The brain consumes about a quarter of the body’s oxygen, making it highly sensitive to hypoxia. In 2019, three American scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking research on how oxygen regulates cellular activities and the molecular mechanisms by which cells adapt to changes in oxygen levels. Their discoveries have paved the way for developing novel strategies to address cerebrovascular diseases. This special issue invites submissions of articles focused on the latest advancements in preclinical and clinical research on cerebral ischemia and ischemic stroke, with a particular emphasis on the following topics:

• Mechanisms of Neuronal Injury in Ischemic Stroke: Insights from Preclinical Models

• The Role of Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke: Implications for Therapy

• Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Approaches

• Neuroprotective Strategies in Ischemic Stroke: Current Preclinical and Clinical Approaches

• The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Ischemic Stroke Pathophysiology

• Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Mechanisms, Models, and Clinical Interventions

• Stem Cell Therapies in Ischemic Stroke: Preclinical Insights and Clinical Trials

• Impact of Comorbidities on Ischemic Stroke Outcomes: Hypertension, Diabetes, and Atherosclerosis

• Biomarkers in Ischemic Stroke: From Diagnosis to Prognosis

• The Role of Circadian Rhythm in Stroke Recovery and Therapeutic Intervention: Insights and Opportunities

• Artificial Intelligence in Stroke Research: From Imaging to Treatment Development

Keywords: Cerebral ischemia, ischemic stroke, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier, neuronal death, neuroprotection, mitochondrial dysfunction, post-stroke rehabilitation, stem cell therapies, comorbidities and stroke, circadian rhythm