The issues of classification and characterization of neurotropic agents in the treatment of patients with cerebrovascular diseases

In developed countries, mortality from cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) is about 12%, which is second only to mortality from cardiovascular diseases. In order to make treatment of CVD successful, a complex approach to the problem is required with compensation for cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, rheological properties of blood, etc.), elimination of neurological and psychopathological syndromes, improvement of cerebral circulation and use of neurotropic agents. The use of neurotropic agents by a practicing physician is complicated due to the lack of a clear classification reflecting their position and significance in CVD treatment. It is suggested that taking into account the predominant mechanism of action targeting for a pathological process, neurotropic agents should be divided into 4 groups such as neuroprotectors, neurometabolics, nootropics and neurotrophic agents (direct activators of neutrophin synthesis in the brain). The last group is related to analogues of regulatory peptides and shares positive properties with medicinal agents from other groups: they have the properties of primary and secondary neuroprotectors, neurometabolics, and produce a positive effect on cognitive functions of a healthy and sick person. Heptapeptide Semax is a typical agent belonging to this group.