Serum apolipoprotein A1: a predictor and prognostic biomarker in acute ischemic stroke

Background The apolipoprotein A1 level is recognized as a better indicator of cardiovascular disease than other cholesterol measures. Objectives To assess the serum level of ApoA1 in acute stroke patients and correlate it with the degree of vessel stenosis, stroke severity, prognosis, and functional outcome. Patients and methods We prospectively included 60 patients with first-ever cerebrovascular ischemic stroke, and they were matched with 30 healthy individuals matched in age and sex. Patients’ neurological status was assessed via National Institute of Health and Stroke Scale (NIHSS). A venous blood sample was taken within the first 24 h of stroke onset and assayed for ApoA1 level by Human ApoA1 ELISA kit. Results ApoA1 level could be used to discriminate between cases and controls at a level of 6.2 μg/ml, with 94.9% sensitivity and 86.6% specificity. Furthermore, there is an inverse relationship between the level of ApoA1 and the clinical outcome expressed by NIHSS score and their prognosis after 3 months. Finally, there is an inverse relationship between ApoA1 level and the degree of stenosis whether intracranial or extracranial. Conclusion ApoA1 level can be used as a predictor of ischemic stroke and as a prognostic tool for those patients with ischemic stroke.