Osteopontin as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Ischemic Stroke

Background: Ischemic stroke is the third leading cause of death and the most frequent cause of permanent disability in adults worldwide. Tremendous advances have been made in understanding of the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Nevertheless, there is still no effective neuroprotectant available in the clinical work. Recently, osteopontin (OPN), a glycophosphoprotein, has attracted more attention due to its various effects in cardiovascular and nervous system diseases. Objective: The aim of present review was to summarize recent findings about neuroprotective effects of OPN on ischemic stroke, targeting to provide a novel therapeutic strategy. Methods: To prepare this review, a pathophysiological and pharmacological literature survey was performed using PubMed, and Web of Science. Also, some statistical and epidemiological literature sources were used. Results: Mounting evidence indicates that OPN attenuates cerebral damage and promotes neurogenesis in ischemic stroke by binding to its receptors to activate diverse signaling pathways. Conclusion: The paper highlights the neuroprotective and pro-regenerative effects of OPN after cerebral ischemia, which would demonstrate its therapeutic potential in ischemic stroke and other informs of ischemic brain injury.