Gastric IgG4-related disease mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a child: A case report

BACKGROUND Gastric IgG4-related disease(IgG4-RD)is rarely encountered in clinical practice,and especially more so among pediatric patients.To our knowledge,this is the first report of IgG4-RD presenting as a calcifying gastric mass in a child.We describe how this entity was difficult to differentiate from a gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)imaging-based approaches.Therefore,this case highlights the importance of considering IgG4-RD in the differential diagnosis of gastric tumor before performing surgical resection,especially to distinguish it from malignancy to avoid unnecessary surgery.CASE SUMMARY The patient suffered from epigastric pain for several days.Panendoscopy and computed tomography scan revealed a submucosal tumor.Differential diagnoses included GIST,leiomyoma,teratoma,and mucinous adenocarcinoma.However,laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy allowed for the definitive diagnosis of IgG4-related stomach disease.CONCLUSION We emphasize the importance of considering IgG4-RD in the differential diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors before performing surgical resection.

Targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-regulated ferroptosis to treat nervous system diseases

By critically examining the work,we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)in nervous system diseases.We also proposed suggestions for future bibliometric studies,including the integration of multiple websites,analytical tools,and analytical approaches,The findings presented provide compelling evidence that ferroptosis is closely associated with the therapeutic challenges of nervous system diseases.Targeted modulation of NRF2 to regulate ferroptosis holds substantial potential for effectively treating these diseases.Future NRF2-related research should not only focus on discovering new drugs but also on designing rational drug delivery systems.In particular,nanocarriers offer substantial potential for facilitating the clinical translation of NRF2 research and addressing existing issues related to NRF2-related drugs.

Multiple intrahepatic artery aneurysms during the treatment for IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis:A case report

BACKGROUND The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of multiple intrahepatic artery aneurysms during treatment for IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)and to provide information for daily practice.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed with IgG4-SC five years prior and was receiving maintenance treatment with prednisolone 7.5-10 mg/day.She developed abdominal pain and a sudden onset of black stool and was admitted to our hospital.Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)and ultra-sonography(US)revealed multiple intrahepatic artery aneurysms that developed during the treatment for IgG4-SC.Emergency transarterial embolization for mu-ltiple hepatic artery aneurysms was performed.Hepatic artery aneurysms disappeared on contrast-enhanced CT and US,the progression of anemia ceased,and the melena resolved.Thus,hemostasis was achieved.CONCLUSION Hepatic artery aneurysms should be considered poor prognostic complications of IgG4-SC.

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis associated with essential thrombocythemia:A case report

BACKGROUND The complexity of immunoglobulin G4(IgG4)-related diseases and their potential connection to hematologic malignancies remains unclear.This article provided a review of the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(SC)and essential thrombocythemia(ET),along with an analysis of relevant literature to enhance comprehension of this disease.CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old male was admitted to two hospitals with deteriorating jaundice and pruritus prior to hospitalization.Beyond our expectations,the patient was first diagnosed with IgG4-SC and ET with the Janus kinase 2 V617F mutation.Interestingly,the administration of acetate prednisone significantly resulted in improvements in both IgG4-SC and ET.Clinicians need to pay attention to immune disorders and inflammation as they contribute to the development of various disease phenotypes.CONCLUSION When IgG4-SC is suspected without histopathological evidence,diagnostic therapy and long-term regular follow-up can lead to positive treatment outcomes.Clinicians should be mindful of the potential presence of concurrent hematologic diseases in patients with immune disorders.

Journey to diagnosis:An unfinished exploration of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)is an inflammatory disease that leads to bile duct stricture,characterized by the infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells into the bile duct wall,thickening of the bile duct wall,and narrowing of the lumen.The differential diagnosis of IgG4-SC mainly includes primary sclerosing cholangitis,cholangiocarcinoma,and pancreatic cancer.IgG4-SC is often associated with autoimmune pancreatitis and can be accurately diagnosed based on clinical diagnostic criteria.However,isolated IgG4-SC is difficult to distinguish from biliary tumors.Given the significant differences in biological behavior,treatment,and prognosis between these diseases,accurately identifying isolated IgG4-SC has very important clinical significance.

X-Paste improves wound healing in diabetes via NF-E2-related factor/HO-1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers(DFU),as severe complications of diabetes mellitus(DM),significantly compromise patient health and carry risks of amputation and mortality.AIM To offer new insights into the occurrence and development of DFU,focusing on the therapeutic mechanisms of X-Paste(XP)of wound healing in diabetic mice.METHODS Employing traditional Chinese medicine ointment preparation methods,XP combines various medicinal ingredients.High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)identified XP’s main components.Using streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic,we aimed to investigate whether XP participated in the process of diabetic wound healing.RNA-sequencing analyzed gene expression differences between XP-treated and control groups.Molecular docking clarified XP’s treatment mechanisms for diabetic wound healing.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were used to investigate the effects of Andrographolide(Andro)on cell viability,reactive oxygen species generation,apoptosis,proliferation,and metastasis in vitro following exposure to high glucose(HG),while NF-E2-related factor-2(Nrf2)knockdown elucidated Andro’s molecular mechanisms.RESULTS XP notably enhanced wound healing in mice,expediting the healing process.RNA-sequencing revealed Nrf2 upregulation in DM tissues following XP treatment.HPLC identified 21 primary XP components,with Andro exhibiting strong Nrf2 binding.Andro mitigated HG-induced HUVECs proliferation,metastasis,angiogenic injury,and inflammation inhibition.Andro alleviates HG-induced HUVECs damage through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation,with Nrf2 knockdown reducing Andro’s proliferative and endothelial protective effects.CONCLUSION XP significantly promotes wound healing in STZ-induced diabetic models.As XP’s key component,Andro activates the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,enhancing cell proliferation,tubule formation,and inflammation reduction.

A Case of Warthin’s Tumor Together with IgG4-Related Sialadenitis

Warthin’s tumor is the second most frequent neoplasm next to pleomorphic adenoma in the salivary gland. The tumor contains the epithelial oncocyte cells with the presence of rich-mitochondria and their surrounding abundant lymphocytes. A relatively new disease entity of IgG4-related disease frequently occurs in the salivary gland. However, the coexistence of Warthin’s tumor and IgG4-related disease is scarcely observed. We have recently experienced a rare case of Warthin’s tumor with IgG4-related sialadenitis. A 51-year-old man presented to our hospital, complaining of a mass with right submandibular tenderness and spontaneous pain. A computed tomography scan of the cervical region revealed a suspicion of lymph node proliferative disease, including malignant lymphoma. Elevated serum levels of IL-2R: 1843 U/ml (reference value 122 - 496 U/ml), IgG: 3430 mg/dl (reference value 861 - 1747 mg/dl), and IgG4: 3140 mg/dl (reference value 11 - 121 mg/dl) were observed. Other laboratory data showed within normal ranges. The cervical tumor was diagnosed as Warthin’s tumor by the findings of fine-needle aspiration cytology and biopsy examination. Immunohistochemistry revealed numerous IgG4- and IgG-positive cells with fibrosis surrounding the epithelial component of Warthin’s tumor, suggesting IgG4-rerated sialadenitis. Finally, we diagnosed the cervical tumor as Warthin tumor with IgG4-related sialadenitis. This is the second report describing a case of Warthin’s tumor with possible involvement of IgG4-related sialadenitis.

Hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington's disease via Nrf2

The pathophysiology of Huntington's disease involves high levels of the neurotoxin quinolinic acid. Quinolinic acid accumulation results in oxidative stress, which leads to neurotoxicity. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which quinolinic acid contributes to Huntington's disease pathology remain unknown. In this study, we established in vitro and in vivo models of Huntington's disease by administering quinolinic acid to the PC12 neuronal cell line and the striatum of mice, respectively. We observed a decrease in the levels of hydrogen sulfide in both PC12 cells and mouse serum, which was accompanied by down-regulation of cystathionine β-synthase, an enzyme responsible for hydrogen sulfide production. However, treatment with NaHS(a hydrogen sulfide donor) increased hydrogen sulfide levels in the neurons and in mouse serum, as well as cystathionine β-synthase expression in the neurons and the mouse striatum, while also improving oxidative imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in PC12 cells and the mouse striatum. These beneficial effects correlated with upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression. Finally, treatment with the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2inhibitor ML385 reversed the beneficial impact of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on quinolinic acid-induced oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings show that hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington's disease by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2,suggesting that hydrogen sulfide is a novel neuroprotective drug candidate for treating patients with Huntington's disease.

IgG4-related sclerosing disease

Based on histological and immunohistochemical exami- nation of various organs of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis （AIP）, a novel clinicopathological entity of IgG4-related sclerosing disease has been proposed. This is a systemic disease that is characterized by extensive IgG4-positive plasma cells and T-lymphocyte infiltration of various organs. Clinical manifestations are apparent in the pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, salivary gland, retroperitoneum, kidney, lung, and prosrate, in which tissue fibrosis with obliterative phlebitis is pathologically induced. AlP is not simply pancreatitis but, in fact, is a pancreatic disease indicative of IgG4- related sclerosing diseases. This disease includes AlP, sclerosing cholangitis, cholecystitis, sialadenitis, retro-peritoneal fibrosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, interstitial pneumonia, prostatitis, inflammatory pseudotumor and lymphadenopathy, all IgG4-related. Most IgG4-related sclerosing diseases have been found to be associated with AlP, but also those without pancreatic involvement have been reported. In some cases, only one or two organs are clinically involved, while in others, three or four organs are affected. The disease occurs predominantly in older men and responds well to steroid therapy. Serum IgG4 levels and immunos-taining with anti-IgG4 antibody are useful in making the diagnosis. Since malignant tumors are frequently suspected on initial presentation, IgG4-related sclerosing disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Diagnosis of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)is often associated with autoimmune pancreatitis.However,the diffuse cholangiographic abnormalities observed in IgG4-SC may resemble those observed in primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC),and the presence of segmental stenosis suggests cholangiocarcinoma(CC).IgG4-SC responds well to steroid therapy,whereas PSC is only effectively treated with liver transplantation and CC requires surgical intervention.Since IgG4-SC was first described,it has become a third distinct clinical entity of sclerosing cholangitis.The aim of this review was to introduce the diagnostic methods for IgG4-SC.IgG4-SC should be carefully diagnosed based on a combination of characteristic clinical,serological,morphological,and histopathological features after cholangiographic classification and targeting of a disease for differential diagnosis.When intrapancreatic stenosis is detected,pancreatic cancer or CC should be ruled out.If multiple intrahepatic stenoses are evident,PSC should be distinguished on the basis of cholangiographic findings and liver biopsy with IgG4 immunostaining.Associated inflammatory bowel disease is suggestive of PSC.If stenosis is demonstrated in the hepatic hilar region,CC should be discriminated by ultrasonography,intraductal ultrasonography,bile duct biopsy,and a higher cutoff serum IgG4 level of 182 mg/dL.

Autoimmune pancreatitis in the context of IgG4-related disease:Review of imaging findings

Current understanding of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) recognizes a histopathological subtype of the disease to fall within the spectrum of IgG4-related disease. Along with clinical, laboratory, and histopathological data, imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of AIP, and more broadly, within the spectrum of IgG4-related disease. In addition to the defined role of imaging in consensus diagnostic protocols, an array of imaging modalities can provide complementary data to address specific clinical concerns. These include contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for pancreatic parenchymal lesion localization and characterization, endoscopic retrograde and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (ERCP and MRCP) to assess for duct involvement, and more recently, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to assess for extra-pancreatic sites of involvement. While the imaging appearance of AIP varies widely, certain imaging features are more likely to represent AIP than alternate diagnoses, such as pancreatic cancer. While nonspecific, imaging findings which favor a diagnosis of AIP rather than pancreatic cancer include: delayed enhancement of affected pancreas, mild dilatation of the main pancreatic duct over a long segment, the “capsule” and “penetrating duct” signs, and responsiveness to corticosteroid therapy. Systemic, extra-pancreatic sites of involvement are also often seen in AIP and IgG4-related disease, and typically respond to corticosteroid therapy. Imaging by CT, MR, and PET also play a role in the diagnosis and monitoring after treatment of involved sites.

First case of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia

To our knowledge,patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis(IgG4-SC)associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia(AIHA)have not been reported previously.Many patients with IgG4-SC have autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)and respond to steroid treatment.However,isolated cases of IgG4-SC are difficult to diagnose.We describe our experience with a patient who had IgG4-SC without AIP in whom the presence of AIHA led to diagnosis.The patient was a73-year-old man who was being treated for dementia.Liver dysfunction was diagnosed on blood tests at another hospital.Imaging studies suggested the presence of carcinoma of the hepatic hilus and primary sclerosing cholangitis,but a rapidly progressing anemia developed simultaneously.After the diagnosis of AIHA,steroid treatment was begun,and the biliary stricture improved.IgG4-SC without AIP was thus diagnosed.

Autoimmune hepatitis and IgG4-related disease

IgG4-related disease(IgG4-RD) is a chronic-fibroinflammatory disorder affecting a wide range of organs. Elevation of serum IgG4 concentrations and abundant infiltration of IgG4-expressing plasma cells are key diagnostic features of this autoimmune disease. Although common organ involvement of IgG4-RD includes the salivary glands, pancreas, and bile duct, hepatic involvement is less well established. Recently, five studies identified a subtype of autoimmune hepatitis(AIH), called IgG4-associated AIH(IgG4-AIH). IgG4-AIH is diagnosed based on significant accumulation of IgG4-expressing plasmacytes in the liver in patients who met the diagnostic criteria for classical AIH. Although four of the five reports regarded IgG4-AIH based on hepatic accumulation of IgG4-positive cells alone, one report diagnosed IgG4-AIH based on both hepatic accumulation of IgG4-positive cells and elevated serum concentrations of IgG4. IgG4-AIH diagnosed based on the latter criteria may be a hepatic manifestation of IgG4-RD whereas IgG4-AIH diagnosed based on the former criteria may be a subtype of AIH. In this review article, we summarize and discuss clinicopathological features of IgG4-AIH.

Isolated intrapancreatic Ig G4-related sclerosing cholangitis

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis(Ig G4-SC) is frequently associated with type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP). Association with AIP can be utilized in the diagnosis of Ig G4-SC. However, some cases of Ig G4-SC are isolated from AIP, which complicates the diagnosis. Most of the reported cases of isolated Ig G4-SC displayed hilar biliary strictures, whereas isolated Ig G4-SC with intrapancreatic biliary stricture is very rare. Recently, we have encountered 5 isolated intrapancreatic Ig G4-SC cases that were not associated with AIP, three of which were pathologically investigated after surgical operation. They all were males with a mean age of 74.2 years. The pancreas was not enlarged in any of these cases. No irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct was found. Bile duct wall thickening in lesions without luminal stenosis was detected by abdominal computed tomography in all five cases, by endoscopic ultrasonography in two out of four cases and by intraductal ultrasonography in all three cases. In three cases, serum Ig G4 levels were within the normal limits. The mean serum Ig G4 level measured before surgery was 202.1 mg/d L(4 cases). Isolated intrapancreatic Ig G4-SC is difficult to diagnose, especially if the Ig G4 level remains normal. Thus, this type of Ig G4-SC should be suspected in addition to cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer if stenosis of intrapancreatic bile duct is present.

Biomarkers in autoimmune pancreatitis and immunoglobulin G4-related disease

Solitary organ autoimmune disorders,formerly known as autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP),autoimmune sialadenitis,and autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis,are now considered organ-specific manifestations of systemic immunoglobulin G4-related disease(IgG4-RD).AIP and IgG4-RD are characterized by elevated serum concentration of IgG4 antibody(Ab),accumulation of IgG4-expressing plasmacytes in the affected organs,and involvement of multiple organs.It is well established that enhanced IgG4 Ab responses are a hallmark of AIP and IgG4-RD for diagnosis and monitoring disease activity.However,a significant fraction of patients with AIP and IgG4-RD who develop chronic fibroinflammatory responses have normal serum concentrations of this IgG subtype.In addition,disease flare-up is sometimes seen even in the presence of normalized serum concentrations of IgG4 Ab after successful induction of remission by prednisolone.Therefore,it is necessary to identify new biomarkers based on the understanding of the pathophysiology of AIP and IgG4-RD.Recently,we found that activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells producing both interferon-α(IFN-α)and interleukin-33(IL-33)mediate murine AIP and human IgG4-RD.More importantly,we provided evidence that serum concentrations of IFN-αand IL-33 could be useful biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of AIP and IgG4-RD activity after induction of remission in these autoimmune disorders.In this Frontier article,we have summarized and discussed biomarkers of AIP and IgG4-RD,including Igs,autoAbs,and cytokines to provide useful information not only for clinicians but also for researchers.

Successful treatment of tubulointerstitial nephritis in immunoglobulin G4-related disease with rituximab: A case report

BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated condition that consisted of disorders that share particular clinical,serologic and pathologic properties.The common presentation of disease includes tumor-like swelling of involved organs and the histopathological findings are a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate enriched with IgG4-positive plasma cells,and a variable degree of fibrosis that has a characteristic "storiform" pattern in biopsy specimens of tumorlike masses.Major presentations of this disease,which often affects more than one organ,include autoimmune pancreatitis,salivary gland disease (sialadenitis),orbital disease and retroperitoneal fibrosis.The steroid treatment is essential for the treatment of the disease however,other immunosuppressive drugs including cyclophosphamide or rituximab could be an option in resistant cases.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we reported a 34-year-old woman whom previously had diagnosed with asthma,rheumatoid arthritis and Sj?gren’s syndrome (SS) referred our nephrology department due to acute kidney failure development at the last rheumatology visit.After kidney biopsy she has been diagnosed with IgG4-RD and tubuluointerstitial nephritis.She had been accepted resistant to steroid,mycophenolate mofetil,methotrexate and azathioprine therapies due to receiving in last two years.She refused to receive cyclophosphamide due to potential gonadotoxicity of the drug.Thus,rituximab therapy was considered.She received 1000 mg infusion,15 d apart and 6 mo later it has been administered same protocol.After one year from the last rituximab dose serum creatinine decreased from 4.4 mg/dL to 1.6 mg/dL,erythrocyte sedimentation rate decreased from 109 mm/h to 13 mm/h [reference range (RR) 0-20],and Creactive protein decreased from 55.6 mg/L to 5 mg/L (RR 0–6).All pathologic lymph nodes and masses were also disappeared.CONCLUSION Patients with IgG4-RD usually misdiagnosed with rheumatologic diseases including systemic lupus erythematous or SS and also they were screened for the presence of malignancy.Rituximab could be an important treatment option in cases with steroid resistant tubulointerstitial nephritis in IgG4-RD.

IgG4-related Autoimmune Pancreatitis Mimicking Acute Pancreatitis:A Case Report

IGG4-RELATED autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is themost common type of IgG4-related diseases. Theobservation of a diffused and localized enlargementof the pancreas and strictures in the main pancreaticduct on radiological imaging is essential fordiagnosing AIP. The clinical features of AIP which presentas a localized pancreatic mass greatly mimic pancreaticcancer. Cases with AIP mimicking pancreatic cancer arereported numerously. However, cases of IgG4-related AIPmanifesting acute pancreatitis symptoms and extensiveperipancreatic effusion are rarely observed. Meanwhile,acute pancreatitis is a common disease. If misdiagnosed asacute pancreatitis, IgG4-related AIP may progressseriously. Here, we report a rare case of IgG4-related AIPsuspected of acute pancreatitis because of epigastric painand extensive peripancreatic effusion on computed tomography(CT) images.

Interplay between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and inflammatory mediators in COVID-19-related liver injury

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a global pandemic and poses a major threat to human health worldwide.In addition to respiratory symptoms,COVID-19 is usually accompanied by systemic inflammation and liver damage in moderate and severe cases.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins,participating in COVID-19-mediated inflammation and liver injury.Here,we show the novel reciprocal regulation between NRF2 and inflammatory mediators associated with COVID-19-related liver injury.Additionally,we describe some mechanisms and treatment strategies.

Rare case of Helicobacter pylori-positive multiorgan Ig G4-related disease and gastric cancer

A 61-year-old male from Northeast China presented with a 2-mo history of abdominal distension,pruritus and jaundice.Laboratory testing revealed an elevated serum Ig G4 level.A computed tomography scan showed a typical feature of autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP) and cholecystocholangitis.Early gastric cancer was incidentally discovered when endoscopic untrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUSFNA) of the pancreas was carried out.The patient underwent radical subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer combined with cholecystectomy.Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) and Ig G4-positive plasmacytes were detected in gastric cancer tissue,pancreatic EUSFNA sample and resected gallbladder specimen by immunohistochemistry.The patient was diagnosed with H.pylori-positive Ig G4-related AIP and sclerosing cholecystocholangitis as well as H.pylori-positive gastric cancer.He responded well to steroid therapy and remains healthy with no signs of recurrence at one year follow-up.We speculate that H.pylori might act as a trigger via direct or indirect action in the initiation of onset of gastric cancer and multiorgan Ig G4-related disease.

Neuroprotective effects of salidroside on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury involve the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway

Salidroside,the main active ingredient extracted from Rhodiola crenulata,has been shown to be neuroprotective in ischemic cerebral injury,but the underlying mechanism for this neuroprotection is poorly understood.In the current study,the neuroprotective effect of salidroside on cerebral ischemia-induced oxidative stress and the role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2（Nrf2）pathway was investigated in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion.Salidroside（30 mg/kg）reduced infarct size,improved neurological function and histological changes,increased activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase,and reduced malon-dialdehyde levels after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.Furthermore,salidroside apparently increased Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 expression.These results suggest that salidroside exerts its neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia through anti-oxidant mechanisms and that activation of the Nrf2 pathway is involved.The Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway may become a new therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.