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Association between serum cystatin C levels and the severity or potential risk factors of acute ischemic stroke

Guo-Xiang Huang1,2, Xun-Ming Ji1, Yu-Chuan Ding1

  • 1a Department of Neurology , Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China.

Neurological Research
|June 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Serum cystatin C levels are elevated in patients with acute ischemic stroke, indicating a link independent of traditional risk factors. However, cystatin C levels do not correlate with stroke severity.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide.
  • Identifying novel biomarkers for stroke risk and severity is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
  • Serum cystatin C is a protein that has been investigated for its potential role in various cardiovascular and renal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between serum cystatin C levels and acute ischemic stroke.
  • To determine if serum cystatin C levels are associated with stroke severity.
  • To explore the relationship between serum cystatin C and conventional vascular risk factors in stroke patients.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study included 171 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 99 controls.
  • Serum cystatin C levels were measured in all participants.
  • Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and various vascular risk factors were quantified.

Main Results:

  • Serum cystatin C levels were significantly higher in acute ischemic stroke patients compared to controls (1.26 ± 0.34 mg/L vs. 0.78 ± 0.24 mg/L, p < 0.001).
  • A substantial proportion of stroke patients exhibited elevated serum cystatin C levels.
  • No significant correlation was found between serum cystatin C levels and NIHSS scores, lipid profiles, apolipoproteins, intracranial arterial stenosis, hypertension, or diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • Serum cystatin C is closely related to acute ischemic stroke, independent of conventional risk factors.
  • Elevated serum cystatin C levels may serve as a potential biomarker for acute ischemic stroke.
  • Serum cystatin C levels are not correlated with the severity of acute ischemic stroke.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute ischemic strokeCystatin CDiabetesHypertensionIntracranial arterial stenosis

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