Insulin-Like Growth Factor-II and Ischemic Stroke-A Prospective Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) is crucial for prenatal brain development.
• Its role in adult brain function and post-injury recovery remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum IGF-II (s-IGF-II) levels and mortality/functional outcomes in ischemic stroke (IS) patients.
• To determine if s-IGF-II can serve as a prognostic biomarker after IS.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 492 IS cases and 514 controls were analyzed.
• Functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months and 2 years.
• Survival follow-up extended to a minimum of 7 years.

Main Results:

• IS patients exhibited higher s-IGF-II levels acutely and at 3-month follow-up compared to controls.
• The lowest quintile of acute s-IGF-II was linked to a significantly increased risk of long-term mortality (adjusted HR 1.64).
• Associations between s-IGF-II and poor functional outcome were not significant after adjustment.

Conclusions:

• Elevated s-IGF-II levels are observed in IS patients.
• Low acute s-IGF-II is identified as an independent risk marker for increased post-stroke mortality.