Inflammatory Semaphorins in the Pathogenesis and Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Objectives: Semaphorins are immunoregulatory proteins involved in inflammation and neurovascular modulation. Their roles in ischemic stroke pathogenesis and prognosis have recently gained attention. This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of semaphorin 3A, 3F, 4A, 4D, and 7A in patients with acute ischemic stroke and investigate their relationship with disease severity and prognosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 patients with acute ischemic stroke and 39 control individuals were enrolled. Serum semaphorin levels were measured using ELISA. Clinical data, including TOAST classification, NIHSS scores, and laboratory parameters, were recorded. Correlations between semaphorin levels and clinical or biochemical variables were analyzed statistically. Results: Semaphorin 4A levels were significantly lower and semaphorin 7A levels significantly higher in the patient group compared to controls (p < 0.001). Semaphorin 7A positively correlated with NIHSS scores (r = 0.390. p = 0.008). Semaphorin 3A and 4A levels showed significant correlations with inflammatory markers and lipid profiles. Semaphorin 3A was higher in female patients. No associations were found with TOAST subtypes or treatment modalities. Five (11.1%) patients died due to stroke-related complications, no significant differences in semaphorin levels were observed between survivors and non-survivors. Conclusions: Semaphorin 3A, 4A, and 7A levels may serve as potential biomarkers for inflammation and disease severity in acute ischemic stroke. Semaphorin 7A, in particular, showed strong prognostic value due to its association with stroke severity. These findings suggest that semaphorins could aid in clinical risk stratification and early intervention planning in ischemic stroke.