The dynamics of soluble Fas/APO 1 apoptotic biochemical marker in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Purpose: Until recently, neuronal death in ischemic stroke infarction was ascribed exclusively to necrotic process. However, experimental animal models of cerebral ischemia suggest apoptosis to play a role in the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction. The aim of this study was to determine the level and monitor the dynamics of soluble Fas/APO 1 (sFas/APO 1) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of acute ischemic stroke patients.

Material And Methods: This prospective study included 23 patients with first ever, computed tomography verified acute ischemic stroke and 20 control subjects with other functional neurologic disorders. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid sFas/APO 1 levels were determined on several occasions. Blood samples were obtained on day 1, 3 and 12, and lumbar puncture on day 3 and 12 of disease onset. Quantitative sandwich ELISA method was used on sFas/APO 1 determination.

Results: On day 1 of disease onset, serum and cerebrospinal fluid sFas/APO 1 levels were significantly higher in stroke patients as compared to control subjects, and then gradually declined during the period of monitoring.

Conclusion: Study results confirmed the dynamic pattern of sFas/APO 1 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute ischemic stroke, suggesting the possible role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction.