Increased perihematomal neuron autophagy and plasma thrombin–antithrombin levels in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage: An observational study

In this study, we aimed to evaluate if autophagy occurred in patients with ICH; and the relationship between the severity of brain injury and plasma TAT levels. A novel tissue harvesting device was used during hematoma removal surgery to collect loose fragments of tissue surrounding the affected brain area in 27 ICH patients with hematoma volumes of>30 mL in the basal ganglia. Control tissues were obtained from patients who underwent surgery for arteriovenous malformation (n = 25). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry for autophagy-related proteins were used to evaluate the ultrastructural and morphologic cellular characteristics; and the extent of autophagy in the recovered tissue specimens. Stroke severity was assessed by using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure plasma TAT levels. Transmission electron microscopy showed autophagosomes and autolysosomes exist in neurons surrounding the hematoma, but not in the control tissues. The number of cells containing autophagic vacuoles correlated with the severity of brain injury. Immunohistochemistry showed strong LC3, beclin 1, and cathepsin D staining in ICH tissue specimens. Plasma TAT levels correlated positively with autophagic cells and ICH severity (P 
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Research Article: Observational Study Source Type: research