Reperfusion combined with intraarterial administration of resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles improved cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been recommended as the first line therapy for large artery occlusion (LAO) stroke. However, abrupt recovery of blood flow induces oxidative stress which breaks down the blood–brain barrier (BBB), activates apoptosis and inhibits neurogenesis. Supplement of exogenous antioxidants to relieve the injuries related to oxidative stress is a rational treatment combined to EVT for acute LAO therapy. Resveratrol (RES), an antioxidant, was encapsulated into polymeric nanoparticles (RES-NPs). In transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rats, intraarterial administration of RES-NPs demonstrated significant protection against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. RES-NPs attenuated the oxidative stress induced by I/R, prevented brain edema, protected neurons from undergoing apoptosis, and contributed to neurogenesis through enhanced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These results suggested that intra-arterial infusion of RES-NPs in conjunction with EVT could be a potential strategy for the LAO stroke therapy.