Asymmetric dimethylarginine and nitric oxide levels in migraine during the interictal period.

Nitric oxide (NO), which modulates endothelial function, is thought to be pivotal in the pathophysiology of migraines. The connection between migraine and cardiovascular diseases has also drawn attention to the endothelial dysfunctions and NO pathway abnormalities seen in patients with migraine. Our goal was to assess the levels of NO and the endogenous NO synthase inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), in people with migraine during the interictal period. A total of 49 patients with migraine and 22 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Their plasma NO metabolites (nitrite [NO2-] and nitrate [NO3-]) and ADMA levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and were then compared with their cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric measurements, and headache frequency and severity. The plasma ADMA, NO2- and NO3- levels of the patients with migraine during the interictal period did not differ from the control group, and no relationship was found between cardiovascular risk factors and migraine attack severity and frequency. We conclude that, in patients with migraine, there is no dysfunction of baseline NO and ADMA metabolism during the interictal period.

Development of entrapment neuropathies in acute stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the third most common cause of mortality and is one of the most common causes of morbidity in the world. Polyneuropathies and entrapment neuropathies are known as the complications of stroke. AIMS OF THE STUDY: In this study we aimed to evaluate the development of entrapment neuropathies in severe stroke patients within the first month of the event. METHODS: Twenty first-ever stroke patients were included in the study. The nerve conduction studies were performed within the first 48 h and repeated 1 month later. RESULTS: At the end of the first month, seven of the 20 patients had median nerve entrapment at the wrist, five had ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow and seven had peroneal nerve entrapment at the fibular head in the hemiparetic side. Three patients had median nerve entrapment at the wrist, one patient had ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow, and none had peroneal nerve entrapment in the non-paretic side. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that, in severe hemiparetic patients, the entrapment neuropathies may be commonly seen, especially in the paretic extremities. The early rehabilitation programs against the development of entrapment neuropathies may be beneficial in stroke patients.