Calcitriol Attenuates the Serum Level of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Inflammation is considered a highly important factor in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. Considering the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of calcitriol, its administration can be effective in reducing inflammation and ischemic stroke. Thus, this study amid to evaluate the modulatory effects of calcitriol on post-ischemic stroke inflammatory response. Methods: This retrospective cohort study investigated ۴۱ subjects who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and were admitted to the neurology ward in the first ۲۴ hours after the stroke. The exprimental group was given ۱ µg/day calcitriol for ۳ consecutive days. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured after taking blood samples immediately upon admission and after ۷۲ hours. Results: Our results revealed that CPR and ESR values were elevated after an ischemic stroke, while calcitriol could significantly (P<۰.۰۵) diminish the ESR value after ۷۲ hours. Conclusion: Probably, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, calcitriol acts as protective reagent to reduce inflammation after ischemic stroke.