Recurrent strokes in the days and weeks after the initial event are a common problem in patients for whom arteriosclerosis was the original cause. An international team of researchers under the aegis of LMU University Hospital has now carried out a detailed investigation into why recurrent strokes occur so often. They discovered that DNA released from cells after the initial event induces an inflammatory response in the entire body, which – among other things – leads to a deterioration of arteriosclerotic plaques and thus to new vascular obstructions – a vicious cycle. The research team, which is led by Arthur Liesz, Professor at the Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research and member of the SyNergy Cluster of Excellence, has proposed a new therapy based on its findings, which involves breaking down the cell-free DNA by means of suitable drugs (DNase enzymes). The study results have now been published in the scientific journal Nature. If confirmed in humans, the findings could lead to improved stroke therapy.