Figure 1.

Diagram illustrating how Reactive Oxygen Species especially Reactive Oxygen Species generated by the Reverse Electron Transport process, and the ensuing oxidative stress contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction, cell death, and progressive ischemic stroke pathology. ROS can damage mitochondrial DNA because of the lack of a chromatin-like structure that would protect DNA against ROS insults. ROS can also damage lipids and protein structures in mitochondrial matrix and further exacerbate mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial ROS released into the cytosol can activate microglia and astrocytes, causing neuroinflammation and death of injured neurons.