Estradiol