Soluble ST2 Predicts Poor Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients.

Introduction: There are very limited data on the role of biomarkers correlating with the outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We evaluated the predictive values of the plasma concentrations of soluble serum stimulation-2 (sST2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and claudin-5 in AIS.

Methods: The biomarker levels in the plasma samples of consecutive AIS patients collected at baseline, 12 h, and 24 h from stroke onset were quantified using immunoassays.

Biomarkers predict hemorrhagic transformation and stroke severity after acute ischemic stroke.

Objectives: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a complication occurring in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) either spontaneously or post-thrombolysis leading to significant morbidity and mortality. We assessed circulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Claudin-5, and soluble serum stimulation-2 (sST2) in HT and stroke severity in AIS based on their temporal distribution.

Materials And Methods: We prospectively enrolled 111 AIS patients within 12 h from onset.

Increased high‑density lipoprotein‑oxidant index in ischemic stroke patients.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known to have atheroprotective properties which could become dysfunctional under certain disease conditions, particularly during the atherosclerotic progression. The present study sought to assess HDL functionality in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients in comparison with controls and the functional alteration among the ischemic stroke subtypes. The HDL functionality was evaluated in 71 statin-naïve, adult patients of South Indian descent, admitted with AIS and were compared with that of 25 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers.

Oxidative stress is increased in women with epilepsy: Is it a potential mechanism of anti-epileptic drug-induced teratogenesis?

Context: Oxidative stress can be a final common pathway for AED-induced teratogenesis.

Aims: To compare the oxidative stress of women with epilepsy (WWE) and unfavorable pregnancy outcome (fetal malformation or spontaneous abortion - group EM) with that of WWE with normal pregnancy outcome (group ENM) and healthy women with normal pregnancy outcome (group C).

Materials And Methods: We identified WWE under group EM (n = 43) and group ENM (n = 22) from the Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy (KREP).