Hormonal changes in cerebral infarction in the young and elderly
1Neurology Department, Cairo University, Egypt.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|September 1, 1990
Summary
High serum estradiol and low serum thyroxine are stroke risk factors in men. Acute stroke lowers serum testosterone, indicating stress sensitivity. Luteinizing hormone levels differ in hypertensive stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Cerebrovascular Disease Research
Background:
- Cerebral infarction (stroke) is a significant global health concern.
- Endocrine factors may play a role in stroke development and progression.
- Understanding hormonal profiles in stroke patients is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hormone levels and cerebral infarction.
- To identify potential hormonal risk factors for stroke in males.
- To compare hormonal profiles of stroke patients with matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure serum and CSF levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroxine (T4).
- Fifty-one patients with CCT-verified cerebral infarction were studied.
- Results were compared to 82 matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- High serum estradiol (E2) and low serum thyroxine (T4) were identified as risk factors for stroke in males.
- Serum testosterone levels were reduced in males during acute stroke, suggesting stress sensitivity.
- Serum LH was elevated in hypertensive thrombotic male stroke patients compared to normotensive ones.
- FSH, LH, E2, and T4 were undetectable in the CSF of both patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- Specific hormonal imbalances, including elevated E2 and low T4, are associated with increased stroke risk in males.
- Testosterone reduction during acute stroke highlights the body's stress response.
- LH may be a relevant marker in hypertensive stroke patients.
- CSF hormone levels do not appear to be significantly altered or detectable in this context.
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