Molecular Biomarkers Associated with Early-Onset Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies have shown a rising incidence of early-onset symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis (sICAS), which has brought a severe economic burden to social development. This study aimed to evaluate the molecular biomarkers associated with early-onset sICAS and to seek possible intervention strategies for early prevention.

Patients and Methods

We consecutively recruited patients with sICAS and divided them into two groups based on age: early-onset sICAS group as age ≤60 years old and late-onset sICAS group as age >60 years old. We collected and compared the demographic data and laboratory results of each group. A bivariate logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the independent molecular biomarkers of early-onset sICAS.

Results

A total of 1007 subjects with sICAS were enrolled in this study, comprising 519 patients in the early-onset sICAS group and 488 patients in the late-onset sICAS group. Bivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated an increased level of white blood cell, platelet, albumin globulin ratio, free triiodothyronine, and a decreased level of total bile acid, urea nitrogen, high-density lipoprotein, homocysteine, and fibrinogen in the early-onset sICAS group when compared to the late-onset group.

Conclusion

Our study showed the relevance between early sICAS and circulating levels of different molecular biomarkers. Detection of these related molecular biomarkers may provide a simple way for early sICAS preventions in the future.

Keywords:

• ischemic stroke
• symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis
• molecular biomarkers

Acknowledgments

We thank all patients for their participation in this study. We also wish to thank Dr. Changhan Chen from the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, for his help in language polishing.

Ethics Approval and Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from each patient included in the study, the study protocol conforms to the ethical guidelines of the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki and has been priorly approved by the Ethics Committee of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China.

Consent for Publication

We confirm that the details of any images, videos, recordings, etc., can be published, and that the person(s) providing consent have been shown the article contents to be published.

Author Contributions

J.X. and F.Y. designed the study. Y.L. wrote the manuscript. F.Y. and Y.L. performed the analysis and interpretation of data as well as the manuscript revision. X.F., D.L., M.W., X.L., Q. H., Z.L., L.Z., T.Z., and R.T. were responsible for the acquisition and interpretation of data. All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.