Time-dependent expression of neural oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in ischemic stroke using a transient MCAO rat model

Ischemic stroke is globally acknowledged as a prominent reason for disability and mortalities. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and autophagy have been implicated in its pathogenesis. A model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in male rats was conducted for this investigation and the brain cortex was sampled taken after at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of IRI. The results revealed time-dependent decreases in cortical GSH with rises in MDA and NO levels. Additionally, marked upregulations of inflammatory cytokines were observed and increased as time progressed. Besides, significant upregulations in TLR4, GFAP, Iba-1, and BDNF mRNA expressions were noticed along with increases in the P62 and decreases in LC3 immune expression levels. The pathological findings of cerebral sections showed vacuolations in the neuropil, perivascular edema, and shrinkage of neurons which also increased gradually by time. Taken together, these biomarkers could be reliable indicators for determination of time elapsed after IRI.