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Plasma C3 and C3a levels in cryptogenic and large-vessel disease stroke: associations with outcome

Anna Stokowska1, Sandra Olsson, Lukas Holmegaard

  • 1Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 9a, Göteborg, Sweden.

Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Plasma C3 and C3a levels are elevated in ischemic stroke patients. These complement system markers may predict stroke outcomes, with differing values based on stroke subtype (cryptogenic vs. large-vessel disease).

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Inflammation plays a crucial role in ischemic stroke pathophysiology.
  • The complement system, particularly C3 and C3a, is implicated in inflammatory processes.
  • Understanding complement levels in different stroke subtypes is vital for prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare plasma C3 and C3a levels in cryptogenic and large-vessel disease (LVD) ischemic stroke subtypes.
  • To evaluate the association of C3 and C3a levels with stroke outcomes at 3 months and 2 years.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma C3 and C3a levels were measured using ELISA in 79 cryptogenic stroke patients, 73 LVD stroke patients, and controls.
  • Samples were collected within 10 days and at 3 months post-stroke.
  • Functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale.

Main Results:

  • Both stroke groups showed increased plasma C3 levels at both time points.
  • Elevated plasma C3a was observed in the acute phase for cryptogenic stroke and persisted at 3 months for LVD stroke.
  • In LVD stroke, higher 3-month plasma C3 levels predicted unfavorable outcomes at 3 months and 2 years.
  • In cryptogenic stroke, acute high plasma C3a was linked to unfavorable 3-month outcomes in univariate analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma C3 and C3a levels are elevated in both cryptogenic and LVD ischemic stroke.
  • The predictive value of C3 and C3a for stroke outcome may vary by stroke subtype.
  • Further research with larger cohorts is needed to clarify the role of the complement system in stroke outcomes, controlling for infections.
Abstract

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