ABSTRACT
[1] To investigate the levels of some proteins regulating apoptosis namely soluble Fas/Apo-l [sFas], caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] in acute ischemic cerebral stroke. [2] To evaluate the potential relationship between the levels of these parameters and brain damage. Patients: The study included thirty patients [16 males and 14 females] with acute ischemic stroke selected from the Internal Medicine Department of Assiut University Hospital over a period of 12 months. A control group of 20 non smoker healthy volunteers [11 males and 9 females] with matched ages were included in the study. Design: A randomized, group comparative, single-center study. Setting: Biochemistry and Internal Medicine Departments at Assiut University Hospital, Egypt. Significant elevated levels of sFas/Apo-1, caspase-3 and TNF-alpha were observed in patients in comparison to those of the controls. These elevations were more pronounced among smokers and those with myocardial disease. Significant positive correlations were found between sFas/Apo-1 and each of caspase-3 and TNF-alpha, and between the size of infarction and the three studied apoptotic parameters. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the levels of the apoptotic markers in acute ischemic stroke patients especially among smokers and those with myocardial disease. The extent of apoptosis detected in this study seems to play a role in the outcome of acute ischemic cerebral stroke. Therefore, the present study recommended the use of neuroprotective therapies [e.g. caspase-3 inhibitors] aiming at minimizing the activation of toxic pathways and at enhancing the activity of endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms in cerebral ischemic patients