Neuronal plasma biomarkers in acute ischemic stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomarker Research
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Early detection of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has improved, but outcome prognosis remains challenging.
• Blood-based biomarkers offer potential for improved prognostic information beyond established factors.
• Neuronal injury biomarkers, like tau and neurofilament light, are detectable in plasma and established in neurodegenerative diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between stroke diameter and plasma biomarkers for neuronal injury and tau pathophysiology.
• To investigate the potential clinical value of plasma biomarkers in predicting outcomes after AIS.

Main Methods:

• Studied 193 patients diagnosed with AIS, transient ischemic attack, or stroke mimics.
• Measured plasma levels of brain-derived tau (BD-tau), phosphorylated-tau-217 (p-tau217), and neurofilament light (NfL).
• Assessed correlations between stroke diameter and plasma biomarker levels using linear regression.

Main Results:

• Plasma BD-tau and NfL levels were significantly higher in AIS patients compared to stroke mimics.
• Cortical stroke diameter showed a significant correlation with both BD-tau and p-tau217 levels.
• Linear regression identified BD-tau as the strongest variable associated with stroke diameter.

Conclusions:

• Plasma BD-tau and NfL levels can help differentiate AIS from stroke mimics.
• The strong association between BD-tau and stroke diameter suggests its potential utility in predicting AIS outcomes.
• Plasma BD-tau may serve as a valuable biomarker for clinical decision-making in AIS management.