Neuroprotective effect of recombinant adeno-associated virus human thioredoxin-PR39 on acute cerebral infarction in rats.

The recombinant adeno-associated virus human thioredoxin-PR39 (rAAV/hTRX-PR39) has been demonstrated to have a protective effect on hypoxic cells. The present study aimed to explore the potential effect of rAAV/hTRX-PR39 on acute cerebral infarction in rats. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model rats were produced and divided into three groups: Normal saline group, empty virus group (rAAV, without hTRX-PR39 cDNA) and rAAV/hTRX-PR39 group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and electron microscopy observation were used to assess the morphological changes of ischemic brain tissue during different periods. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of CD34 to reflect angiogenesis of ischemic brain tissue. Rats treated with rAAV/hTRX-PR39 showed an alleviated degree of ischemic brain edema relative to that in control groups, suggesting PR39 can ameliorate brain damage after cerebral ischemia. In the rAAV/hTRX-PR39 group, CD34-positive cells were significantly increased in ischemic brain tissues compared to control groups. Furthermore, CD34-positive cells were primarily observed around the perivascular in ischemic brain, indicating the angiogenesis role of PR39 in ischemic brain. The present findings suggest that PR39 could effectively ameliorate ischemic brain damage and promote angiogenesis, which may contribute to the treatment of acute cerebral infarction.