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The expression and association of MATK in chronic hypoperfusion patients with white matter hyperintensity
Ming Zhao1, Jiayue Zhang2, Qianqian Yang3
1Department of Neurology, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a key contributor to vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Patients with CCH frequently exhibit white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI. This study investigated the expression and clinical relevance of megakaryocyte-associated tyrosine kinase (MATK) in CCH patients with WMH.
Methods:
We recruited 42 anterior circulation stenosis patients with CCH and WMH (CCH-WMH group) and 45 age-matched healthy controls. MATK mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was quantified using qPCR. WMH severity was graded using the Fazekas scale. Correlations between MATK expression and imaging/clinical parameters were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and logistic regression. Diagnostic performance was assessed via ROC analysis.
Results:
Megakaryocyte-associated tyrosine kinase expression was significantly downregulated in the CCH-WMH group versus controls (1.20 ± 0.99 vs. 1.84 ± 0.87; P < 0.01). MATK levels showed a strong negative correlation with Fazekas scores (R2 = 0.3405, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression identified MATK as independently associated with WMH (aOR = 0.492; 95% CI: 0.262-0.923; P = 0.027). ROC analysis demonstrated moderate diagnostic accuracy for WMH (AUC = 0.743; 95% CI: 0.637-0.849).
Conclusion:
Reduced peripheral MATK expression correlates with WMH severity in CCH patients and may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker.
Insights
Reduced megakaryocyte-associated tyrosine kinase (MATK) expression in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) patients is linked to white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Lower MATK levels may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for WMH severity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
- Vascular Dementia Research
Background:
- Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a primary cause of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).
- White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI are common in CCH patients.
- The role of megakaryocyte-associated tyrosine kinase (MATK) in CCH with WMH requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of MATK in patients with CCH and WMH.
- To determine the clinical relevance and diagnostic potential of MATK in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Quantified MATK mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 42 CCH-WMH patients and 45 controls using qPCR.
- Assessed WMH severity using the Fazekas scale.
- Analyzed correlations between MATK levels and clinical/imaging parameters via regression and ROC analysis.
Main Results:
- MATK expression was significantly lower in CCH-WMH patients compared to controls (P < 0.01).
- MATK levels negatively correlated with WMH severity (R² = 0.3405, P < 0.001).
- MATK was independently associated with WMH (aOR = 0.492, P = 0.027) and showed moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.743).
Conclusions:
- Reduced peripheral MATK expression is associated with WMH severity in CCH patients.
- MATK may function as a potential diagnostic biomarker for WMH in CCH.
- Further research into MATK's role in vascular cognitive impairment is warranted.
