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Karimova D, Rostami E, Chubarev VN, Tarasov VV, Schiöth HB, Rask-Andersen M. Advances in development of biomarkers for brain damage and ischemia. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:803. [PMID: 39001884 PMCID: PMC11246271 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09708-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Acquired brain injury is an urgent situation that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are required for accurate diagnosis. However, these methods are costly and require substantial infrastructure and specialized staff. Circulatory biomarkers of acute brain injury may help in the management of patients with acute cerebrovascular events and prevent poor outcome and mortality. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the development of potential biomarkers of brain damage to increase diagnostic possibilities. For this purpose, we searched the PubMed database of studies on the diagnostic potential of brain injury biomarkers. We also accessed information from Clinicaltrials.gov to identify any clinical trials of biomarker measurements for the diagnosis of brain damage. In total, we present 41 proteins, enzymes and hormones that have been considered as biomarkers for brain injury, of which 20 have been studied in clinical trials. Several microRNAs have also emerged as potential clinical biomarkers for early diagnosis. Combining multiple biomarkers in a panel, along with other parameters, is yielding promising outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Karimova
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala, University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elham Rostami
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Neurosurgery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vladimir N Chubarev
- Advanced Molecular Technology, Limited Liable Company (LLC), Moscow, 354340, Russia
| | - Vadim V Tarasov
- Advanced Molecular Technology, Limited Liable Company (LLC), Moscow, 354340, Russia
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala, University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathias Rask-Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Al-Sabbagh MQ, Thirunavukkarasu S, Eswaradass P. Advances in Cardiac Workup for Transient Ischemic Attack: Improving Diagnostic Yield and Reducing Recurrent Stroke Risk. Cardiol Rev 2023:00045415-990000000-00155. [PMID: 37750739 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a warning sign for an impending stroke, with a 10-20% chance of a stroke occurring within 90 days of the initial event. Current clinical practice for cardiac workup in TIA includes cardiac enzymes, with 12-lead electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography, and 24-hour Holter monitoring. However, the diagnostic yield of these investigations is variable, and there is a need for better diagnostic approaches to increase the detection of cardiac abnormalities in a cost-effective way. This review article examines the latest research on emerging diagnostic tools and strategies and discusses the potential benefits and challenges of using these advanced diagnostic approaches in clinical practice. Novel biomarkers, imaging techniques, and prolonged rhythm monitoring devices have shown great promise in enhancing the diagnostic yield of cardiac workup in TIA patients. Echocardiography, Transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cardiac MRI, and cardiac CT are among the promising diagnostic tools being studied. We conclude the article with a suggested diagnostic algorithm for cardiac workup in TIA. Further research is necessary to enhance their usefulness and to outline future directions for research and clinical practice in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Q Al-Sabbagh
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | | | - Prasanna Eswaradass
- From the Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
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Jansen van Vuuren JM, Pillay S, Naidoo A. The burden of suspected strokes in uMgungundlovu - Can biomarkers aid prognostication? Health SA 2023; 28:1916. [PMID: 37292236 PMCID: PMC10244873 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v28i0.1916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of stroke is increasing worldwide. The hierarchical healthcare referral system in South Africa (SA) poses unique challenges to clinicians when caring for people with suspected strokes (PsS). To improve health outcomes, novel strategies are required to provide adequate care, including prognostication, in SA. Aim To determine the subjective burden of and challenges posed by suspected stroke cases and the potential usefulness of biomarkers in prognostication. Setting This study was conducted in the uMgungundlovu Health District (UHD), KwaZulu-Natal, SA. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to doctors within the UHD. Demographic data and answers to a series of 5-point-Likert-type statements were collected. Results Seventy-seven responses were analysed. A third of doctors worked in primary healthcare facilities (PHCare) and saw ≥ 2.15 suspected strokes-per-doctor-per-week, compared to ≥ 1.38 seen by doctors working in higher levels of healthcare. Neuroimaging was relied upon by > 85% of doctors, with nearly half of PHCare doctors having to refer patients to facilities 5 km - 20 km away, with resultant delays. Knowledge about prognostic biomarkers in strokes was poor, yet most doctors believed that a biomarker would assist in the prognostication process and they would use it routinely. Conclusion Doctors in this study faced a significant burden of strokes and rely on neuroimaging to guide their management; however, many challenges exist in obtaining such imaging, especially in the PHCare setting. The need for prognostic biomarkers was clear. Contribution This research lays the platform for further studies to investigate prognostic biomarkers in stroke in our clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Jansen van Vuuren
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Neurology, Internal Medicine, Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Somasundram Pillay
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ansuya Naidoo
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Neurology, Internal Medicine, Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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4
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Jansen van Vuuren JM, Pillay S, Naidoo A. The burden of suspected strokes in uMgungundlovu – Can biomarkers aid prognostication? Health SA 2022. [DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v27i0.1916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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5
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Jansen van Vuuren J, Pillay S, Naidoo A. Circulating Biomarkers in Long-Term Stroke Prognosis: A Scoping Review Focusing on the South African Setting. Cureus 2022; 14:e23971. [PMID: 35547443 PMCID: PMC9090128 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease, including both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes, remains one of the highest causes of global morbidity and mortality. Developing nations, such as South Africa (SA), are affected disproportionately. Early identification of stroke patients at risk of poor clinical prognosis may result in improved outcomes. In addition to conventional neuroimaging, the role of predictive biomarkers has been shown to be important. Little data exist on their applicability within SA. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the currently available data pertaining to blood biomarkers that aid in the long-term prognostication of patients following stroke and its potential application in the South African setting. This scoping review followed a 6-stage process to identify and critically review currently available literature pertaining to prognostic biomarkers in stroke. An initial 1191 articles were identified and, following rigorous review, 41 articles were included for the purposes of the scoping review. A number of potential biomarkers were identified and grouped according to the function or origin of the marker. Although most biomarkers showed great prognostic potential, the cost and availability will likely limit their application within SA. The burden of stroke is increasing worldwide and appears to be affecting developing countries disproportionately. Access to neuroradiological services is not readily available in all settings and the addition of biomarkers to assist in the long-term prognostication of patients following a stroke can be of great clinical value. The cost and availability of many of the reviewed biomarkers will likely hinder their use in the South African setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jansen van Vuuren
- Department of Neurology, Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
- School of Clinical Medicine, PhD programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
- Member, Royal Society of South Africa, Cape Town, ZAF
| | | | - Ansuya Naidoo
- Neurology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
- Department of Neurology, Grey's Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
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6
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Kim Y, Lee YB, Bae SK, Oh SS, Choi JR. Development of a photochemical thrombosis investigation system to obtain a rabbit ischemic stroke model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5787. [PMID: 33707580 PMCID: PMC7970995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85348-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Photochemical thrombosis is a method for the induction of ischemic stroke in the cerebral cortex. It can generate localized ischemic infarcts in the desired region; therefore, it has been actively employed in establishing an ischemic stroke animal model and in vivo assays of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for stroke. To establish a rabbit ischemic stroke model and overcome the shortcoming of previous studies that were difficult to build a standardized photothrombotic rabbit model, we developed a photochemical thrombosis induction system that can produce consistent brain damage on a specific area. To verify the generation of photothrombotic brain damage using the system, longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and histological staining were applied. These analytical methods have a high correlation for ischemic infarction and are appropriate for analyzing photothrombotic brain damage in the rabbit brain. The results indicated that the photothrombosis induction system has a main advantage of being accurately controlled a targeted region of photothrombosis and can produce cerebral hemisphere lesions on the target region of the rabbit brain. In conjugation with brain atlas, it can induce photochemical ischemic stroke locally in the part of the brain that is responsible for a particular brain function and the system can be used to develop animal models with degraded specific functions. Also, the photochemical thrombosis induction system and a standardized rabbit ischemic stroke model that uses this system have the potential to be used for verifications of biomedical techniques for ischemic stroke at a preclinical stage in parallel with further performance improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhee Kim
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu, 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Bum Lee
- Laboratory Animal Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu, 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kuk Bae
- Department of Biofibers and Biomaterials Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Korea
| | - Sung Suk Oh
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu, 41061, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Ryul Choi
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu, 41061, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Sibon I. Accidente ischemico cerebrale e retinico transitorio. Neurologia 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(21)44501-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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8
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Fedin A, Saverskaya E, Badalyan K. Multimodal therapeutic strategies in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:112-118. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2021121121112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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9
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Goel H, Melot J, Krinock MD, Kumar A, Nadar SK, Lip GYH. Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein: an overlooked cardiac biomarker. Ann Med 2020; 52:444-461. [PMID: 32697102 PMCID: PMC7877932 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2020.1800075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac troponins (cTn) are currently the standard of care for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain (CP). However, their plasma kinetics necessitate a prolonged ED stay or overnight hospital admission, especially in those presenting early after CP onset. Moreover, ruling out ACS in low-risk patients requires prolonged ED observation or overnight hospital admission to allow serial measurements of c-Tn, adding cost. Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is a novel marker of myocardial injury with putative advantages over cTn. Being present in abundance in the myocellular cytoplasm, it is released rapidly (<1 h) after the onset of myocardial injury and could potentially play an important role in both earlier diagnosis of high-risk patients presenting early after CP onset, as well as in risk-stratifying low-risk patients rapidly. Like cTn, H-FABP also has a potential role as a prognostic marker in other conditions where the myocardial injury occurs, such as acute congestive heart failure (CHF) and acute pulmonary embolism (PE). This review provides an overview of the evidence examining the role of H-FABP in early diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with CP and in non-ACS conditions associated with myocardial injury. Key messages Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein is a biomarker that is elevated early in myocardial injury The routine use in the emergency department complements the use of troponins in ruling out acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting early with chest pain It also is useful in risk stratifying patients with other conditions such as heart failure and acute pulmonary embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Goel
- Department of Medicine, St. Luke's University Hospital, Bethlehem, PA, USA.,Luis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Joshua Melot
- Department of Medicine, St. Luke's University Hospital, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Matthew D Krinock
- Department of Medicine, St. Luke's University Hospital, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Wellspan York Hospital, York, PA, USA
| | - Sunil K Nadar
- Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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The Value of Neurological Assessment for Prediction of Subtle Cerebral Infarction. Can J Neurol Sci 2020; 48:275-277. [PMID: 32723417 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2020.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We examined to what extent clinical assessment alone can predict subtle acute cerebral infarction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of the 72 patients presented to the emergency department (ED) with transient neurological deficits, 26 (36.1%) were predicted to be "positive" and 46 (63.9%) "negative" for transient ischemic attack/minor stroke by two independent neurologists. Twenty patients (27.8%) had acute restricted diffusion on MRI. Clinical assessment showed substantial agreement with MRI findings (Kappa = 0.75), sensitivity (95.0%), specificity (86.5%), positive-likelihood ratio 7.06, and negative-likelihood ratio 0.06. Neurological assessment has an excellent predicting value for MRI-confirmed acute cerebral infarction and a key role in the facilitation of effective patient care in the ED.
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11
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Sun S, Li L, Dong L, Cheng J, Zhao C, Bao C, Wang H. Circulating mRNA and microRNA profiling analysis in patients with ischemic stroke. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:792-802. [PMID: 32626985 PMCID: PMC7339759 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To provide insight into molecular diagnosis and individualized treatment of ischemic stroke (IS), several available datasets in IS were analyzed to identify the differentially expressed genes and microRNAs (miRNAs). Series matrix files from GSE22255 and GSE16561 (mRNA profiles), a well as GSE110993 (miRNA profile) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. System-level clustering was performed with GeneCluster 3.0 software, and gene annotation and pathway enrichment were performed with gene ontology analysis and Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery software. For a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Biological General Repository for Interaction Datasets and IntAct interaction information were integrated to determine the interaction of differentially expressed genes. The selected miRNA candidates were imported into the TargetScan, miRDB and miRecords databases for the prediction of target genes. The present study identified 128 upregulated and 231 downregulated genes in female stroke patients, and 604 upregulated and 337 downregulated genes in male stroke patients compared with sex- and age-matched controls. The construction of a PPI network demonstrated that male stroke patients exhibited YWHAE, CUL3 and JUN as network center nodes, and in female patients CYLD, FOS and PIK3R1 interactions were the strongest. Notably, these interactions are mainly involved in immune inflammatory response, apoptosis and other biological pathways, such as blood coagulation. Female and male upregulated genes were cross-validated with another set of Illumina HumanRef-8 v3.0 expression beadchip (GSE16561). Functional item association networks, gene function networks and transcriptional regulatory networks were successfully constructed, and the relationships between miRNAs and target genes were successfully predicted. The present study identified a number of transcription factors, including DEFA1, PDK4, SDPR, TCN1 and MMP9, and miRNAs, including miRNA (miR)-21, miR-143/145, miR-125-5p and miR-122, which may serve important roles in the development of cerebral stroke and may be important molecular indicators for the treatment of IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Sun
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050050, P.R. China
| | - Litao Li
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050050, P.R. China
| | - Lipeng Dong
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050050, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050050, P.R. China
| | - Congying Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050050, P.R. China
| | - Chu Bao
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050050, P.R. China
| | - Hebo Wang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050050, P.R. China
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12
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Dowling P, Gargan S, Zweyer M, Swandulla D, Ohlendieck K. Proteomic profiling of fatty acid binding proteins in muscular dystrophy. Expert Rev Proteomics 2020; 17:137-148. [PMID: 32067530 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1732214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder, which is caused by abnormalities in the DMD gene that encodes the membrane cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Besides progressive skeletal muscle wasting, dystrophinopathy also affects non-skeletal muscle tissues, including cells in the cardio-respiratory system, the central nervous system, the liver and the kidney.Areas covered: This review summarizes the proteomic characterization of a key class of lipid chaperones, the large family of fatty acid binding proteins, and their potential role in muscular dystrophy. Recent proteomic surveys using animal models and patient specimens are reviewed. Pathobiochemical changes in specific proteoforms of fatty acid binding protein in the multi-system pathology of dystrophinopathy are discussed.Expert opinion: The mass spectrometric identification of distinct changes in fatty acid binding proteins in muscle, heart, liver, kidney and serum demonstrates that considerable alterations occur in key steps of metabolite transport and fat metabolism in muscular dystrophy. These new findings might be helpful to further develop a comprehensive biomarker signature of metabolic changes in X-linked muscular dystrophy, which should improve (i) our understanding of complex pathobiochemical changes due to dystrophin deficiency, (ii) the identification of novel therapeutic targets, and (iii) the design of differential diagnostic, prognostic and therapy-monitoring approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dowling
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.,Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Stephen Gargan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.,Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Margit Zweyer
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, Children's Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Kay Ohlendieck
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.,Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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13
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Dolmans LS, Rutten F, Bartelink MLEL, van Dijk EJ, Nederkoorn PJ, Kappelle J, Hoes AW. Serum biomarkers in patients suspected of transient ischaemic attack in primary care: a diagnostic accuracy study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031774. [PMID: 31628130 PMCID: PMC6803126 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) based on symptoms and signs can be challenging and would greatly benefit from a rapid serum biomarker of brain ischaemia. We aimed to quantify the added diagnostic value of serum biomarkers in patients suspected of TIA beyond symptoms and signs. METHODS This is a cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study with a 6-month follow-up period. Participants were patients suspected of TIA by the general practitioner (GP) in whom a blood sample could be collected within 72 hours from symptom onset. A research nurse visited the participant for the blood sample and a standardised interview. The GP referred participants to the regional TIA service. An expert panel of three neurologists classified cases as TIA, minor stroke or any other diagnosis, based on all available diagnostic information including the GP's and neurologist's correspondence and the follow-up period. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of clinical predictors and the improvement of accuracy by seven biomarkers (NR2, NR2 antibodies, PARK7, NDKA, UFD1, B-FABP and H-FABP). RESULTS 206 patients suspected of TIA participated, of whom 126 (61.2%) were diagnosed with TIA (n=104) or minor stroke (n=22) by the expert panel. The median time from symptom onset to the blood sample collection was 48.0 (IQR 28.3-56.8) hours. None of the seven biomarkers had discriminative value in the diagnosis of TIA, with C-statistics ranging from 0.45 to 0.58. The final multivariable model (C-statistic 0.83 (0.78-0.89)) consisted of eight clinical predictors of TIA/minor stroke: increasing age, a history of coronary artery disease, sudden onset of symptoms, occurrence of symptoms in full intensity, dysarthria, no history of migraine, absence of loss of consciousness and absence of headache. Addition of the individual biomarkers did not further increase the C-statistics. CONCLUSIONS Currently available blood biomarkers have no added diagnostic value in suspected TIA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01954329.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Servaas Dolmans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Rutten
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Louise E L Bartelink
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ewoud J van Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Donders Centre for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Nederkoorn
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Kappelle
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arno W Hoes
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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