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A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Elevated plasma YKL-40 levels and ischemic stroke in the general population
Alisa D Kjaergaard1, Stig E Bojesen, Julia S Johansen
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Annals of Neurology
|October 30, 2010
Summary
Elevated plasma YKL-40 levels significantly increase the risk of ischemic stroke and cerebrovascular disease in the general population. This association remains independent of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, highlighting YKL-40 as a potential biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- YKL-40, a protein produced by macrophages in vessel walls, is implicated in inflammatory processes.
- Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is a known indicator of inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
- The role of YKL-40 as a predictor of ischemic cardiovascular disease in the general population requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that higher plasma YKL-40 levels are associated with an increased risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease.
- To compare the predictive value of YKL-40 with CRP for ischemic events.
- To determine if the association between YKL-40 and ischemic events is independent of CRP and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Plasma YKL-40 levels were measured in 8,899 participants from the Copenhagen City Heart Study.
- Participants were followed for up to 18 years for endpoints including ischemic stroke, cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and ischemic heart disease.
- Hazard ratios were calculated for different percentile categories of plasma YKL-40, adjusting for multiple factors including CRP.
Main Results:
- Elevated plasma YKL-40 levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
- A dose-dependent relationship was observed, with the highest YKL-40 percentile category showing a 2.3-fold increased risk for ischemic stroke.
- Doubling plasma YKL-40 was linked to a 20% higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 16% higher risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, independent of CRP.
Conclusions:
- Plasma YKL-40 is a significant independent predictor of ischemic stroke and ischemic cerebrovascular disease in the general population.
- YKL-40 offers valuable prognostic information beyond traditional risk factors and CRP.
- Further research into YKL-40's role in atherogenesis and its therapeutic potential is warranted.
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