Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown and Repair in Ischemic Stroke: From Oxidative and Neuroinflammatory Injury to Neurovascular Recovery

Ischemic stroke triggers a cascade of pathophysiological events that profoundly disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While earlier work has characterized the broad mechanisms of BBB disruption and general therapeutic strategies, this Research Topic narrows in on two specific, interconnected phases: the acute oxidative/neuroinflammatory injury cascade, and the subsequent neurovascular recovery process.The acute phase is characterized by severe oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory injury, marked by neutrophil infiltration, microglial activation, and the release of inflammatory cytokines, alongside endothelial dysfunction, extracellular matrix remodeling and glycocalyx injury, which further compromise vascular integrity. The post-stroke microenvironment then initiates endogenous remodeling, transitioning from injury toward neurovascular recovery, angiogenesis, and tissue repair.Understanding the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms governing this transition—from early oxidative/neuroinflammatory BBB disruption to subsequent neurovascular repair—is vital for developing effective clinical therapies. This Research Topic welcomes original research contributions (data-driven studies, novel models, and translational findings) documenting these mechanisms and recovery pathways.We welcome original research, mini-reviews, and perspective articles focusing on:• Molecular pathways of acute oxidative stress and neuroinflammation leading to BBB dysregulation, including endothelial dysfunction, extracellular matrix remodeling and glycocalyx injury. • Cellular interactions within the neurovascular unit during injury and recovery phases. • Temporal and regional heterogeneity of BBB dysfunction, remodeling, and repair after ischemic stroke.• Novel therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological, biologic, cell-based, extracellular vesicle-based, and reperfusion-adjunctive approaches. Microvascular network remodeling, angiogenesis, and post-stroke brain adaptation. • Diagnostic markers and translational models predicting stroke outcome and BBB recovery. Topic editors: Hansen Chen, Dirk M. Hermann, Nina Hagemann Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84118/blood-brain-barrier-breakdown-and-repair-in-ischemic-stroke-from-oxidative-and-neuroinflammatory-injury-to-neurovascular-recovery