A Nested Case-Control Study to Explore the Association between Immunoglobulin G N-glycans and Ischemic Stroke

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neurology
• Glycomics

Background:

• Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycans are complex structures that can reflect an individual's health status.
• Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide.
• Previous research has explored various risk factors for IS, but the role of IgG N-glycans remains less understood, particularly concerning sex-specific differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prospective association between immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycan traits and the risk of developing ischemic stroke (IS).
• To explore potential sex-specific differences in the relationship between IgG N-glycans and IS risk.

Main Methods:

• A nested case-control study was conducted within the China suboptimal health cohort study.
• Plasma samples from 99 IS cases and 99 matched controls were analyzed for IgG N-glycan profiles.
• Statistical analyses were performed to assess the association between specific glycan peaks and derived glycan traits with IS risk, adjusting for relevant covariates.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four directly measured glycan peaks (GPs) from IgG N-glycans showed associations with IS risk in men.
• Specific glycan traits, indicating reduced galactosylation and sialylation, were significantly associated with increased IS risk in men.
• No significant associations between these IgG N-glycan traits and IS risk were observed in women.

Conclusions:

• Altered IgG N-glycan profiles are associated with incident ischemic stroke (IS) in men.
• The findings suggest that sex-specific differences may exist in the association between IgG N-glycans and IS risk.
• IgG N-glycans may represent potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for IS, particularly in men.