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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:42
A Fibrin-Enriched and tPA-Sensitive Photothrombotic Stroke Model
Published on: June 4, 2021
Tissue plasminogen activator is elevated in women with ischemic stroke
L L Jeppesen1, H S Jørgensen, H Nakayama
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Summary
High levels of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA antigen) are linked to stroke risk in women. Elevated t-PA antigen in women with ischemic stroke suggests it may be a significant risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- A prior study identified elevated tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen as a stroke risk factor in men.
- The role of t-PA antigen as a stroke risk factor in women remained undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether plasma t-PA antigen levels are elevated in women with acute ischemic stroke.
- To determine if t-PA antigen is an independent risk factor for stroke in women.
Main Methods:
- Plasma t-PA antigen levels were measured in 302 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 138 healthy female controls.
- Levels were re-assessed in a subgroup of female patients after 6 months to rule out acute phase reaction.
- Multivariate regression analysis was employed to identify independent risk factors.
Main Results:
- Women with ischemic stroke exhibited significantly higher plasma t-PA antigen levels (39% increase) compared to healthy female controls (P=.0001).
- Plasma t-PA antigen levels remained stable at 6 months post-stroke, indicating the elevation was not due to an acute phase response.
- High t-PA antigen was identified as an independent risk factor for stroke and associated with stroke severity in women.
Conclusions:
- Plasma t-PA antigen levels are elevated in women experiencing ischemic stroke.
- Elevated t-PA antigen may serve as a potential biomarker and risk factor for ischemic stroke in the female population.
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