Neurological research
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Hyperglycemia affects approximately one-third of acute ischemic stroke patients and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. In experimental and clinical stroke studies, hyperglycemia has been shown to be detrimental to the penumbral tissue for several reasons. First, hyperglycemia exacerbates both calcium imbalance and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neurons, leading to increased apoptosis. ⋯ Recently, however, the latest Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort trial has addressed the shortcomings of insulin therapy. While glucagon-like protein-1 administration, hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning, and ethanol therapy appear promising, these treatments remain in their infancy and more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying hyperglycemia-induced injuries. Elucidation of these mechanistic pathways could lead to the development of rational treatments that reduce hyperglycemia-associated injuries and improve functional outcomes for ischemic stroke patients.