Neuroprotection of G-CSF in cerebral ischemia.

In several experimental studies of cerebral ischemia, G-CSF exerts neuroprotective effects through different mechanisms, including mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells, anti-apoptosis, neuronal differentiation, angiogenesis and anti-inflammation. Hence, G-CSF not only inhibits neuron death, but also generates "new" neural tissue formation. A small pilot trial reports on the safety and feasibility of G-CSF therapy in stroke patients. According to this evidence, we can speculate that G-CSF, being used either alone or in combination with another agent, should be an effective strategy in the treatment of cerebral ischemia.