Investigation of The Effects of Serum Iron and Copper Levels in Ischemic Stroke Disease Development

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic stroke is characterized by loss of focal cerebral function due to impaired of brain-blood flow. Environmental factors and genetic factors may be effective together in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Trace elements are important components of the biological structure, and toxic effects may occur when these trace elements are taken in more than the amount required for biological functions. The risk of neurological diseases such as ischemic stroke may increase as a result of imbalances in trace element levels. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of serum iron and copper levels in the development of ischemic stroke disease. METHODS: Our study consisted of 20 ischemic stroke patients and 36 healthy controls. Serum iron and copper levels measurements were performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. RESULTS: Serum iron and copper levels were detected significantly lower in the patient group with ischemic stroke compared to the healthy control group (p<0.05). However, the significant difference was not determined in comparison of serum copper and iron levels according to gender between patient with ischemic stroke and healthy control groups (p>0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, it was determined that serum iron and copper levels may be effective risk factors for ischemic stroke disease. Thus, it was concluded that serum iron and copper trace element levels may be important biomarkers that may be evaluated in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of ischemic stroke

Keywords

• ischemic stroke
• trace elements
• copper
• iron
• biomarkers