1.Mechanism of glycogen synthase kinase-3β participating in stroke-induced inflammatory brain injury by regulating endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria coupling
Jianhua LEI ; Hefang DU ; Yuxiao LIU
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(7):637-640
Objective To investigate the mechanism of glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β) participating in stroke-induced inflammatory brain injury through endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria coupling, and to provide a theoretical reference and potential targets for precise treatment. Methods A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was established, and the rats were divided into sham-operation group, model group, and GSK-3β inhibitor(TDZD-8) intervention group. Neurological function score was used to evaluate the degree of brain injury; TTC staining was used to evaluate cerebral infarct area; electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure; mitochondrial calcium concentration was measured; ELISA was used to measure the levels of inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)], and Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of related proteins. Results Compared with the sham-operation group, the model group had significant neurological function impairment, an increase in cerebral infarct area, and significant increases in the expression levels of inflammatory factors and GSK-3β,with enhanced endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria coupling and mitochondrial calcium overload. TDZD-8 significantly improved the above indicators and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors and cerebral infarct area. Conclusion Abnormal activation of GSK-3β damages brain tissue by regulating endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria coupling and promotes mitochondrial calcium overload and inflammatory response. Inhibiting GSK-3β activity can effectively improve stroke-induced inflammatory brain injury, which provides a new pathway and a molecular target for developing precise treatment strategies.
Stroke