Astrocytes in the central nervous system and their functions in health and disease: A review

Table 1 Main astrocyte functions

	Main function of astrocytes
1	Role in neuronal migration
2	Formation of extracellular matrix proteins and adhesion molecules
3	Production of neurotrophic and neurite-promoting factors
4	Maintenance of blood-brain barrier
5	Participation in angiogenesis
6	Neurotransmission
7	Energy metabolism and regulation of central nervous system microenvironment
8	Role in detoxification, exocytosis of macromolecules, exocytosis of macromolecules, neuroendocrine functions
9	The response of astrocytes in various central nervous system insults
10	Role in immune response and phagocytosis
11	Brain protection from oxidative damage