Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is executed by a series of proteases (caspases) [1] that carry out or activate a proteolytic cascade. Increased levels of apoptosis and caspase activity are frequently observed at sites of cellular damage in both acute (e.g. stroke) and chronic (e.g. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease) pathological conditions. Thus, inhibition of caspase activity with the aim of reducing cell death, and hence tissue damage, could be beneficial.
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