Index of lipid peroxidation and glucose utilization in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with cerebral infarction

Cerebral ischemia could be observed as acute metabolic crisis, when oxygen and glucose supply is compromised and synthesis of energy is insufficient. Apart from the excitotoxicity, increased production of reactive oxygen species with consequent lipid peroxidation is also included in neuronal cell damage. Furthermore, these toxic compounds could also be produced during the process of secondary inflammation of ischemic tissue. In the early stage of ischemia, as a systemic response to acute stress, there is an increase in glucose level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood. According to the metabolic crisis and acidosis in ischemic brain tissue we investigated index of lipid peroxidation (ILP) and glucose utilization (IGU) in CSF of 53 patients of both sexes, aged 55-70 years with cerebral infarction. Control group comprised 15 patients with sudden onset of motor deficit subjected to diagnostic lumbar radiculography and suspected on discal genesis. ILP in CSF, as the indicator and sequela of neuronal cell membranes damage, was two fold increased in the acute period of cerebral infarction and maximal values (3.5 times) were noticed 24 hours after the ischemic episode compared to controls. Besides the increase in glucose concentration in peripheral blood and CSF of patients with cerebral infarction, IGU was decreased (37%) with minimal values (32%) 24 hours after the ischemia. These changes indicate that glucose is available but cells are incapable to metabolize it. We concluded that ILP and IGU in CSF of patients with cerebral infarction could be indicators of metabolic dysfunction and neuronal cell damage. Also, these results suggest the significance of polyvalent therapy including antioxidative and antiinflammatory agents in acute phase of cerebral ischemia.