Lipid peroxidation, hemolysis and antioxidant enzymes of erythrocytes in stroke

Erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation and consequent percentage hemolysis and related antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase were determined in 16 cases of hemorrhagic stroke and 30 cases of thrombotic stroke. The results obtained were compared with 50 age and sex matched controls. 12 thrombotic stroke patients who showed symptomatic recovery after medication were considered for follow up. Lipid peroxidation and percentage hemolysis in patients with thrombotic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke was significantly elevated when compared to controls. Glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase levels were found to be significantly reduced in thrombotic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke respectively, when compared to healthy subjects. There was no significant difference in the other parameters when compared to controls. In post treatment thrombotic stoke, catalase and glutathione reductase levels increased significantly and oxidative hemolysis decreased compared to their pretreatment values. Thus, our results indicate considerable oxidative stress in stroke.