Effects of lutein on brain damage and vasospasm in the experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage model

Objective: Vasospasm frequently developed after subarachnoid hemorrhage is one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity. Lutein is a carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of present study is to investigate effects of lutein on the basilar artery and nerve tissues.

Methods: Wistar rats used in study were randomly divided into 3 groups: control (G1), subarachnoid hemorrhage (G2) and subarachnoid hemorrhage treated with lutein (G3). Lutein was administered for 3 day by means of orogastric. basilar artery lumen areas, wall thicknesses, serum total antioxidant status (TAS), serum total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were calculated. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted.

Results: Result of measurements, no statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of wall thicknesses, lumen area, TAS-TOS and OSI values. A statistically significant difference was found between groups colored with TUNEL (p < 0,005). The results between groups has been demonstrated by post-hoc analysis. G1 and G3 were equal (p=1) and lower than G2 (respectively p=0,04 and 0,006).

Conclusions: Lutein was found to have a positive effect on width of basilar artery lumen area. Therefore, we think that positive effects of lutein on vasospasm might be statistically significant if lutein is administered at higher doses. Lutein was found to be effective in preventing brain damage after subarachnoid hemorrhage. present study examining effect of lutein on vasospasm and brain damage after subarachnoid hemorrhage is the first in the literature.

Keywords: Subarachnoid hemorrhage; brain damage; lutein; neuroprotective effect; vasospasm.