Using resveratrol to help the brain resist stroke-related memory loss
ISCHEMIC PRECONDITIONING: MECHANISMS OF NEUROPROTECTION
Looks at whether giving resveratrol before a stroke can help protect brain cells and memory in models of vascular cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235976 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses rat models of stroke to see if brief, controlled exposure to resveratrol (a compound found in grapes) or a mild ischemic trigger can set up long-lasting brain protection. Researchers give resveratrol or induce ischemic preconditioning, then create a controlled stroke (middle cerebral artery occlusion) to compare outcomes in young and aged male and female rats. They measure learning and memory, synaptic function, electrical brain activity, and molecular signals such as BDNF, SIRT1, PKCε, and Arc to understand how protection happens. The team also looks for lasting gene and epigenetic changes that might explain prolonged tolerance to injury and reduced risk of vascular cognitive impairment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for stroke or showing early signs of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) would be the most likely future candidates for this kind of preventive approach.
Not a fit: Patients with dementia driven primarily by non-vascular causes or those with advanced, widespread brain damage are unlikely to benefit from this preventive strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the effects seen in animals hold true in people, this approach could help preserve memory and brain function after stroke and lower the risk of vascular-related dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies of ischemic preconditioning and resveratrol have shown promising protection for brain cells and behavior, but clinical evidence in people is still lacking.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perez-Pinzon, Miguel a — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Perez-Pinzon, Miguel a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.