Aging Immune System in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Transcriptomic Analysis

Background and Purpose: With advancing age, alterations occur to the immune system, including an increase in inflammation (inflammaging) and a reduced ability to respond to new immune challenges. The role of an aging immune system in patients with ischemic stroke remains unclear, although age is an important determinant of stroke risk and outcome. This study assessed the aging immune system in patients with acute ischemic stroke by differences in leukocyte gene expression in relationship to age. Methods: Peripheral blood RNA from 2 cohorts with acute ischemic stroke was measured by whole-genome microarray, and genes associated with advancing age were identified (false discovery rate-corrected P