Table 1 Potential therapies of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and their mechanism of actions
From: Citicoline in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates: a randomized controlled trial
Erythropoietin, darbepoietin | Favors neurogenesis; works as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, decreases apoptosis and excitotoxic cell injury |
Stem cells | Stem cells modulate the immune system and affect long-term outcomes |
Melatonin | Works as neuroprotective |
Xenon | Antagonizes the N-methyl-D-aspartate mediated excitotoxicity decreasing calcium entry into the cell |
Allopurinol | Works by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, decreases reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial lysis, and cell death |
Topiramate | Blocks the voltage-dependent sodium and calcium channels and also inhibits the excitatory glutamate pathway while enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid |
Magnesium sulfate | Antagonizes the N-methyl-D-aspartate mediated excitotoxicity and decreasing calcium entry into the cell |
Monosialogangliosides | protect against apoptotic injury |
Endocannabinoids | Preclinical studies |
Argon | Preclinical studies |
Azithromycin | Preclinical studies |