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Genetic susceptibility to cerebrovascular accidents
S Rubattu1, R Stanzione, B Gigante
1Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli, (Isernia), Italy.
Insights
Stroke is a complex polygenic disease influenced by lifestyle and hereditary factors. Understanding genetic determinants is crucial for improved stroke prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cerebrovascular accidents (stroke) are a leading cause of death in Western societies.
- Current understanding necessitates a deeper exploration of stroke's pathogenetic determinants for effective prevention and treatment.
- Stroke is increasingly recognized as a complex, multifactorial, polygenic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the genetic basis of stroke.
- To integrate hereditary factors into the understanding of cerebrovascular accident pathogenesis.
- To pave the way for more specific preventive and therapeutic approaches to stroke.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological and experimental evidence.
- Analysis of findings from animal models of stroke.
- Examination of human genetic studies related to stroke.
Main Results:
- Stroke is confirmed as a complex polygenic disease.
- Hereditary factors are identified as significant contributors to stroke pathogenesis.
- Recent findings highlight the genetic basis of stroke in both animal models and humans.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of stroke requires considering both modifiable determinants and specific hereditary factors.
- Advances in understanding the genetic basis of stroke promise more targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into the genetic underpinnings of stroke is essential for public health.
Abstract:
Cerebrovascular accidents are the third leading cause of death after myocardial infarction and cancer in all Western societies. A more complete understanding of the pathogenetic determinants of stroke is required in order to achieve a better prevention and treatment of this common disease. Recently, based on convincing epidemiological and experimental evidence, the concept of stroke as a complex, multifactorial, polygenic disease has been well assessed. Thus, together with known modifiable determinants, such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, cardiac diseases and diabetes, specific hereditary factors for stroke are now taken into account when analysing the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular accidents. In particular, there have recently been important findings related to the genetic basis of stroke in suitable animal models and in humans, thus representing the promise of a more thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of stroke in the future and of a more specific preventive and therapeutic approach to this common pathological condition.