Effects of Antioxidant Treatment on Neurotrophins and Rehabilitation Processes Following Stroke

Abstract

Objectives. To study the effects of Cytoflavin during the recovery period of ischemic stroke (IS) in terms of changes in neuropsychological status and serum levels of neurotrophins. Materials and methods. A total of 52 patients were observed after fi rst IS at age 52–74 years. Patients were divided into two groups. The study group (25 patients) received basal therapy supplemented with intravenous Cytoflavin infusions of 20 ml in 400 ml of 5% glucose solution once daily for 10 days followed by two tablets twice daily half an hour before meals for one month. The reference group (27 patients) received standard treatment. The control group consisted of 12 essentially healthy subjects. Apart from standard clinical laboratory investigations, participants underwent complex neuropsychological studies with assessment of data on the NIHSS, Bartel, Beck, and Spilberger–Hanin tests, the Frontal Assessment Battery, and the Mini Mental State Examination. In addition, neurotrophic factor levels were determined: nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Studies were performed over time: before treatment started and two months after treatment. Results and conclusions. Patients in the recovery period following first IS showed moderate impairments to neuropsychological status and decreases in neurotrophic factor levels. Prescription of Cytoflavin increased treatment efficacy, which was apparent as a more marked improvement in neurological symptomatology as compared with the results obtained with basal therapy, along with improvements in cognitive functions and increases in BDNF levels. Efficacy and safety data indicate that Cytoflavin can be included in treatment schemes for patients in the recovery period following first carotid IS.