Potential markers of oxidative stress in stroke.
Free radical production is increased in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, leading to oxidative stress that contributes to brain damage. The measurement of oxidative stress in stroke would be extremely important for a better understanding of its pathophysiology and for identifying subgroups of patients that might receive targeted therapeutic intervention. Since direct measurement of free radicals and oxidized molecules in the brain is difficult in humans, several biological substances have been investigated as potential peripheral markers. Among lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde, despite its relevant methodological limitations, is correlated with the size of ischemic stroke and clinical outcome, while F2-isoprostanes appear to be promising, but they have not been adequately evaluated. 8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine has been extensively investigated as markers of oxidative DNA damage but no study has been done in stroke patients. Also enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants have been proposed as indirect markers. Among them ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, uric acid, and superoxide dismutase are related to brain damage and clinical outcome. After a critical evaluation of the literature, we conclude that, while an ideal biomarker is not yet available, the balance between antioxidants and by-products of oxidative stress in the organism might be the best approach for the evaluation of oxidative stress in stroke patients.
Cherubini
Antonio
A
Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Perugia Medical School, Policlinico Monteluce-Pad. E, Via Brunamonti 51, 06122 Perugia, Italy. acherub@unipg.it
Ruggiero
Carmelinda
C
Polidori
M Cristina
MC
Mecocci
Patrizia
P
D000447:Aldehydes / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D004249:DNA Damage; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000032:analysis; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011379:Prognosis; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000032:analysis; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000097:blood; D017392:Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / Q000032:analysis; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
D000447:Aldehydes; D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D005609:Free Radicals; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D017392:Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; D014527:Uric Acid; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; C027576:4-hydroxy-2-nonenal; D001205:Ascorbic Acid