Potential biomarkers with plasma cortisol, brain?derived neurotrophic factor and nitrites in patients with acute ischemic stroke

CASAS S.; PEREZ AF; MATTIAZZI M; LOPEZ; FOLGUEIRA; GARGIULO MONACHELLI GISELLA; GONZALEZ DENISELLE MC; DE NICOLA A. F.

CURRENT NEUROVASCULAR RESEARCH

BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBL LTD

Lugar: Oak Park; Año: 2017

1567-2026

AbstractBackgroundAcute ischemic stroke (AIS) represents an economic challenge for health systems all over the globe. Changes of neuroactive steroids have been found in different neurological diseases. We have previously demonstrated that old patients with AIS show changes of plasma cortisol and estradiol concentrations, in that increased steroid levels are associated with a deterioration of neurological status and a worse cognitive decline.ObjectiveThe present study assessed in patients with AIS if changes of behavior, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nitrites (NO-2) bear a relationship with the degree of hypercortisolism.MethodsWe recruited patients hospitalized within the first 24 hours of AIS. Subjects were divided into two groups, each one composed of 40 control subjects and 40 AIS patients, including men and women. The neurological condition was assessed using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the cognitive status with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The emotional status was evaluated using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), whereas the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was used to determine the functional condition. BDNF and NO-2 plasma levels were measured by ELISA and the Griess reaction method, respectively.ResultsWe found that in AIS patients, increased plasma cortisol was negatively correlated with plasma BDNF and NO-2 levels, neurological condition, cognition, functional responses and emotional status, suggesting a relationship between the declines of clinical, behavioral and blood parameters with stress-induced cortisol elevation.ConclusionNitrites and BDNF may represent potential biomarkers for cortisol negative effects on the area of cerebral ischemia and penumbra, potentiating ischemic cell damage.Keywords: Acute Ischemic Stroke; Cortisol; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Nitrites; Patients; Neurological outcomes