Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:22
Isolation and Flow Cytometric Assessment of Neuroimmune Interactions in a Mini-Stroke Murine Model
Published on: June 20, 2025
IL1RN VNTR polymorphism in ischemic stroke: analysis in 3 populations
Bradford B Worrall1, Thomas G Brott, Robert D Brown
1Department of Neurology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Stroke
|March 3, 2007
Summary
Allele 2 of the IL-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1RN) is associated with increased ischemic stroke risk in white individuals. This genetic variant may contribute to cerebrovascular disease, particularly under a recessive model.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Inflammation
Background:
- Genetic factors play a significant role in ischemic stroke risk.
- Inflammation-related gene variants are implicated in stroke pathogenesis.
- Previous research suggested a link between IL1RN allele 2 and cerebrovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the association between IL-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1RN) allele 2 and ischemic stroke.
- To investigate the role of IL1RN variants in cerebrovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Association study of IL1RN variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) genotype.
- Analysis of ischemic stroke cases and controls, stratified by race.
- DNA analysis performed on North American cohorts.
Main Results:
- Allele 2 of IL1RN showed a significant association with ischemic stroke in white participants (OR=2.80, P=0.03).
- The association in white individuals best fit a recessive genetic model (P=0.009).
- No significant association was found in nonwhite participants due to smaller sample size.
Conclusions:
- IL1RN allele 2 may contribute to the genetic risk of ischemic stroke, especially in white populations.
- The confirmed association supports the role of IL1RN in cerebrovascular disease.
- Further research with larger nonwhite cohorts is needed to clarify the association in diverse populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
01:17Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview
Ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart's blood supply dwindles, causing an ominous lack of oxygen and nutrients. This deficiency, stemming from reduced or obstructed blood flow, spells danger, leading to heart muscle damage and dysfunction.
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...