Evaluating the Role of Oxidative Stress in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Background The role of oxidative stress in neuronal injury due to ischemic stroke has been an interesting topic in stroke research. Malondialdehyde (MDA) has emerged as a sensitive oxidative stress biomarker owing to its ability to react with the lipid membranes. Total antioxidant power (TAP) is another biomarker to estimate the total oxidative stress in stroke patients. We aimed to determine the oxidative stress in acute stroke patients by measuring MDA and TAP. Materials and Methods MDA and TAP were determined in 100 patients with ischemic stroke and compared with that in 100 age- and sex-matched healthy adults. Demographic data, stroke severity measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and disability measured by the Barthel index (BI) were recorded. The association of MDA and TAP with other variables was analyzed by paired t -test. Results Of the whole sample, 74% represented males. The mean NIHSS score was 13.11 and BI was 38.87. MDA was significantly higher in stroke patients (7.11 +/- 1.67) than in controls (1.64 +/- 0.82; p = 0.00). TAP was significantly lower in stroke patients (5.72 +/- 1.41) than in controls (8.53 +/- 2.4; p = 0.00). The lipid profile and blood sugar levels were also significantly higher in stroke patients. There was no association of MDA and TAP with other variables. Conclusion We found that oxidative stress was associated with acute ischemic stroke. However, we could not establish an association between oxidative stress and the severity of acute stroke.