Neurogenesis and Proliferation of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Conferred by Artesunate via FOXO3a/p27Kip1 Axis in Mouse Stroke Model

Promoting neurogenesis and proliferation of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) is considered a promising strategy for neurorehabilitation after stroke. Our previous study revealed that a moderate dose of artesunate (ART, 150mg/kg) could enhance functional recovery in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ART treatment on neurogenesis and proliferation of NSPCs using a rodent MCAO model. MRI results indicated that the ischemic brain volume of MCAO mice was reduced by ART treatment. The results of diffusion tensor imaging, electron microscopic, and immunofluorescence of Tuj-1 also revealed that ischemia-induced white matter lesion was alleviated by ART treatment. After ischemia/reperfusion, endogenous NSPCs were activated by ART, which was displayed by comparing the proportion of Brdu+ neuronal precursor cells in the ipsilateral subventricular zone and peri-infarct cortex. Furthermore, the neuro-restorative effects of ART were abolished by the overexpression of FOXO3a. These findings suggested that ART could rescue penumbra damage and alleviate white matter injury, subsequently contributing to post-stroke functional recovery by promoting neurogenesis and proliferation of endogenous NSPCs via the FOXO3a/p27Kip1 pathway.