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Protein Z in ischemic stroke and its etiologic subtypes
Andrew M McQuillan1, John W Eikelboom, Graeme J Hankey
1Department of Hematology, Royal Perth Hospital, Box X2213 GPO, Perth, WA 6897, Australia.
Stroke
|September 13, 2003
Summary
Elevated protein Z levels are linked to acute ischemic stroke, especially from large-artery disease. This association disappears in the recovery phase, suggesting protein Z may play a role in stroke development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biochemistry
- Neurology
Background:
- Protein Z is a vitamin K-dependent plasma protein.
- Its role in arterial thrombosis and ischemic stroke is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between protein Z levels and ischemic stroke.
- To examine the relationship with different etiologic subtypes of ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 173 ischemic stroke patients and 186 controls.
- Protein Z concentrations were measured within 7 days and 3-6 months post-stroke.
- Stroke cases were classified by etiologic subtype.
Main Results:
- Acute phase protein Z levels were significantly higher in stroke cases (1.46 µg/mL) versus controls (1.16 µg/mL).
- Higher protein Z tertiles correlated with increased ischemic stroke odds (OR 3.07 for the highest tertile).
- Ischemic stroke due to large-artery atherothrombosis showed a near 8-fold increased odds (OR 7.91) with the highest protein Z levels.
Conclusions:
- A strong, independent link exists between elevated protein Z and acute ischemic stroke, particularly large-artery atherothromboembolism.
- This association is absent in the convalescent phase, suggesting protein Z might be an acute phase reactant or involved in pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to clarify protein Z's causative or prognostic role in arterial thrombosis.