Study type: Human research · Status: Verified against declared source

Cerebrolysin for functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Drug Design Development and Therapy · 2017

Study scale: Cerebrolysin, a neuropeptide preparation of porcine origin, consists of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids.6 Preclinical studies have indicated that cerebrolysin has neuroprotective properties and neurotrophic activity.6 In experimental ischemic stroke studies, cerebrolysin has been shown to reduce the infarction volume and improve functional recovery by inhibiting free radical formation,7 protecting against excitotoxicity,8 decreasing neuroinflammation and apoptosis,9 promoting neuronal sprouting,10 improving cellular survival,7 and stimulating neurogenesis.11 In addition, cerebrolysin has been shown to significantly improve neurological functional recovery in the subacute stages of AIS, that is, #48 hours after onset of symptoms.11,12 This inspiring efficacy and the wide therapy window prompted an opportunity for clinical studies.

Abstract only: Open source record

Product or molecular entity relationships

  • Cerebrolysin: Exact entity relationship. Legacy citation custody associates this source with the catalog record; no product-relevance conclusion is implied.

Plain-language verified summary

Question

Cerebrolysin has been shown to have an inconsistent efficacy on functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

All records were independently evaluated by two authors (ZFW and LGS) in accordance with the eligibility criteria as mentioned above.

Scale or participants

Cerebrolysin, a neuropeptide preparation of porcine origin, consists of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids.6 Preclinical studies have indicated that cerebrolysin has neuroprotective properties and neurotrophic activity.6 In experimental ischemic stroke studies, cerebrolysin has been shown to reduce the infarction volume and improve functional recovery by inhibiting free radical formation,7 protecting against excitotoxicity,8 decreasing neuroinflammation and apoptosis,9 promoting neuronal sprouting,10 improving cellular survival,7 and stimulating neurogenesis.11 In addition, cerebrolysin has been shown to significantly improve neurological functional recovery in the subacute stages of AIS, that is, #48 hours after onset of symptoms.11,12 This inspiring efficacy and the wide therapy window prompted an opportunity for clinical studies.

Key findings

Cerebrolysin has been shown to have an inconsistent efficacy on functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Limitations and uncertainty

Cerebrolysin has been shown to have an inconsistent efficacy on functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Verified against declared source. Verification is limited to the declared source and review scope. It does not mean independent replication or establish efficacy, safety, or suitability.