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Post-stroke dementia is associated with alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin polymorphism.
Aleksandra Klimkowicz1, Agnieszka Słowik, Tomasz Dziedzic
1Department of Neurology, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, 31-503 Cracow, Botaniczna 3, Poland. Aleksandra.Klimkowicz@mp.pl
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|June 7, 2005
Summary
Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) signal peptide polymorphism (A/T) is a significant risk factor for post-stroke dementia (PSD). This genetic variation is more prevalent in patients who develop dementia after a stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) is an acute phase protein implicated in inflammatory processes.
- ACT influences beta-amyloid protein aggregation and its resistance to degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ACT signal peptide polymorphism (A/T) and the risk of developing post-stroke dementia (PSD).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 142 ischemic stroke patients and 188 controls.
- Pre-stroke dementia (PRESD) assessed using IQCODE; PSD diagnosed per DSM-IV criteria.
- ACT gene (A/T) polymorphism analyzed via PCR-RFLP.
Main Results:
- The ACT-TT genotype and T-allele were significantly more common in PSD patients compared to non-demented stroke patients, controls, and PRESD patients.
- Independent association of ACT-TT genotype and T-allele with PSD persisted after adjusting for age, gender, and vascular risk factors.
Conclusions:
- ACT (A/T) signal peptide polymorphism represents a potential risk factor for post-stroke dementia (PSD).
- This genetic marker may contribute to the susceptibility of stroke patients to developing dementia.