Reduced Levels of Plasma Lipoxin A4 Are Associated with Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment

Background Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are bioactive lipids derived from n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. SPMs promote resolution of inflammation and are reduced in Alzheimer's disease. It is unknown whether SPMs are associated with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Objective In the present report, we aimed to study the levels of SPMs in PSCI patients in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Methods Levels of SPMs in the plasma from 36 patients with PSCI and 33 patients with post-stroke non-cognitive impairment (PSNCI) were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Results We found that levels of the SPM lipoxin A4 (LXA4) were significantly reduced in PSCI patients compared with PSNCI patients. Interestingly, the LXA4 levels were positively correlated with Mini-Mental State Examination scores, but not with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores. Such alteration and correlation were not found in any of the other SPMs analyzed, i.e., including resolvin D1, resolvin D2, resolvin E1, and maresin 1. Conclusion We conclude that the plasma levels of LXA4 were reduced in PSCI patents in the acute phase of ischemic stroke and were correlated to cognitive function.