Lancet neurology
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Progress in the field of mitochondrial biology in the past few years has shown that mitochondrial activities go beyond bioenergetics. These new aspects of mitochondrial physiology and pathophysiology have important implications for the immature brain. ⋯ Finally, the mitochondrion is a platform for innate immunity, contributes to inflammation in response to infection and acute damage, and participates in antiviral and antibacterial defence. Understanding of these new aspects of mitochondrial function will provide insights into brain development and neurological disease, and enable discovery and development of new strategies for treatment.
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Survivors of stroke and transient ischaemic attacks are at risk of a recurrent stroke, which is often more severe and disabling than the index event. Optimum secondary prevention of recurrent stroke needs rapid diagnosis and treatment and prompt identification of the underlying cardiovascular cause. ⋯ Recurrent strokes continue to account for 25-30% of all strokes and represent unsuccessful secondary prevention. Immediate and sustained implementation of effective and appropriate secondary prevention strategies in patients with first-ever stroke or transient ischaemic attack has the potential to reduce the burden of stroke by up to a quarter.