Depletion of serum zinc in ischemic stroke patients

The pathogenesis of a number of diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancer and neurological disorders, has been associated with changes in the balance of certain trace elements. In this study we aimed at investigating the levels of trace elements like calcium, copper, iron and zinc, in ischemic stroke patients in comparison with healthy controls. Serum samples were collected from 256 ischemic stroke patients and 180 healthy, age and sex matched controls. Trace element levels were detected using commercially available kits and an Auto-Analyzer (ChemWell 2910, Awareness Technology, US). The concentrations of calcium, copper and iron were not significantly different in patients when compared to healthy controls. The concentration of zinc was significantly lower in stroke patients (P = 0.001) as compared to normal subjects. To conclude, patients with acute ischemic stroke have reduced levels of serum zinc. Zinc may represent an independent risk factor for stroke and therefore a possible target for prevention. Additional studies are needed to further examine the role of zinc in the pathogenesis of stroke.