The levels of trace elements and electrolytes in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute stroke

Abstract

Trace metals have important influences on brain development and function. The trace element zinc is a necessary component of many metalloenzymes, some of which are of importance for the function of the central nervous system. Magnesium ions act as an endogenous vasodilators of the cerebral circulation. The aim of the present study was to determine the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) and serum concentration of the metals zinc, copper and magnesium in acute stroke and to discuss the probable correlations of our findings with the clinical conditions. In our study, serum and CSF copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, sodium and potassium levels of 51 patients diagnosed as acute stroke patients and of 15 healthy subjects were measured. The effects of factors such as age, smoking status, drinking habits and sex on serum and CSF copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, sodium and potassium concentrations were evaluated statistically. These levels were statistically no significant when compared to that of control group except CSF copper. Our data indicate that there is no apparent association between serum and CSF copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, sodium and potassium levels and above factors. There is no statistically significant relationship between serum iron, sodium and potassium concentrations and CSF iron, sodium and potassium concentrations. Only significant correlation was found between serum and CSF magnesium concentrations. We investigated whether there was a change of trace element and electrolyte levels and traverse the blood-brain barrier in serum and CSF.