The College of Pharmacy, University of Kufa discussed a Ph.D. dissertation on the effects of telmisartan, ertogliflozin, and omafloxolone on a model of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, focusing on the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by the postgraduate student, Mr. Yasser Jassim Habib.

The dissertation demonstrated the effect of these compounds in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the brains of rats suffering from ischemic stroke. It also investigated their potential impact on negative regulators of the Nrf2 pathway, such as Keap1 and GSK-3β, using in silico computational analysis.

The dissertation reviewed that the three treatments stimulated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and increased HO-1 gene expression, along with increased Nrf2 activity in brain tissue, as well as reducing in infarct size and improved histological markers, increasing antioxidant levels and decreasing inflammatory markers.

The dissertation also reviewed anti-apoptotic effects through the reduction of caspase-3 and the increase of the BCL2/BAX ratio, furthermore, computational analysis confirmed potent interactions with Nrf2 pathway proteins.

The dissertation recommended further clinical studies to evaluate the potential use of these compounds in the treatment or prevention of ischemic stroke, with a focus on expanding research into the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and its role in neuroprotection.