Role of apoptosis in the mechanism of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Background Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is one of major complications of morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracranial aneurysm. The pathogenesis of CVS remains unclear, and there has been little progress in treatment of CVS. Multiple recent studies suggest that apoptosis might play an important role in cerebral vasospasm after SAH. Objective Current review focuses on the role of major apoptosis pathway and discusses several works published recently regarding outcomes of apoptosis -associated proteins involved in pathogenesis of CVS. Content The review mainly explicates the role of major apoptosis pathway and apoptosis-associated proteins involved in pathogenesis of CVS. Trend It might be helpful to make further researches in-depth to provide new ways of treating CVS. Key words: Subarachnoid hemorrhage;  Vasospasm,intracranial;  Apoptosis