Table 1.

Neuroprotective molecules evaluated in experimental translational studies after HIE. Summary of neuroprotective molecules used in experimental translational studies and their proposed mechanisms of action associated with HIE.

Molecules Studied	Possible Effects Related to Neuroprotection
Osteopontin (OPN)	OPN repairs brain injury after neonatal HIE by mediating regulation of cerebral cell proliferation, cell survival, and oligodendrocyte differentiation after injury [95]
Interferon Beta (INFβ)	Reduce TNF-α levels, proliferation and activation of T-cell lymphocytes, and pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by T-cells; Blood Brain Barrier integrity [96]
c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs)	JNKs play a role in regulation of apoptosis [97]; Reductions in early neuronal damage [98]; Reduced inflammation and inhibition of apoptotic neuronal loss [99]
Prophylactic barbiturates	Diminishes moderate to severe neurodevelopmental impairment or death (HIE undergoing whole-body cooling) [100]; Multivariate analysis suggested its use to be associated with better outcomes [100]
Melatonin	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties [101,102]; Protect the brain independently or in concert with therapeutic hypothermia [103]; Reducing oxidative stress and improved survival with favorable neurodevelopmental outcome at 6 months of age in combination with hypothermia [104]
Edaravone	Edaravone may inhibit the number of apoptotic neuronal cells and 8-OHdG expression within 48 h after HI insult [105]; Inhibits lipid peroxidation in neonatal HIE rat model [106]; Scavenger that inhibits both lipid and DNA peroxidation [107]