Inflammatory process as an etiological and prognostic factor of stroke and the goal of potential treatment strategies

Objective
Inflammation is the body’s natural defence mechanism against factors that damage its tissues. How ever, if it lasts chronically, it may adversely affect the body’s homeostasis. Inflammation is not only a long-known risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and its compli cations, but also develops brain tissue damage in the course of ischemic stroke or intracerebral haemorrhage, leading to even greater damage. In addition, the immune system func tions are impaired, which increases the risk of infection.

Objective
Drugs that can reduce the risk of stroke by inhibiting vascular damage and modifying the inflammatory process in the central nervous system, in cluding counteracting the risk of infection, have become the subject of many experimental and clinical studies on strokes. Such drugs include canakinumab, human re combinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, colchicine, fingolimod, siponimod or natalizumab.

Conclusions
Considering all available research results, the therapeutic pathway using anti-inflammatory drugs has a high potential; however, the complications associ ated with evoked immunosuppression in patients should be kept in mind. The paper presents a review of the litera ture on the role of the inflammatory process in the patho genesis of stroke as well as related therapeutic options.