Researchers at the University of Manchester ( UK ) have shown in laboratory studies that a naturally occurring protein called IL-1ra protects brain cells from injury and death.

" The study was designed to test if IL-1ra is safe in stroke patients and showed promising results," said Rothwell, at University of Mancester.

Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and the biggest cause of disability, affecting 100,000 people each year. It accounts for 6.5% of total NHS and social services expenditure and there are currently no treatments available.

" The protein targets the molecule that causes inflammation and dramatically reduces the inflammatory markers," said Rothwell.

" In the laboratory we were able to reduce damage to the cells by as much as half; if we could cut cell damage in patients by even a third it would be a very significant step forward in treating stroke."

IL-1ra ( interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ) is the naturally occurring antagonist of the protein interleukin-1 ( IL-1 ), which the same scientists have shown to cause damage to the brain in experimental stroke and brain injury.

IL-1ra is currently used to manage rheumatoid arthritis but, as a long-term treatment, the cost is prohibitive. With stroke, the drug would have to be administered within the first few critical hours through an infusion over a short period of time, perhaps as little as three days.

Source: University of Mancester, 2005


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