Abstract
Abstract
Background
Stroke has become a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and despite the introduction of new screening programs, therapies, and monitoring technologies, there is still a need to develop more useful biochemical tests to monitor treatment response and inform clinical decision-making. Cell-free DNA released from damaged neurons in stroke patients may be useful in assessing stroke prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of cell-free DNA and a highly sensitive blood biomarker in acute ischemic stroke. 188 patients with acute ischemic stroke were recruited for the study. The level of cell-free DNA in plasma was estimated using a real-time PCR assay for the β-globin gene (Qiagen-Rotor-Gene Q MDX, Germany). Clinical assessment was performed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the time of admission. After a period of three months from the onset of stroke, (mRS) scores were estimated using the modified Rankin scale.
Results
Elevated levels of cell-free DNA were found in patients with higher NIHSS admission scores and mRS 3-month scores (p < 0.05). The regression analysis revealed that the markers are associated with an unfavorable outcome in comparison to other stroke risk factors (R2 = 0.224). Stroke outcome was relatively better in patients with a cell-free DNA level < 10,000 kilogenome equivalents/L (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Measurement of total cell-free DNA levels is a simpler and less-expensive biomarker suggesting potential clinical application of blood-based test. Cell-free DNA can contribute to the clinical evaluation and optimal management of ischemic stroke patients. This biomarker seems to have the potential to predict the long-term prognosis of acute ischemic stroke.
Funder
Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health,Neurology (clinical),General Neuroscience,Pshychiatric Mental Health,Surgery