An Effective Neuroprotective Treatment in Ischemic Stroke and Cerebral Trauma with Low Doses of L-Arginine, Lamotrigine and Tianeptine

In stroke and cerebral Trauma the damaged neurons release Aspartate and Glutamate that contribute to neuronal death (excitotoxic cell death). However, physiological levels of NMDA receptor activity can promote neuronal survival and resistance to trauma, which explain why a large number of neuroprotective agents development for stroke have failed to show positive effects in Phase III trials in ischemic stroke. The levels of free serotonin (f-5HT) increase in thrombotic events, worsening the platelet aggregation and the arteriolar vasoconstriction. Endothelium-derived Nitric Oxide (eNO- is reduced in ischemic stroke. The objective of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Lamotrigine (a glutamate release inhibitor-, Tianeptine (reducer of f-5HT levels- and L-Arginine (precursor of eNO) at low doses. We performed a controlled study with 49 patients with cerebral trauma and 25 patients with ischemic stroke. We compared the sample groups with control groups that received conventional treatment. To evaluate the disease progression we used the Glasgow Scale and NIHSS. The results were analyzed by F statistical test and Student's t test with p ≤ 0.05. The results show that patients with stroke and brain trauma are benefited with this new neuroprotective treatment (p value < 0.05- with lower rates of neurologic complications.