Free fatty acids to predict recurrent ischemic stroke

Recurrent stroke accounts for substantial morbidity and mortality among ischemic stroke survivors. To establish effective treatments for secondary stroke prevention, it is important to determine factors associated with stroke recurrence. Among the blood biomarkers associated with stroke risk, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2) is perhaps the most studied. LpPLA2 hydrolyzes oxidized phospholipids and plays an important role in atherosclerosis with elevated plasma levels associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Other markers associated with stroke risk include fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, total homocysteine, and l-arginine.1,2 Such markers can aid in stroke risk stratification and potentially provide therapeutic targets to prevent stroke. Indeed, ongoing trials are evaluating whether inhibiting LpPLA2 with darapladib can reduce cardiovascular events.

Source: Neurology - March 31, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Jickling, G. C., Spence, J. D. Tags: All Cerebrovascular disease/Stroke EDITORIALS Source Type: research