Low plasma antioxidant activity is associated with high lesion volume and neurological impairment in stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Oxidative stress is probably involved in neuronal damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of antioxidant activity in cerebral ischemic stroke. METHODS Antioxidant activity of blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid was assessed in 22 patients with cerebral hemisphere infarction that was verified and quantified by MRI. RESULTS Low total peroxyl radical trapping potential of plasma, but not of cerebrospinal fluid, was associated with high lesion volume and high neurological impairment assessed by scores on NIH Stroke Scale, Barthel Index, and Hand Motor Score tests. The plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and protein thiols were also associated with the degree of neurological impairment. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the antioxidant activity of plasma may be an important factor providing protection from neurological damage caused by stroke-associated oxidative stress.