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Association between homocysteine and endothelial dysfunction markers in stroke disease
Abdishakur M Abdulle1, Javed Y Pathan, Nagi Moussa
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates (UAE) University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Nutritional Neuroscience
|February 6, 2010
Summary
Markers of endothelial dysfunction increased after acute ischemic stroke, but this rise was not linked to total plasma homocysteine levels. This finding is crucial for understanding stroke disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction markers rise post-acute ischemic stroke.
- Oxidation from elevated total plasma homocysteine is a suspected cause.
- This study investigates the relationship between homocysteine and endothelial dysfunction markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure changes in total plasma homocysteine.
- To assess markers of endothelial dysfunction post-stroke.
- To determine the time course of these changes.
Main Methods:
- Studied 40 acute ischemic stroke patients and 42 non-stroke controls.
- Collected blood samples within 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days post-stroke/hospitalization.
- Measured total plasma homocysteine, i-CAM, v-CAM, E-selectin, CRPs, vitamin B12, and folate.
Main Results:
- No significant baseline differences in homocysteine, E-selectin, v-CAM, B12, or folate between groups.
- Higher baseline i-CAM and lower CRPs in stroke patients.
- All endothelial dysfunction markers increased during the study, with varying rates.
Conclusions:
- Acute ischemic stroke is associated with increased markers of endothelial dysfunction.
- No direct relationship was found between total plasma homocysteine and these markers.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of post-stroke endothelial dysfunction.
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