ANTIOXIDANTS STATUS OF ACUTE ISCHAEMIC STROKE SUBJECTS IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA.

Isa, S.A., Wali U.*, Yusuf, S., Balarabe, S.A. and Bilbis L.S.

ABSTRACT

Acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is characterized by elevated levels of oxidative stress indices and declined antioxidant defences. Increased oxidative stress is thought to play a critical role in the development of AIS and its associated complications. We investigated malondialdehyde (MDA), BP, FBS, SOD, GPx, CAT, vitamins (A,C and E), Zn, Cr, Cu, Mn and Se of 79 AIS subjects admitted in Neuro Medical Ward of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH),Sokoto,Nigeria and the results compared with 20 non-acute ischaemic stroke (NAIS) subjects of comparable age and social status. The results suggested significant increase (p<0.05) levels of MDA, BP, FBS and significant decrease (p<0.05) levels of vitamins A, C and E, SOD, GPx, CAT, Zn, Cr, Mn and Se and non significant decrease (P>0.05) level of Cu in AIS subjects compared with NAIS subjects. It is concluded that acute ischaemic strokes in the study area have depletion of antioxidant defense mechanism, an indication that the AIS subjects are predisposed to increased oxidative onslaught.

Keywords: Antioxidants, acute ischaemic stroke, oxidative stress.