Serum Trace Element Profiles, Prolactin, and Cortisol in Transient Ischemic Attack Patients

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a critical neurological event.
• Understanding biochemical alterations in TIA patients is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
• Trace elements play vital roles in neurological function and overall health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between trace element levels and biomarkers of brain damage, cortisol, and prolactin in TIA patients.
• To compare these levels between male and female TIA patients and healthy controls.
• To identify potential correlations between specific trace elements and physiological markers in TIA.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 10 male and 10 female TIA patients and matched controls were analyzed.
• Assays included complement components (C4, C3a), VEGF, S100B, NR2Ab, TAS, cortisol, and prolactin.
• Trace element concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Main Results:

• TIA patients exhibited elevated C4 and prolactin levels.
• Men showed increased VEGF, while women had decreased total antioxidant status (TAS).
• Significant alterations in serum iron, vanadium, boron, copper, iodine, lithium, manganese, selenium, zinc, arsenic, lead, nickel, and strontium were observed in TIA patients, with sex-specific differences.

Conclusions:

• Trace element dysregulation is associated with TIA.
• Specific trace element profiles correlate with brain damage biomarkers, cortisol, and prolactin levels in TIA.
• These findings suggest trace elements as potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets in TIA management.