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The Role of Biomarkers in Atherothrombotic Stroke-A Systematic Review
Sebastian Andone1,2, Zoltan Bajko2,3, Anca Motataianu2,3
1Doctoral School, 'George Emil Palade' University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania.
Insights
This review identifies 23 potential biomarkers for atherothrombotic stroke, aiding in risk stratification and prognosis prediction. These biological markers offer supplementary diagnostic value alongside traditional neuroimaging.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and mortality worldwide.
- Atherosclerosis, characterized by plaque buildup, is a primary cause of atherothrombotic stroke.
- Biological biomarkers are increasingly recognized for their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential in stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile a comprehensive list of potential biomarkers associated with atherothrombotic stroke.
- To evaluate the identified biomarkers' roles as risk factors, diagnostic tools, prognostic predictors, and therapeutic targets.
- To explore the utility of biomarkers in risk stratification for pre-stroke patients and prognosis prediction for stroke survivors.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review to identify relevant biomarkers.
- Assessment of 23 identified biomarkers based on their roles in atherothrombotic stroke.
- Analysis of biomarker utility in risk stratification, prognosis, and acute phase treatment.
Main Results:
- Twenty-three potential biomarkers for atherothrombotic stroke were identified.
- Biomarkers show significant potential for risk stratification, particularly in asymptomatic individuals.
- These markers offer predictive capabilities for both short-term and long-term stroke prognosis and may inform acute treatments like rt-PA thrombolysis.
Conclusions:
- Biomarkers are valuable tools for understanding atherothrombotic stroke etiology and progression.
- While not yet replacing neuroimaging, biomarkers can serve as complementary diagnostic aids.
- Future research is expected to further establish the clinical utility of these biomarkers in stroke management.
Abstract:
Stroke represents the primary debilitating disease in adults and is the second-highest cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis, the most prevalent etiology for vascular conditions, is a continuous process that gradually creates and develops endothelial lesions known as atherosclerotic plaques. These lesions lead to the appearance of atherothrombotic stroke. In the last decades, the role of biological biomarkers has emerged as either diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic targets. This article aims to create a list of potential biomarkers related to atherothrombotic stroke by reviewing the currently available literature. We identified 23 biomarkers and assessed their roles as risk factors, detection markers, prognostic predictors, and therapeutic targets. The central aspect of these biomarkers is related to risk stratification, especially for patients who have not yet suffered a stroke. Other valuable data are focused on the predictive capabilities for stroke patients regarding short-term and long-term prognosis, including their influence over the acute phase treatment, such as rt-PA thrombolysis. Although the role of biomarkers is anticipated to be of extreme value in the future, they cannot yet compete with traditional stroke neuroimaging markers but could be used as additional tools for etiological diagnosis.
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