Changes in the Lectin Pathway Following Intracerebral or Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The complement system is activated following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
• The specific role of the lectin pathway (LP) in this complement activation remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify plasma concentrations of LP proteins in ICH and SAH patients at admission compared to healthy controls.
• To track changes in LP protein levels during the initial 24 hours post-symptom onset in ICH and SAH patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, observational study involving 30 ICH and 33 SAH patients.
• EDTA plasma samples collected at admission, 6, and 24 hours post-symptom onset.
• Time-resolved immuno-fluorometric assays (TRIFMA) used to measure all LP proteins.

Main Results:

• ICH and SAH patients exhibited higher H-ficolin, M-ficolin, and MAp44 levels at admission compared to healthy individuals.
• Significant decreases in M-ficolin, H-ficolin, CL-L1, MASP-1, MASP-3, and MAp44 were observed in both patient groups within 24 hours.
• LP protein concentrations differed significantly between patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions:

• Distinct differences in LP protein concentrations exist between ICH/SAH patients and healthy individuals.
• LP protein levels show significant dynamic changes within the first 24 hours of SAH and ICH.
• LP proteins may play a crucial role during the acute phase of SAH and ICH.