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An In Vivo Assessment of Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke
12:19

An In Vivo Assessment of Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke

Published on: March 11, 2018

Homocysteine and internal carotid artery occlusion in ischemic stroke

Seul-Ki Jeong1, Jin-Young Seo, Young I Cho

  • 1Department of Neurology and Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, South Korea.

Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
|July 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) levels are linked to internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion in ischemic stroke patients. Higher tHcy concentrations increase the risk of ICA occlusion, independent of other risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Neurology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Homocysteine is implicated in arterial resistance and luminal narrowing.
  • Understanding factors contributing to internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and occlusion is crucial for ischemic stroke prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and the presence of ICA stenosis or occlusion in patients who have experienced an ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 391 ischemic stroke patients was analyzed.
  • Patients were categorized based on ICA status: normal, stenosis (>50% narrowing), or occlusion (complete obstruction).
  • Plasma tHcy concentrations were measured and statistically analyzed against ICA status, controlling for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis was observed in 18.2% and occlusion in 5.6% of patients.
  • Plasma tHcy levels were significantly elevated in patients with ICA stenosis or occlusion, particularly in the occlusion group.
  • A 1 µmol/L increase in tHcy was associated with a 1.12-fold increased odds of ICA occlusion (adjusted OR=1.12, p=0.008).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is significantly associated with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion.
  • This association remains significant even after adjusting for common vascular risk factors and stroke classifications.
  • tHcy may represent an independent risk factor for severe internal carotid artery disease in stroke patients.
Abstract

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