IgG-autoantibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein in ischemic stroke onset

In the arterial wall oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein is a pro-inflammatory chemotactic factor for macrophages and immunoreactive cells. The association between oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and stroke is suspected, but not established. The plasma oxLDL level in patients with ischemic stroke would be increased and could serve as a marker of ischemic stroke. Serum oxLDL concentrations were determined in 267 ischemic stroke patients (mean age of 72.6.6 +/- 8.6 years) and in 125 age matched controls. Anti-oxLDL antibodies were measured by ELISA. It was investigated the relationship between the serum titers of anti-oxLDL and ischemic stroke onset (within 24 hours) as compared to healthy control subjects. Thirty-one percent (82/267) of the patients tested had higher anti-oxLDL levels than controls. Mean anti-oxLDL titer was 544.6 +/- 48.2 mU/mL vs 416.2 +/- 31.4 mU/mL respectively, statistically significantly higher than those of controls (p < 0.001). The high concentrations of IgG anti-oxLDL contribute to a cascade of events characterized as immunoinflammatory reactions of ischemic stroke. It is probable that humoral immunity plays a significant role in the very initial stages of ischemic stroke. We can deduce that immune response to oxLDL is of variable importance, regarding pathophysiologic process in the ischemic stroke.