Polarization of microglia toward a neuroprotective M2 type improves neurological deficits in post-ischemic stroke through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) neuroprotective pathways42,43. This evidence concerns the gene NFE2L2 and ischemic stroke.