Association of peripheral neutrophil count with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis
Xing Zhang1, Xiao-He Hou2, Ya-Hui Ma2
1Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
Insights
Elevated neutrophil counts are linked to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). This suggests neutrophils may contribute to stroke pathogenesis, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for ICAS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Inflammation is implicated in atherosclerosis.
- The specific role of neutrophils in this process remains unclear.
- This study investigates the association between neutrophil count and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if neutrophil count is associated with the presence of ICAS.
- To evaluate the predictive value of neutrophil count for ICAS.
- To explore the potential role of neutrophils in ICAS pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- A study cohort of 2847 individuals was analyzed, comprising 1363 acute ischemic stroke patients and 1484 controls.
- Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) was diagnosed using magnetic resonance angiography.
- Multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the relationship between neutrophil count and ICAS.
Main Results:
- Individuals with ICAS exhibited significantly higher neutrophil counts compared to those without ICAS, both in stroke and non-stroke groups.
- Higher neutrophil counts (third and fourth quartiles) were independent predictors of ICAS in the overall cohort.
- The fourth quartile of neutrophil count was associated with a significantly higher risk of ICAS in the stroke group.
Conclusions:
- Circulating neutrophil levels are significantly associated with the presence of ICAS.
- Neutrophils may play a crucial role in the development of stroke secondary to ICAS.
- Targeting neutrophil response could be a potential therapeutic strategy for managing ICAS.
Background:
Inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerosis but the contribution of neutrophils to this process is unclear. We sought to assess whether neutrophil count is associated with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).
Methods:
A total of 2847 individuals were included in our study, including 1363 with acute ischemic stroke and 1484 normal controls without stroke. The presence of ICAS was confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography. The association between neutrophil count and ICAS was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Among 2847 individuals included in this study, individuals with ICAS had higher neutrophil counts than those without ICAS in groups with and without stroke (P < 0.0001 for stroke group, P = 0.0097 for group without stroke). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the third and fourth quartiles were independent predictors of ICAS in all the subjects (Q3: OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.39-2.37, Q4: OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.70-3.10) and patients in the fourth quartile had a higher risk for the occurrence of ICAS in stroke group (Q4: OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.79-4.48). However, there was no significant association between neutrophil count and ICAS in the group without stroke.
Conclusions:
The levels of circulating neutrophils were associated with the presence of ICAS. Our findings suggest that neutrophils may play a role in the pathogenesis of stroke related to ICAS and emphasize the need to develop proper strategies to control neutrophil response for the treatment of ICAS.
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