Total and differential leucocyte counts in relation to incidence of stroke subtypes and mortality: a prospective cohort study

Toward Digital Periodontal Health: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Periodontal diseases, ranging from gingivitis to periodontitis, are prevalent oral diseases affecting over 50% of the global population. These diseases arise from infections and inflammation of the gums and supporting bones, significantly impacting oral health. The established link between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, underscores their importance as a public health concern. Consequently, the early detection and prevention of periodontal diseases have become critical objectives in healthcare, particularly through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This paper aims to bridge the gap between clinical practices and cutting-edge technologies by providing a comprehensive review of current research. We examine the identification of causative factors, disease progression, and the role of AI in enhancing early detection and treatment. Our goal is to underscore the importance of early intervention in improving patient outcomes and to stimulate further interest among researchers, bioengineers, and AI specialists in the ongoing exploration of AI applications in periodontal disease diagnosis.

Intersecting Pathways: The Role of Metabolic Dysregulation, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, and Inflammation in Acute Ischemic Stroke Pathogenesis and Outcomes

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains a major cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, driven by complex and multifaceted etiological factors. Metabolic dysregulation, gastrointestinal microbiome alterations, and systemic inflammation are emerging as significant contributors to AIS pathogenesis. This review addresses the critical need to understand how these factors interact to influence AIS risk and outcomes. We aim to elucidate the roles of dysregulated adipokines in obesity, the impact of gut microbiota disruptions, and the neuroinflammatory cascade initiated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in AIS. Dysregulated adipokines in obesity exacerbate inflammatory responses, increasing AIS risk and severity. Disruptions in the gut microbiota and subsequent LPS-induced neuroinflammation further link systemic inflammation to AIS. Advances in neuroimaging and biomarker development have improved diagnostic precision. Here, we highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to AIS management, integrating metabolic, microbiota, and inflammatory insights. Potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways could significantly improve AIS prevention and treatment. Future research should focus on further elucidating these pathways and developing targeted interventions to mitigate the impacts of metabolic dysregulation, microbiome imbalances, and inflammation on AIS.

ADAMTS13 deficiency exacerbates neuroinflammation by targeting matrix metalloproteinase-9 in ischemic brain injury

Our design aimed to explore the potential involvement of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the inflammatory response associated with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We also aimed to preliminarily examine the potential impact of a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type I repeats-13 (ADAMTS13) on MMP-9 in AIS. We conducted oxygen-glucose deprivation models of microglia cells and mice models of AIS with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We assessed the expression pattern of MMP-9 with western blotting (WB) and real-time quantitative PCR both in vivo and in vitro. MMP-9 downregulation was achieved by using ACE inhibitors such as trandolapril. For the MCAO model, we used ADAMTS13-deficient mice. We then evaluated the related neurological function scores, cerebral edema and infarct volume. The levels of inflammation-related proteins, such as COX2 and iNOS, were assessed using WB, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines was measured via enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay in vivo. Our findings indicated that MMP-9 was up-regulated while ADAMTS13 was down-regulated in the MCAO model. Knockdown of MMP-9 reduced both inflammation and ischemic brain injury. ADAMTS13 prevented brain damage, improved neurological function and decreased the inflammation response in mice AIS models. Additionally, ADAMTS13 alleviated MMP-9-induced neuroinflammation in vivo. It showed that ADAMTS13 deficiency exacerbated ischemic brain injury through an MMP-9-dependent inflammatory mechanism. Therefore, the ADAMTS13-MMP-9 axis could have therapeutic potential for the treatment of AIS.

Impacts of systemic inflammation response index on the prognosis of patients with ischemic heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases are significantly affected by low-grade chronic inflammation. As a new inflammatory marker, the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) has been demonstrated to be associated with several cardiovascular disease prognoses. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of SIRI in individuals having ischemic heart failure (IHF) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

This observational, retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single site. Finally, the research involved 1,963 individuals with IHF who underwent PCI, with a 36-month follow-up duration. Based on the SIRI quartiles, all patients were classified into four groups. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were the primary outcomes. Every element of the main endpoint appeared in the secondary endpoints: all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any revascularization. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to assess the incidence of endpoints across the four groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis confirmed the independent impact of SIRI on both the primary and secondary endpoints. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to assess the nonlinear association between the SIRI and endpoints. Subgroup analysis was performed to confirm the implications of SIRI on MACE in the different subgroups.

Results

The main outcome was much more common in patients with a higher SIRI. The Kaplan-Meier curve was another tool that was used to confirm the favorable connection between SIRI and MACE. SIRI was individually connected to a higher chance of the main outcome according to multivariate analyses, whether or not SIRI was a constant [SIRI, per one-unit increase, hazard ratio (HR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01-1.07, p = 0.003] or categorical variable [quartile of SIRI, the HR (95% CI) values for quartile 4 were 1.88 (1.47-2.42), p <0.001, with quartile 1 as a reference]. RCS demonstrated that the hazard of the primary and secondary endpoints generally increased as SIRI increased. A non-linear association of SIRI with the risk of MACE and any revascularization (Non-linear P <0.001) was observed. Subgroup analysis confirmed the increased risk of MACE with elevated SIRI in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV (P for interaction = 0.005).

Conclusion

In patients with IHF undergoing PCI, increased SIRI was a risk factor for MACE independent of other factors. SIRI may represent a novel, promising, and low-grade inflammatory marker for the prognosis of patients with IHF undergoing PCI.

Unveiling the link between systemic inflammation markers and cognitive performance among older adults in the US: A population-based study using NHANES 2011-2014 data

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the association between systemic inflammation markers and cognitive performance among older US adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study assessed 3,632 older participants from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The main analysis included participants aged over 60 years. Systemic inflammation markers were quantified by calculating the composite inflammation indicators from the blood routine count, and cognitive performance was assessed using Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) test, Animal Fluency test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST).

RESULTS

There were 2,743 individuals enrolled in the current analysis. The overall mean age was 64.9 years and 48.7 % were males. The levels of SIRI and PIV were significant negative associated with scores of CERAD, CERAD delayed recall, and DSST in the unadjusted models. Moreover, SII were significant negative associated with scores of CERAD and CERAD delayed recall. After adjusting the covariates of demographics, lifestyle factors, history of chronic diseases and BMI, significant negative association were observed between systematic inflammation markers and cognitive performance. Additionally, a progressive and significant decrease in the score of cognitive performance assessments with the increased levels of SIRI, SII, and PIV were respectively observed. Finally, the correlation between systemic inflammation markers and cognitive performance were evidenced in the sensitive analysis.

CONCLUSION

Findings support a strong inverse correlation between systemic inflammation markers and cognitive performance, suggesting that addressing inflammation could be a promising avenue for enhancing cognitive health and mitigating age-related cognitive decline.

Elevated neutrophil-related immune-inflammatory biomarkers in acute anterior choroidal artery territory infarction with early progression

OBJECTIVE

The anterior choroidal artery territory (AChA) infarction has a high rate of progression and poor functional prognosis. The aim of the study is to search for fast and convenient biomarkers to forecast the early progression of acute AChA infarction.

METHODS

We respectively collected 51 acute AChA infarction patients, and compared the laboratorial index between early progressive and non-progressive acute AChA infarction patients. The receiver-operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the discriminant efficacy of indicators that had statistical significance.

RESULTS

The white blood cell, neutrophil, monocyte, white blood cell to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR), monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and hypersensitive C-reaction protein in acute AChA infarction are significantly higher than healthy controls (P < 0.05). The NHR (P = 0.020) and NLR (P = 0.006) are remarkably higher in acute AChA infarction patients with early progression than non-progression. The area under the ROC curve of NHR, NLR, the combine of NHR and NLR are 0.689 (P = 0.011), 0.723 (P = 0.003), 0.751 (P < 0.001), respectively. But there are no significant differences in efficiency between NHR and NLR and their combined marker in predicting progression (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NHR and NLR may be significant predictors of early progressive patients with acute AChA infarction, and the combination of NHR and NLR could be a preferable prognostic marker for AChA infarction with early progressive course in acute stage.

Blood Count-Derived Inflammatory Markers and Acute Complications of Ischemic Heart Disease in Elderly Women

Coronary artery disease (CAD) in women occurs later than in men. Underlying atherosclerosis, a chronic process of lipoprotein deposition in arterial walls with a prominent inflammatory component, is influenced by several risk factors. In women, commonly used inflammatory markers are generally found to be related to the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as well as the development of other diseases that influence CAD. New inflammatory markers derived from total blood count-systemic inflammatory response index (SII), systemic inflammatory reaction index (SIRI), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)-were analyzed in the group of 244 elderly, postmenopausal women with the diagnosis of ACS or stable CAD. SII, SIRI, MLR, and NLR were significantly higher in women with ACS compared to those with stable CAD (p < 0.05 for all)-the highest values were observed in women with NSTEMI. MLR from new inflammatory markers, HDL, and history of MI turned out to be significant factors associated with ACS. These results suggest that MLR as representative of blood count-derived inflammatory markers may be considered as additional CVD risk factors in women with suspected ACS.

Association Between White Blood Cell Count and Atrial Fibrillation Risk - A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) are increasing. The white blood cell (WBC) count is an indicator of systemic inflammation and is related to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Using data from the Suita Study, we investigated the association between WBC count and AF risk in the general Japanese population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This prospective cohort study included 6,884 people, aged 30-84 years, with no baseline AF. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AF incidence by WBC count quintile. Within a median follow-up period of 14.6 years, 312 AF cases were diagnosed. Compared with the lowest WBC count quintile, the highest quintile was associated with an increased AF risk (HR 1.57; 95% CI 1.07-2.29). The association was more pronounced among women than men (HR 2.16 [95% CI 1.10-4.26] and 1.55 [95% CI 0.99-2.44], respectively; P interaction=0.07), and among current than non-smokers (HR 4.66 [95% CI 1.89-11.50] and 1.61 [95% CI 1.01-2.57], respectively; P interaction=0.20). For each 1.0×109-cells/L increment in WBC count, AF risk increased by 9% in men (9% in non-smokers, 10% in current smokers) and 20% in women (13% in non-smokers, 32% in current smokers).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher WBC count was positively associated with an elevated AF risk in the general Japanese population, especially in women who smoked.

The Association between Serum Vitamin D Concentration and New Inflammatory Biomarkers-Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) and Systemic Inflammatory Response (SIRI)-In Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease

The incidence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) increases every year. This cardiovascular disease has an inflammatory factor in its etiology due to different immune cells that influence atherogenesis. New inflammatory biomarkers—the Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) and the Systemic Inflammatory Response (SIRI)—attempt to describe the pro- and anti-inflammatory balance and quantify the complex impact of the immune system on atherosclerosis, while vitamin D has a multidirectional impact on the human body, including the cardiovascular and immune systems. Hence, the objective of this research was to analyze the association between SII and SIRI and serum vitamin D concentrations in patients with IHD. A significant correlation was observed between SIRI and 25(OH)D in the whole group and between both biomarkers (SII and SIRI) and 25(OH)D in the group of patients with ACS but not in the group of patients with stable IHD. The role of vitamin D in IHD complications and its association with new inflammatory biomarkers requires further well-designed, large-scale research.

Comparison of risk factors for Parkinson’s disease, coronary events and ischemic stroke

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and cardiovascular disease share many important risk factors, but some associations differ. However, there are no studies that have compared their shared and specific risk factors. The present study aimed to compare risk factors for PD, coronary events, or ischemic stroke. We prospectively analyzed data from 26,210 participants with lifestyle factors aged 45–73 years enrolled between 1991 and 1996. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of PD, coronary events, or ischemic stroke in relation to each factor. A modified Lunn-McNeil competing risk analysis was performed to compare the HR strength of the three outcomes. A total of 486 incident PD cases, 3288 coronary events cases and 2,972 ischemic stroke cases occurred during a mean follow-up of 21 years. In multivariable models, age (per additional year: HR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.09), diabetes (HR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.26), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (per SD increase: HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.19), and fasting blood glucose (per SD increase: HR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.36) are the risk factors for PD, whereas female sex (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.67), smoking (current smoker [HR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.74] and former smoker [HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.99]), HDL (per SD increase: HR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.95), and LDL (per SD increase: HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.96) are the protective factors. A comparison of risk factors for PD, coronary events, and ischemic stroke showed the three outcomes had concordant and discordant risk factors. Our results indicated the risk factor profiles for PD, coronary events, or ischemic stroke had many similarities, but also significant differences.

Investigation of the Associations of Novel Inflammatory Biomarkers-Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI)-With the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome Occurrence

Atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), has a significant inflammatory component. White blood cell count is an affordable and accessible way to assess the systemic immune response, as it comprises many subgroups with distinct and complex functions. Considering their multidirectional effect on atherosclerosis, new biomarkers integrating various leukocyte subgroups, the Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) and the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), were recently devised to describe the balance between inflammation and immune reaction. This research aimed to evaluate the relationship of the intensity of inflammation measured by these biomarkers with the severity of CAD assessed with coronary angiography and with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable CAD in 699 patients. SIRI, but not SII, was associated with the diagnosis, having the highest values for patients with ACS (STEMI), significantly higher than in patients with stable CAD (p < 0.01). The highest SII and SIRI values were observed in patients with three-vessel CAD. SII and SIRI require further in-depth and well-designed research to evaluate their potential in a clinical setting.

The Association between Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and All-Cause Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: Analysis from the MIMIC-IV Database

Purpose. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a devastating disease and remains the leading cause of death and disability. This retrospective study aims to investigate associations between systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and all-cause mortality in patients with AIS. Patients and Methods. We used the data from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV. A total of 1,181 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were included. Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) was calculated as platelet count (/L) × neutrophil count (/L)/lymphocyte count (/L). The main outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality. The association between SII with mortality was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results. After adjusting for potential covariates, the highest quartiles of SII versus the lowest quartiles of SII, the HR was 2.74 (CI 1.79–4.19, $P<0.001$ ). Log-transformed SII was significantly associated with 30-day all-cause mortality (HR 2.44; CI 1.72–3.46, $P<0.001$ ). Furthermore, we found that there is a nearly linear relationship ( $P=0.265$ ) between logarithmic transformed SII with all-cause mortality. Conclusion. Elevated SII of patients with acute ischemic stroke increased the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality. SII may serve as a useful marker to elucidate the role of thrombocytosis, inflammation, and immunity interaction in the development of AIS.

Associations of Baseline and Changes in Leukocyte Counts with Incident Cardiovascular Events: The Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort Study

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of baseline and longitudinal changes in leukocyte counts with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study to investigate the associations of baseline and 5-year changes in leukocyte counts with incident CVD and its subtypes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD using the Cox proportional-hazards models.

RESULTS

In the analyses of baseline total leukocyte count of 26,655 participants, compared with the lowest quartile (＜4.71×109/L), participants in the fourth quartile (＞6.70×109/L) had 11% higher risk for CVD. Consistent with total leukocyte count, neutrophil count also exhibited a significant positive association with the risk of CVD. In the analyses of 5-year changes in total leukocyte count of 11,594 participants, the changes in leukocyte count were categorized into three groups, i.e., the decreased group (＜25%), stable group (25%-75%), and increased group (＞75%). Compared with participants in the stable group (-1.18 to 0.44×109/L), participants in the increased group (＞0.44×109/L) had 14% higher risk for CVD. We also observed significant positive associations of the changes in neutrophil and monocyte counts with the risk of CVD. Furthermore, the total leukocyte count in the second or third tertile at the first follow-up with a 5-year increase was related to higher CVD risk.

CONCLUSION

High baseline total leukocyte count and a 5-year increase in total leukocyte count were related to higher CVD risk.

Haematological Indices and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Ghanaian Stroke Patients

Background

Stroke is a cardiovascular disorder causing mortality globally and long-lasting harm worldwide. The disease occurs when the blood flow to the brain is either interrupted or blocked. This disruption leads to the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially superoxide free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. The superoxide radicals are removed by superoxide dismutase (SOD), a key antioxidant enzyme. In this work, we investigated haematological indices and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in Ghanaian patients with stroke and healthy control participants.

Materials and Methods

Thirty stroke patients attending a stroke clinic and thirty apparently healthy control participants were recruited into the study. Blood samples were collected to determine haematological indices and SOD enzyme activity in red blood cells.

Results

The stroke patients had significantly high blood parameters such as white blood cell (p < 0.001), neutrophil (p < 0.001), lymphocyte (p = 0.003), and eosinophil (p < 0.001) comparing with study participants without stroke, who were the control group in the study. Other blood parameters such as red blood cell, (p < 0.001), haemoglobin (p < 0.001), and haematocrit (p < 0.001) levels and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (p = 0.030), platelet (p = 0.010), and plateletcrit (p = 0.027) were high in stroke patients comparing with study control participants and statistically significant. Blood lymphocyte levels observed in stroke patients correlated negatively and significantly with SOD activity levels. SOD activity levels were significantly lower in stroke patients compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Low values of the antioxidant enzyme SOD activity levels, lymphocytes, and high values of plateletcrit were significant predictors of stroke.

Conclusion

Haematological parameters such as WBC, lymphocyte, platelet levels, and red cell indices were significantly different in the stroke patients being studied. There was negative correlation between lymphocyte significantly with SOD activity and high oxidative stress in stroke patients compared with the control group. Lymphocytes and plateletcrit levels were also good predictors of the occurrence of stroke.

Dual antiplatelet therapy improves functional recovery and inhibits inflammation after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Background

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel (ASA + CPG) during the first 21 days has been shown to reduce the risk of major ischemic events in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. However, the mechanisms underlying combination treatment with ASA + CPG in experimental ischemic stroke has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Minor cerebral ischemia was induced in mice by transient distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (tdMCAO). Two doses of ASA + CPG (12 and 24 mg/kg/day) or vehicle were administered by gavage daily. Neurological behaviors were assessed using the modified Garcia scores, Rotarod test, Y maze, and open field test. Platelet function was assessed in vitro by flow cytometry and in vivo by bleeding and clotting time. The neutrophil ratio and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured by flow cytometry and the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) electrochemilunimescence, respectively.

Results

Sensorimotor function was partially recovered with ASA + CPG treatment after ischemia. Anxiety levels and cognitive functions showed improvement in the ASA + CPG group at 12 mg/kg/day after 21 days. Both tail bleeding time and flow cytometry showed significantly decreased platelet function after ASA + CPG treatment. Notably, ASA + CPG at 12 mg/kg/day prolonged clotting time at 28 days after injury. Furthermore, the ratio of neutrophils, an indicator of inflammation, was reduced with 12 mg/kg/day ASA + CPG treatment in the bone marrow (BM) at 21 days and in the peripheral blood (PB) at 21 and 28 days after tdMCAO. Both doses of ASA + CPG decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 expression 21 days after stroke. Taken together, these results demonstrated that combination treatment with ASA + CPG improved long-term neurological function after stroke and may inhibit platelet-neutrophil interaction by decreasing the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-6.

Conclusions

These findings indicate a neuroprotective effect of combination treatment with ASA + CPG for a duration of 21 days in an experimental acute minor stroke model. These findings provide further evidence that dual antiplatelet therapy may be a viable neuroprotective treatment to decrease the recurrence of stroke.

Erythrophagocytosis by Microglia/Macrophage in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: From Mechanisms to Translation

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating condition characterized by hematoma related mass effect. Microglia/macrophage (M φ) are rapidly recruited in order to remove the red blood cells through erythrophagocytosis. Efficient erythrophagocytosis can detoxify hemolytic products and facilitate neurological recovery after ICH. The underlying mechanisms include modulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress, among others. It is a dynamic process mediated by a cascade of signal transduction, including “find-me” signals, “eat-me” signals and a set of phagocytotic receptors-ligand pairs that may be exploited as therapeutic targets. This review summarizes mechanistic signaling pathways of erythrophagocytosis and highlights the potential of harnessing M φ-mediated phagocytosis for ICH treatment.

Higher total white blood cell and neutrophil counts are associated with an increased risk of fatal stroke occurrence: the Guangzhou biobank cohort study

Background

Chronic inflammatory diseases are linked to an increased risk of stroke events. The white blood cell (WBC) count is a common marker of the inflammatory response. However, it is unclear whether the WBC count, its subpopulations and their dynamic changes are related to the risk of fatal stroke in relatively healthy elderly population.

Methods

In total, 27,811 participants without a stroke history at baseline were included and followed up for a mean of 11.5 (standard deviation = 2.3) years. After review of available records, 503 stroke deaths (ischaemic 227, haemorrhagic 172 and unclassified 104) were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the associations between the WBC count, its subpopulations and their dynamic changes (two-phase examination from baseline to the 1st follow-up) and the risk of fatal all stroke, fatal ischaemic stroke and fatal haemorrhagic stroke.

Results

(i) Regarding the WBC count in relation to the risk of fatal stroke, restricted cubic splines showed an atypically U-curved association between the WBC count and the risk of fatal all stroke occurrence. Compared with those in the lowest WBC count quartile (< 5.3*10^9/L), the participants with the highest WBC count (> 7.2*10^9/L) had a 53 and 67% increased risk for fatal all stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–2.02, P = 0.003) and fatal haemorrhagic stroke (aHR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.10–2.67, P = 0.03), respectively; compared with those in the lowest quartile (< 3.0*10^9/L), the participants with the highest NEUT count (> 4.5*10^9/L) had a 45 and 65% increased risk for fatal all stroke (aHR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.10–1.89, P = 0.008) and fatal ischaemic stroke (aHR = 1.65, 95%CI 1.10–2.47 P = 0.02), respectively. With the additional adjustment for C-reactive protein, the same results as those for all stroke and ischaemic stroke, but not haemorrhagic stroke, were obtained for the WBC count (4 ~ 10*10^9/L) and the NEUT count (the NEUT counts in the top 1% and bottom 1% at baseline were excluded). (ii) Regarding dynamic changes in the WBC count in relation to the risk of fatal stroke, compared with the stable group (− 25% ~ 25%, dynamic changes from two phases of examination (baseline, from September 1st, 2003 to February 28th, 2008; 1st follow-up, from March 31st 2008 to December 31st 2012)), the groups with a 25% increase in the WBC count and NEUT count respectively had a 60% (aHR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.07–2.40, P = 0.02) and 45% (aHR = 1.45, 95% CI1.02–2.05, P = 0.04) increased risk of fatal all stroke occurrence.

Conclusions

The WBC count, especially the NEUT count, was associated with an increased risk of fatal all stroke occurrence. Longitudinal changes in the WBC count and NEUT count increase in excess of 25% were also associated with an increased risk of fatal all stroke occurrence in the elderly population.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-021-02495-z.

Comparison of risk factors for ischemic stroke and coronary events in a population-based cohort

BACKGROUND

Although coronary events (CE) and ischemic stroke share many risk factors, there are also some important differences. The aim of this paper was to assess the association of risk factors in relation to incident CE and ischemic stroke and to evaluate the heterogeneity in patterns of risk factors between the two outcomes.

METHOD

Traditional risk factors and inflammatory markers associated with coronary events and ischemic stroke were measured in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Cohort (MDCS, n = 26 519), where a total of 2270 incident ischemic stroke and 3087 incident CE occurred during a mean follow up time 19 ± 6 years, and in relation to inflammatory markers in the cardiovascular sub-cohort (MDC-CV, n = 4795). Cox regression analysis was used to obtain hazard ratios. A modified Lunn-McNeil competing risk analysis was conducted to assess the significance of any differences in risk profiles of these outcomes.

RESULTS

Most cardiovascular risk factors were associated both with incident CE and ischemic stroke. However, current smoking, ApoB, low ApoA1, male sex and education level of ≤ 9 years of schooling were preferentially associated with CE compared to ischemic stroke. Conversely, age showed a stronger association with ischemic stroke than with CE.

CONCLUSION

CE and ischemic stroke have broadly similar risk factors profiles. However, there are some important differential associations, as well as substantial differences in the magnitude of the association. These could reflect the distinct biology of atherogenesis in different vascular beds. The difference in the determinants highlights the importance of looking at CE and ischemic stroke, two manifestations of cardiovascular disease, separately.

Association Between the Neutrophil Percentage-to-Albumin Ratio and Outcomes in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients

Background

The neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) is a systemic inflammation-based predictor associated with many diseases' outcomes. Nevertheless, there are few studies on the relationship between NPAR and inflammatory markers, and more importantly, the prognostic value of NPAR in critically ill patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unknown.

Methods

The data of this retrospective cohort study were from the Medical Information Mart data for Intensive Care III database (MIMIC-III) and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Linear regression, logistic regression model, and Cox regression model were used to assess the associations between NPAR levels and length of stay, renal replacement therapy (RRT) use, and 30-day, 90-day and one-year mortality, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to present the correlation between NPAR and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results

Our study included 1599 patients in MIMIC-III and 143 patients in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. The elevated NPAR was independently associated with increased 30-day, 90-day, and one-year all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 95% CI:1.51 (1.02-2.24); 1.61 (1.14-2.28); 1.53 (1.15-2.03); P trend = 0.0297; 0.0053; 0.0023; respectively), and it was also associated with increase the length of stay in hospital and ICU (β, 95% CI: 2.76 (1.26-4.27); 1.54 (0.62-2.47), respectively, both P trend <0.001). We found that patients with higher NPAR were more likely to receive RRT (OR, 95% CI: 2.50 (1.28-4.89), P trend =0.0023). Moreover, we confirmed that NPAR was statistically positively correlated with CRP (correlation coefficient r = 0.406, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Elevated NPAR on admission was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality and length of stay among CICU patients. The results showed that CICU patients with higher NPAR were more likely to receive RRT. Besides, we also provided the evidence that there is a positive correlation between NPAR and inflammatory indicators (ie, CRP).

Evaluation of monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in ischemic stroke

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the combination of the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) with the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

There were 253 patients who were diagnosed with ischemic stroke and 211 healthy subjects enrolled into this retrospective study.

Result

MHR and MLR were significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients compared with controls. MHR and MLR remained as independent variables for the presence of ischemic stroke. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, the optimal cut-off values for MHR and MLR were 0.28 and 0.19, respectively. The area under the curve for MHR was 0.777 (sensitivity, 66.01%; specificity, 77.25%), and that for MLR was 0.742 (sensitivity, 70.36%; specificity, 67.77%) in ischemic stroke patients. Moreover, the combination MHR and MLR increased the sensitivity compared with MHR or MLR alone.

Conclusion

The present study shows that a high MHR and MLR are each predictive for the risk of ischemic stroke, and together, they exhibit a better diagnostic value compared with each ratio alone.

Leukocyte Count and Risks of Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease: The Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS)

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the associations of leukocyte count with the risks of stroke and coronary heart disease among the general Japanese population.

Methods: A total of 5,242 residents aged 40–69 years living in two Japanese communities underwent leukocyte count measurements between 1991 and 2000, and the data were updated using 5- or 10-year follow-ups or both. Participants who had histories of stroke, coronary heart disease, or high values of leukocyte count (＞130×10 ² cells/mm ³ ) were excluded. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated according to quartiles of cumulative average leukocyte count.

Results: During follow-up of 21 years, 327 stroke and 130 coronary heart disease cases were determined. After adjustments for age, sex, community, and updated cardiovascular risk factors, the multivariable hazard ratio (95% CI) for the highest versus lowest quartile of leukocyte count was 1.50 (1.08–2.08) for ischemic stroke, 1.59 (1.00–2.51) for lacunar infarction, 1.42 (0.90–2.26) for non-lacunar infarction, 2.17 (1.33–3.55) for coronary heart disease, and 1.40 (1.11–1.76) for total cardiovascular disease. In smoking status-stratified analyses, the corresponding multivariable hazard ratio (95% CI) was 2.45 (1.11–5.38) for ischemic stroke, 2.73 (1.37–5.44) for coronary heart disease in current smokers, 2.42 (1.07–5.46), 1.55 (0.58–4.15) in former smokers, and 1.17 (0.75–1.82), 1.78 (0.83–3.82) in never smokers.

Conclusion: Leukocyte count was positively associated with the risks of ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease among the general Japanese population, especially in current smokers.

Systemic immune-inflammation index and incident cardiovascular diseases among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults: The Dongfeng-Tongji cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been recently investigated as a novel inflammatory and prognostic marker. SII may be used as an indicator reflecting the progressive inflammatory process in atherosclerosis, although its link to incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) has not been examined in previous studies. This study aims to prospectively assess the association of SII with incident CVD and its main subtypes in Chinese adults.

METHODS

Using data from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort study, 13,929 middle-aged and older adults with a mean age of 62.56 years (range 35-91 years), who were free of CVD and cancer, were included for analysis. The baseline study was conducted in Shiyan city, Hubei province from 2008 to 2009. The SII was calculated as platelet count (/L) × neutrophil count (/L)/lymphocyte count (/L). Cox regression models were used to examine the associations of SII with incident CVD, including stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD).

RESULTS

Over a median 8.28 years (maximum 8.98 years) of follow-up, 3386 total CVD cases, including 801 stroke cases and 2585 total CHD cases, were identified. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, higher levels of log-transformed SII were significantly associated with total stroke (HR 1.224, 95% CI 1.065-1.407) and ischemic stroke (HR 1.234, 95% CI 1.055-1.442). For those participants with the highest quartiles of SII versus the lowest quartiles of SII, the HRs were 1.358 (95% CI 1.112-1.658) for total stroke, 1.302 (95% CI 1.041-1.629) for ischemic stroke, and 1.600 (95% CI 1.029-2.490) for hemorrhagic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

SII may serve as a useful marker to elucidate the role of the interaction of thrombocytosis, inflammation, and immunity in the development of cerebrovascular diseases in the middle-aged and elderly population.

Neutrophil counts and the risk of first stroke in general hypertensive adults

We aimed to investigate the association between neutrophil counts and first stroke and examine possible effect modifiers among treated hypertensive adults. This is a post hoc analysis of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). A total of 11,878 hypertensive adults with data on neutrophil counts at baseline were included in the current study. The primary outcome was first stroke. During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 414 (3.5%) participants experienced a first stroke, including 358 with ischemic stroke, 55 with hemorrhagic stroke and one with uncertain type of stroke. Compared with participants in quartile 1 (<2.9 × 10⁹/L) of neutrophil counts, those in the upper quartiles (quartile 2-4 [≥2.9 × 10⁹/L]) had a significantly higher risk of first stroke (HR, 1.35; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.78) or first ischemic stroke (HR, 1.38; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.86). Moreover, a strong positive association between neutrophil counts and first ischemic stroke was found in participants with total homocysteine (tHcy) levels <15 μmol/L (HR, 1.74; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.58; vs. ≥15 μmol/L; HR, 0.91; 95% CI: 0.57, 1.46, P interaction = 0.042) at baseline or time-averaged mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥102 mmHg (median) (HR, 1.92; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.89; vs. <102 mmHg; HR, 0.89; 95% CI: 0.57, 1.41, P interaction = 0.015) during the treatment period. However, no such association between neutrophil counts and first hemorrhagic stroke was found. In summary, high baseline neutrophil counts were associated with an increased risk of first ischemic stroke among hypertensive patients, especially in those with low tHcy at baseline or high time-averaged MAP during the treatment period.

The Associations of Two Novel Inflammation Indexes, SII and SIRI with the Risks for Cardiovascular Diseases and All-Cause Mortality: A Ten-Year Follow-Up Study in 85,154 Individuals

Background

SII and SIRI are two novel systemic inflammation indexes that were suggested in predicting poor outcomes in cancers. However, no studies have examined their effect on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and all-cause mortality. Thus, this study aims to investigate associations between SII, SIRI, and the risks for CVDs and all-cause mortality.

Methods

A total of 85,154 participants from the Kailuan cohort were included and followed up for incidents of CVDs (including MI, stroke) and all-cause death for 10 years. Multiple Cox regression was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs).

Results

During the follow-up period, 4262 stroke events, 1233 MI events, and 7225 all-cause deaths were identified, respectively. Compared with the lowest quantile (Q1) of SII or SIRI, after adjusted for most cardiovascular risk factors, both indexes showed positive associations with the risk for stroke (adjusted HRs in Q4 were 1.264 (95% CI: 1.157,1.382) for SII, 1.194 (95% CI: 1.087,1.313) for SIRI), and all-cause death (adjusted HRs in Q4 were 1.246 (95% CI: 1.165,1.331) for SII, 1.393 (95% CI: 1.296,1.498) for SIRI). Additionally, higher SII and SIRI are also associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Higher SIRI but not SII exhibited a higher MI risk, the adjusted HR in Q4 was 1.204 (1.013,1.431). The significant association remained after additional adjustment for CRP. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis displayed consistent results except for SIRI with MI, where the association did not arrive at significance in subjects aged ≥60.

Conclusion

Elevated SII and SIRI increased the risk of stroke, two stroke subtypes, and all-cause death. Higher SIRI, but not SII associated with increased MI incidence, and the association of SIRI was only significant in subjects aged <60.

Cerebrovascular risk factors associated with ischemic stroke in a young non-diabetic and non-hypertensive population: a retrospective case-control study

Background

Globally, rates of ischemic stroke (IS) have been rising among young adults. This study was designed to identify risk factors associated with IS incidence in young adults unaffected by hypertension or diabetes.

Methods

This was a retrospective case-control study of early-onset IS patients without diabetes and hypertension. Control patients were matched with healthy individuals based upon sex, age (±2 years), and BMI (±3 kg/m²) at a 1:3 ratio. Sociodemographic, clinical, and risk factor-related data pertaining to these patients was collected. The association between these risk factors and IS incidence was then assessed using conditional logistic regression models.

Results

We recruited 60 IS patients and 180 controls with mean ages of 44.37 ± 4.68 and 44.31 ± 4.71 years, respectively, for this study. Relative to controls, IS patients had significantly higher total cholesterol (TG), homocysteine (HCY), white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels, and significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride cholesterol (TC), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels (all P < 0.05). After controlling for potential confounding factors, HCY and ANC were found to be significantly positively associated with IS incidence (OR 1.518, 95%CI 1.165–1.977, P = 0.002 and OR 2.418, 95%CI 1.061–5.511, P = 0.036, respectively), whereas HDL-C and FT3 levels were negatively correlated with IS incidence (OR 0.001, 95%CI 0.000–0.083, P = 0.003 and OR 0.053, 95%CI 0.008–0.326, P = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

In young non-diabetic and non-hypertensive patients, lower HDL-C and FT3 levels and higher HCY and ANC levels may be associated with an elevated risk of IS. Additional prospective studies of large patient cohorts will be essential to validate these findings.

Increased vascular endothelial growth factor D is associated with atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) has important functions in lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis. High plasma levels of VEGF-D have been associated with incidence of heart failure. The association of VEGF-D with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke is unclear and we hypothesised that VEGF-D could also be associated with incidence of AF and ischaemic stroke.

METHODS

VEGF-D was measured in fasting blood samples of 4689 subjects (40% men) without a history of AF from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, a prospective, population-based study in Sweden. Median age was 58 years (range 46-68). Cox regression analyses, adjusted for multiple risk factors, was used to assess AF and ischaemic stroke risk in relation to VEGF-D levels.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up time of 20.6 years, there were 637 cases of incident AF and 322 cases of first ischaemic stroke. After adjustment, VEGF-D was significantly associated with AF (HR 1.13(95% CI 1.04 to 1.23) per 1 SD increase) and ischaemic stroke (HR 1.14(95% CI 1.02 to 1.28) per 1 SD). The association with ischaemic stroke was explained by an increased incidence of AF-related stroke. HRs per 1 SD were 1.34 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.71) for AF-related ischaemic stroke and 1.04 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.19) for ischaemic stroke without AF.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased VEGF-D concentrations were associated with AF and ischaemic stroke. The relationship with ischaemic stroke was more pronounced in subjects with a diagnosis of AF.

Comparing the inflammatory profiles for incidence of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases: a prospective study exploring the 'common soil' hypothesis

Background

Chronic low-grade inflammation and associated insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities have been proposed as ‘common soil’ for diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This paper aimed to investigate the inflammatory profiles of DM and CVD and to distinguish their shared and specific markers.

Methods

Based on the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort, total and differential leukocyte counts were measured in 25,969 participants without previous DM or CVD and were studied in relation to incident DM (mean follow-up 17.4 ± 5.58 years) and incident CVD (i.e., coronary events, including fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke); mean follow-up 17.7 ± 5.46 years, using multivariable Cox regression models. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of another seven inflammatory markers were examined in relation to incident DM and incident CVD in a sub-cohort of 4658 participants. The associations of each inflammatory marker with incident DM versus incident CVD were compared using the Lunn–McNeil competing risks approach. In sensitivity analyses, those who developed both DM and CVD during follow-up were excluded.

Results

After adjustment for conventional risk factors, total and differential leukocyte counts, orosomucoid, and C-reactive protein were associated with an increased risk of both DM and CVD. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, ceruloplasmin, alpha1-antitrypsin and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor predicted increased risk of CVD but not DM, while haptoglobin and complement C3 showed the opposite pattern. In competing risks analyses, lymphocyte count and complement C3 had stronger associations with risk of DM than with risk of CVD (p for equal associations = 0.020 and 0.006). The reverse was true for neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (p for equal associations = 0.025). Results were consistent in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

The results indicated substantial similarities in the inflammatory profiles associated with DM and CVD. However, there are also significant differences. These findings may help discriminate between individuals at elevated risk of DM and those at elevated risk of CVD, which is a prerequisite for targeted therapies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-018-0733-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

High Serum Level of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Is Associated With Increased Risk of Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Increased degradation of the extracellular matrix in the arterial wall by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). MMP-2 and MMP-9 have been suggested to be involved in matrix degradation preceding SAH. We studied serum levels of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, -10, and -12 and the risk of incident SAH.

METHODS

A nested case-control study within the population-based cohort, Malmö Diet and Cancer study, was performed including incident cases of spontaneous SAH (n=79) and controls matched by age, sex, and follow-up time (n=232). MMPs were measured in serum from the baseline examination in 1991 to 1996. MMPs were compared between cases and controls, using conditional logistic regression adjusting for risk factors.

RESULTS

Baseline levels of MMP-7, MMP-10, and MMP-12 were significantly higher in incident SAH cases compared with controls. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for SAH per 1 SD increase of MMP-7, MMP-10, and MMP-12 were 1.78 (1.31-2.41), 1.45 (1.11-1.91), and 1.53 (1.17-2.01), respectively. After adjustment for SAH risk factors, MMP-7 was still significantly associated with SAH (odds ratio: 1.64; 95% confidence interval: 1.19-2.27; P=0.0026), whereas associations for MMP-10 and MMP-12 were attenuated and nonsignificant. We did not find any association between high serum levels of MMP-2 or MMP-9 and SAH risk.

CONCLUSIONS

High serum level of MMP-7 was associated with increased risk of incident spontaneous SAH, independently of the main risk factors for SAH. High serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 did not predict SAH risk.

Neutrophil counts, neutrophil ratio, and new stroke in minor ischemic stroke or TIA

Objective

Evidence about whether neutrophil counts or neutrophil ratio is associated with new stroke is scant. The aim of this study is to assess the association of neutrophil counts or neutrophil ratio with a new stroke in patients with minor stroke or TIA.

Methods

We derived data from the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events trial. Patients with a minor stroke or TIA were categorized into 4 groups according to the quartile of neutrophil counts or neutrophil ratio. The primary outcome was a new stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), and secondary outcomes included a new composite vascular event (stroke, myocardial infarction, or death resulting from cardiovascular causes) and ischemic stroke during the 90-day follow-up. We assessed the association between neutrophil counts, neutrophil ratio, and risk of new stroke.

Results

A total of 4,854 participants were enrolled, among whom 495 had new strokes at 90 days. Compared with the first quartile, the second, third, and fourth quartiles of neutrophil counts were associated with increased risk of new stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.40 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.87], 1.55 [95% CI 1.17–2.05], and 1.69 [95% CI 1.28–2.23], respectively, p for trend <0.001). Similar results were observed for the endpoint of composite events and ischemic stroke. Parallel results were found for neutrophil ratio.

Conclusion

High levels of both neutrophil counts and neutrophil ratio were associated with an increased risk of new stroke, composite events, and ischemic stroke in patients with a minor ischemic stroke or TIA.

Erythrocyte efferocytosis modulates macrophages towards recovery after intracerebral hemorrhage

Macrophages are a source of both proinflammatory and restorative functions in damaged tissue through complex dynamic phenotypic changes. Here, we sought to determine whether monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) contribute to recovery after acute sterile brain injury. By profiling the transcriptional dynamics of MDMs in the murine brain after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), we found robust phenotypic changes in the infiltrating MDMs over time and demonstrated that MDMs are essential for optimal hematoma clearance and neurological recovery. Next, we identified the mechanism by which the engulfment of erythrocytes with exposed phosphatidylserine directly modulated the phenotype of both murine and human MDMs. In mice, loss of receptor tyrosine kinases AXL and MERTK reduced efferocytosis of eryptotic erythrocytes and hematoma clearance, worsened neurological recovery, exacerbated iron deposition, and decreased alternative activation of macrophages after ICH. Patients with higher circulating soluble AXL had poor 1-year outcomes after ICH onset, suggesting that therapeutically augmenting efferocytosis may improve functional outcomes by both reducing tissue injury and promoting the development of reparative macrophage responses. Thus, our results identify the efferocytosis of eryptotic erythrocytes through AXL/MERTK as a critical mechanism modulating macrophage phenotype and contributing to recovery from ICH.

Neutrophil Counts and Initial Presentation of 12 Cardiovascular Diseases: A CALIBER Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Neutrophil counts are a ubiquitous measure of inflammation, but previous studies on their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) were limited by small numbers of patients or a narrow range of endpoints.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated associations of clinically recorded neutrophil counts with initial presentation for a range of CVDs.

METHODS

We used linked primary care, hospitalization, disease registry, and mortality data in England. We included people 30 years or older with complete blood counts performed in usual clinical care and no history of CVD. We used Cox models to estimate cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) for 12 CVDs, adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors and acute conditions affecting neutrophil counts (such as infections and cancer).

RESULTS

Among 775,231 individuals in the cohort, 154,179 had complete blood counts performed under acute conditions and 621,052 when they were stable. Over a median 3.8 years of follow-up, 55,004 individuals developed CVD. Adjusted HRs comparing neutrophil counts 6 to 7 versus 2 to 3 × 10⁹/l (both within the 'normal' range) showed strong associations with heart failure (HR: 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.82 to 2.29), peripheral arterial disease (HR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.72 to 2.21), unheralded coronary death (HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.51 to 2.10), abdominal aortic aneurysm (HR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.34 to 2.21), and nonfatal myocardial infarction (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.42 to 1.76). These associations were linear, with greater risk even among individuals with neutrophil counts of 3 to 4 versus 2 to 3 × 10⁹/l. There was a weak association with ischemic stroke (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.57), but no association with stable angina or intracerebral hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophil counts were strongly associated with the incidence of some CVDs, but not others, even within the normal range, consistent with underlying disease mechanisms differing across CVDs. (White Blood Cell Counts and Onset of Cardiovascular Diseases: a CALIBER Study [CALIBER]; NCT02014610).

Low eosinophil and low lymphocyte counts and the incidence of 12 cardiovascular diseases: a CALIBER cohort study

BACKGROUND

Eosinophil and lymphocyte counts are commonly performed in clinical practice. Previous studies provide conflicting evidence of association with cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

We used linked primary care, hospitalisation, disease registry and mortality data in England (the CALIBER (CArdiovascular disease research using LInked Bespoke studies and Electronic health Records) programme). We included people aged 30 or older without cardiovascular disease at baseline, and used Cox models to estimate cause-specific HRs for the association of eosinophil or lymphocyte counts with the first occurrence of cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 775 231 individuals, of whom 55 004 presented with cardiovascular disease over median follow-up 3.8 years. Over the first 6 months, there was a strong association of low eosinophil counts (<0.05 compared with 0.15-0.25×10(9)/L) with heart failure (adjusted HR 2.05; 95% CI 1.72 to 2.43), unheralded coronary death (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.69), ventricular arrhythmia/sudden cardiac death and subarachnoid haemorrhage, but not angina, non-fatal myocardial infarction, transient ischaemic attack, ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage or abdominal aortic aneurysm. Low eosinophil count was inversely associated with peripheral arterial disease (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.89). There were similar associations with low lymphocyte counts (<1.45 vs 1.85-2.15×10(9)/L); adjusted HR over the first 6 months for heart failure was 2.25 (95% CI 1.90 to 2.67). Associations beyond the first 6 months were weaker.

CONCLUSIONS

Low eosinophil counts and low lymphocyte counts in the general population are associated with increased short-term incidence of heart failure and coronary death.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02014610; results.

Prediction of in-hospital stroke mortality in critical care unit

BACKGROUND

Critical stroke causes high morbidity and mortality. We examined if variables in the early stage of critical stroke could predict in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

We recruited 611 ischemic and 805 hemorrhagic stroke patients who were admitted within 24 h after the symptom onset. Data were analyzed with independent t test and Chi square test, and then with multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In ischemic stroke, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR 1.08; 95 % CI 1.06-1.11; P < 0.01), white blood cell count (OR 1.11; 95 % CI 1.05-1.18; P < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (BP) (OR 0.49; 95 % CI 0.26-0.90; P = 0.02) and age (OR 1.03; 95 % CI 1.00-1.05; P = 0.03) were associated with in-hospital mortality. In hemorrhagic stroke, NIHSS score (OR 1.12; 95 % CI 1.09-1.14; P < 0.01), systolic BP (OR 0.25; 95 % CI 0.15-0.41; P < 0.01), heart disease (OR 1.94; 95 % CI 1.11-3.39; P = 0.02) and creatinine (OR 1.16; 95 % CI 1.01-1.34; P = 0.04) were related to in-hospital mortality. Nomograms using these significant predictors were constructed for easy and quick evaluation of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Variables in acute stroke can predict in-hospital mortality and help decision-making in clinical practice using nomogram.

Total and Differential Leukocyte Counts in Relation to Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Population-Based Cohort Study

Objective

High concentrations of leukocytes in blood have been associated with diabetes mellitus. This prospective study aimed to explore whether total and differential leukocyte counts are associated with incidence of diabetes. A missense variant R262W in the SH2B3 (SH2B adaptor protein 3) gene, coding for a protein that negatively regulates hematopoietic cell proliferation, was also studied in relation to incidence of diabetes.

Methods and Results

Leukocyte count and its subtypes (neutrophils, lymphocytes and mixed cells) were analyzed in 26,667 men and women, 45–73 years old, from the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer study. Information about the R262W polymorphism (rs3184504) in SH2B3 was genotyped in 24,489 subjects. Incidence of diabetes was studied during a mean follow-up of 14 years. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine incidence of diabetes by total and differential leukocyte counts. Mendelian randomization analysis using R262W as an instrumental variable was performed with two-stage least squares regression. A total of 2,946 subjects developed diabetes during the follow-up period. After taking several possible confounders into account, concentrations of total leukocyte count, neutrophils and lymphocytes were all significantly associated with incidence of diabetes. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval; quartile 4 vs quartile 1) were 1.37 (1.22–1.53) for total leukocytes, 1.33 (1.19–1.49) for neutrophils and 1.29 (1.15–1.44) for lymphocytes. The R262W polymorphism was strongly associated with leukocytes (0.11x10⁹ cells/l per T allele, p = 1.14 x10^-12), lymphocytes (p = 4.3 x10^-16), neutrophils (p = 8.0 x10^-6) and mixed cells (p = 3.0 x10^-6). However, there was no significant association between R262W and fasting glucose, HbA_1c or incidence of diabetes.

Conclusions

Concentrations of total leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes are associated with incidence of diabetes. However, the lack of association with the R262W polymorphism suggests that the associations may not be causal, although limitations in statistical power and balancing pleiotropic effects cannot be excluded.

Incidence of stroke and stroke subtypes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

It is uncertain whether the incidence of stroke is increased in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and whether COPD is associated with all subtypes of stroke (i.e. ischemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage and subarachnoid haemorrhage). We evaluated the association between COPD and incidence of stroke in a nation-wide cohort study. All individuals between 40 and 84 years of age, hospitalised for COPD between 1987 and 2003 in Sweden were identified in the Swedish hospital discharge register. For each COPD patient (n = 103,419), one reference individual was randomly selected from the general population matched for year of birth, sex and county of residence. After excluding subjects with prior stroke, incidence rates during 10 years follow-up were calculated. Hazard ratios (HR) for stroke comparing COPD patients with reference subjects were estimated using Cox regression adjusting for demographics and comorbidities. Incidence of all-cause stroke (n events = 17,402) was significantly increased in COPD patients compared to reference individuals (HR 1.24, 95 % CI 1.19-1.28), especially during the first 2 years after COPD diagnosis (HR 1.46, 1.37-1.55). Incidences of ischemic stroke (HR 1.20, 1.15-1.25), intracerebral haemorrhage (HR 1.29, 1.16-1.43) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (HR 1.46, 1.16-1.85) were all increased in COPD patients. Incidences of all stroke subtypes are increased in COPD, especially during the first years after COPD diagnosis. The association was independent of several comorbidities, although residual confounding from smoking and hypertension cannot be excluded. A global evaluation of stroke risk factors seems warranted in patients with COPD.

Targeting neutrophils in ischemic stroke: translational insights from experimental studies

Neutrophils have key roles in ischemic brain injury, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. As such, neutrophils are of great interest as targets to treat and prevent ischemic stroke. After stroke, neutrophils respond rapidly promoting blood-brain barrier disruption, cerebral edema, and brain injury. A surge of neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species, proteases, and cytokines are released as neutrophils interact with cerebral endothelium. Neutrophils also are linked to the major processes that cause ischemic stroke, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. Thrombosis is promoted through interactions with platelets, clotting factors, and release of prothrombotic molecules. In atherosclerosis, neutrophils promote plaque formation and rupture by generating oxidized-low density lipoprotein, enhancing monocyte infiltration, and degrading the fibrous cap. In experimental studies targeting neutrophils can improve stroke. However, early human studies have been met with challenges, and suggest that selective targeting of neutrophils may be required. Several properties of neutrophil are beneficial and thus may important to preserve in patients with stroke including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and neuroprotective functions.

Red cell distribution width in relation to incidence of stroke and carotid atherosclerosis: a population-based cohort study

Background

Increased red cell distribution width (RDW) has been related to poor prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease, and is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in the general population. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if RDW is associated with increased incidence of stroke and its subtypes in individuals from the general population.

Methods

Red cell distribution width was measured in 26,879 participants (16,561 women and 10,318 men aged 45–73 years) without history of coronary events or stroke, from the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Incidences of total stroke and stroke subtypes over a mean follow-up of 15.2 years were calculated in relation to sex-specific quartiles of RDW. The presence of carotid plaque and intima–media thickness, as assessed by ultrasound, was studied in relation to RDW in a randomly selected subcohort (n = 5,309).

Results

Incidences of total stroke (n = 1,869) and cerebral infarction (n = 1,544) were both increased in individuals with high RDW. Hazard ratios (HRs) in the highest compared to the lowest quartile were 1.31 for total stroke (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.54, p for trend = 0.004) and 1.32 for cerebral infarction (95% CI: 1.10–1.58, p for trend = 0.004) after adjustment for stroke risk factors and hematological parameters. The adjusted HR for intracerebral hemorrhage (n = 230) was 1.44 (95% CI: 0.90–2.30) and the HR for subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 75) was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.43–2.07), in the highest compared to the lowest quartile of RDW. Red cell distribution width was positively associated with intima–media thickness of the common carotid artery (p for trend = 0.011).

Conclusions

Red cell distribution width in the highest quartile was associated with increased incidence of total stroke and cerebral infarction. There was no significant association between RDW and incidence of intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Total and differential white blood cell counts in late life predict 8-year incident stroke: the Honolulu Heart Program

OBJECTIVES

To study the association between total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count and incident stroke in an older Asian population.

DESIGN

Prospective population-based study with 8 years of follow-up.

SETTING

The Honolulu Heart Program, Oahu, Hawaii.

PARTICIPANTS

Japanese-American men aged 71 to 93 who were free of stroke and had baseline WBC counts measured in 1991-93 (N=3,342).

MEASUREMENTS

Participants were divided into quartiles of total and differential WBC count for analysis and were followed for incident stroke (thromboembolic and hemorrhagic (hemorrhagic)) for 8 years using data from a comprehensive hospital surveillance system.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted incident stroke rates increased significantly with increasing WBC quartile (Q1, 7.68; Q2, 9.04; Q3, 9.26; Q4, 14.10 per 1,000 person-years of follow-up, P=.001). Hazard ratios (HRs) for stroke for each quartile of total and differential WBC count were obtained using Cox regression analysis, with the lowest quartile as the reference group. After full adjustment, including age; cardiovascular risk factors; fibrinogen; prevalent coronary heart disease, cancer, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, HRs were 1.62 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04-2.52, P=.03) in the highest quartile of total WBC and 2.19 (95% CI=1.41-3.39, P<.001) in the highest quartile of neutrophil counts. Significant associations were also seen for thromboembolic but not for hemorrhagic strokes. No significant associations were found between lymphocyte or monocyte counts and incident stroke or subtypes.

CONCLUSION

In elderly Japanese-American men, higher total WBC and neutrophil counts were independent predictors of overall stroke, as well as thromboembolic stroke.

Leukocyte count and incidence of subarachnoid haemorrhage: a prospective cohort study

Background

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease, in the majority of cases caused by a rupture of an arterial intracranial aneurysm. The effect of systemic low-grade inflammation on incidence of SAH is not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between leukocyte count, a marker of systemic inflammation, and incidence of SAH in a large cohort study.

Methods

Leukocyte count and other cardiovascular risk factors were measured in 19,794 individuals (17,083 men and 2,711 women, mean age 44 years) participating in a health screening program between 1974 and 1981. Incidence of SAH in relation to baseline leukocyte concentration was studied during a mean follow-up of 27 years in participants free from previous stroke.

Results

Ninety-five participants had a SAH, corresponding to an incidence of 22 per 100,000 in women and 17 per 100,000 in men. The hazard ratio for SAH per one standard deviation (2.01 × 10⁹ cells/L) increase of leukocyte concentration was 1.26 (95% CI 1.05-1.53, p = 0.014) after adjustment for several potential confounding factors including smoking. In sensitivity analysis, there was a significant association in smokers but not in non-smokers.

Conclusions

High leukocyte count at baseline was associated with increased incidence of SAH, although this relationship might be restricted to smokers. The results support the view that low-grade systemic inflammation could be involved in the pathogenesis of SAH, or constitute an early risk marker for the disease.

ADAMTS13 reduces VWF-mediated acute inflammation following focal cerebral ischemia in mice

BACKGROUND

ADAMTS13 cleaves hyperactive ultra-large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) multimers into smaller and less active forms. It remains unknown whether VWF-mediated inflammatory processes play a role in the enhanced brain injury due to ADAMTS13 deficiency.

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis that the deleterious effect of ADAMTS13 deficiency on ischemic brain injury is mediated through VWF-dependent enhanced vascular inflammation.

METHODS

Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 60 min of occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and inflammatory cytokines in the infarcted region were evaluated 23 h after reperfusion injury. Neutrophil infiltration within the infarct and surrounding areas was quantitated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We report that ADAMTS13-deficient mice exhibited significantly enlarged infarct size, concordant with increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, neutrophil infiltration and expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In contrast, VWF-deficient mice exhibited significantly reduced MPO activity, neutrophil infiltration and inflammatory cytokine induction, demonstrating a role of VWF in these inflammatory processes. Mice deficient for both ADAMTS13 and VWF exhibited an identical reduction of the same inflammatory parameters, demonstrating that the increased inflammation observed in ADAMTS13-deficient mice is VWF dependent. Finally, the increased infarct size observed in ADAMTS13-deficient mice was completely abrogated by prior immunodepletion of neutrophils, demonstrating a causal role for acute inflammation in the enhanced brain injury that occurs in the setting of ADAMTS13 deficiency.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide new evidence for ADAMTS13 in reducing VWF-mediated acute cerebral inflammation following ischemic stroke.