Molecular Markers of Ischemic Stroke

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical significance of CNS biological markers in an ischemic stroke.Materials and methods. Blood serum biomarkers of CNS were assayed by ELISA in patients suffering from cerebrovascular disorders of ischemic origin. Neuron-specific enolase, brain-derived neutrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neutrophic factor (GDNF), protein S-100 total (ɑβ–ββ), sialyl carbohydrate antigen (KL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor, and superoxide dismutase were analyzed. All tests were carried out using automatic microplate immunoassay analyzer Immunomat TM. The study included 43 patients of 50 to 80 years of age, suffering from cerebrovascular disorders; among them there were 24 women and 19 men. Blood serum biomarkers of CNS were assayed within the first 3–6 hours, and on week 2, 3, and 4 from onset of the disease. The control group consisted of 20 volunteers (apparently healthy donors). Statistical analysis was carried out using non-parametrical Mann–Whitney test. Results were considered as significant at P 0.05.Results. During the pre-necrotic and early necrotic period, higher neuron-specific enolase, protein S-100, superoxide dismutase, and lower brain-derived neutrophic factor and glial-derived neutrophic factor were observed, reflecting structural brain alterations due to disturbed circulation. At later follow-up time-points, BDNF, GDNF, VEGF, and KL-6 increased evidencing activated CNS regeneration processes.Conclusion. The content of biological markers in blood serum of ischemic stroke patients reflects the disease stages, which helps managing the CNS regeneration processes.