The occurrence and development of acute cerebrovascular diseases involves an inflammatory response, and high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a pro-inflammatory factor that is expressed not only in the early-injury stage of disease, but also during the post-repair process. In the initial stage of disease, HMGB1 is released into the outside of the cell to participate in the cascade amplification reaction of inflammation, causing vasospasm, destruction of the blood-brain barrier and apoptosis of nerve cells. In the recovery stage of disease, HMGB1 can promote tissue repair and remodeling, which can aid in nerve function recovery. This review summarizes the biological characteristics of HMGB1, and the role of HMGB1 in ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease, and cerebral venous thrombosis.
Keywords: acute hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease; acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease; cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; high mobility group box protein 1; inflammation.