Role of SH Levels and Markers of Immune Response in the Stroke

Abstract

Background. Sulfhydryl groups (SH) are considered a key factor in redox sensitive reaction of plasma, and their modification could be considered an expression of abnormal generation of oxygen free radicals. Methods. Fifty consecutive patients with acute brain stroke were enclosed in this study. The plasma concentrations of SH groups were correlated to cytokines (IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α), plasma chitotriosidase (Chit), metalloprotease (MMP2–9), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Results. The results demonstrated a significant reduction of SH groups within 24 hours from the onset of an acute ischemic stroke, a reduction of plasma IL-1b, IL-6, and IL-8, and an increase of Chit and TNF-α in relation to the stroke severity. Conclusion. The observation of an intense microenvironment activation that follows the stroke and the correlation between SH levels and markers of immune response suggest that, especially in stroke, is necessary to maintain the redox function to prevent the brain damage. The reduced SH levels represent an attempt to neutralize the abnormal generation of free radicals. Since the reperfusion of brain after ischemic event represents a severe oxidative stress, which must be corrected by regeneration of redox sensitive function, pharmacological intervention could be beneficial in this setting.

Evaluation of Chitotriosidase and CC-Chemokine Ligand 18 as Biomarkers of Microglia Activation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

“…This evidence suggests the overproduction of this enzyme exerts a deleterious effect in many degenerative disorders [15,[37][38][39][40]. Regarding ALS, some studies have previously shown an increased blood ChT activity suggesting this enzyme as a potential biomarker [29], and elevated ChT levels in ALS-CSF proposing a role for the enzyme in the disease pathogenesis [16,18]. Chitin, the natural substrate of ChT in unvertebrates animals, is an insoluble N-acetylglucosamine polymer and it is uncertain whether ChT activity in CSF reflects only a microglia activation or if some chitin-like polysaccharides at CNS could be the substrate of this enzyme [17].…”

“…In human brain, it is suggested that ChT is synthesized by microglia [16] and it has been reported that high CSF ChT levels in several neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, acute ischemic stroke, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) [12][13][14][15]36]. This evidence suggests the overproduction of this enzyme exerts a deleterious effect in many degenerative disorders [15,[37][38][39][40].…”

“…In the human brain, ChT is proposed to be synthesized by microglia and high CSF ChT levels have been shown in several neurological conditions [14][15][16]. Previous reports revealed that ChT is increased in CSF in patients with ALS and proposed this enzyme as a potential biomarker for ALS [17][18][19].…”

The Early Effect of Carotid Artery Stenting on Antioxidant Capacity and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

“…Animal experimental study on the effects of artery ballooning and oxidative stress on the injury of vascular smooth muscle cells revealed decrease in blood glutathione concentration after the procedure [32]. In humans, plasma sulfhydryl groups concentrations decreased within 24 hours after ischemic stroke onset and correlated positively with interleukin-8 and negatively with chitotriosidase (a marker of macrophage activation) and matrix metalloprotease 2 [18]. The latter study shows that plasma sulfhydryl groups concentration can be modified by acute inflammatory/immune response; thus it can be the case after CAS.…”

“…Proteins, albumins especially, are the principal source of SG in plasma [17]. The concentration of plasma sulfhydryl groups decreases during acute cerebral ischemia and correlates with immune response in stroke patients [18]. …”