Impact of biomarkers on carotid artery disease and stroke

Stroke poses a significant public health challenge, especially in China, where geographical disparities in incidence rates suggest environmental, genetic, and lifestyle influences on stroke risk. Traditional diagnostic methods, while effective, have limitations that can hinder timely treatment. This study investigated the clinical significance and diagnostic utility of the biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX1) in relation to atherosclerosis and stroke, aiming to enhance early diagnosis and treatment strategies. In this retrospective analysis of 156 patients with arterial stenosis leading to ischemic stroke, data on medical history, lifestyle, serum markers, and comorbidities were collected. Carotid artery stenosis was evaluated using Doppler ultrasound, and the plaque stability and stenosis degree were categorized for analysis. Biomarker levels were measured and analyzed using binary logistic regression and support vector machine optimization models to explore their correlation with stroke. Our findings indicate nuanced roles for CRP, OPN, OPG, and LOX1 in stroke risk, with CRP and OPG acting as protective factors against carotid artery occlusion, and OPN and LOX1 presenting as risk factors. This study underscores the complexity of atherosclerosis and highlights potential therapeutic targets. By elucidating the associations of these biomarkers with atherosclerosis leading to stroke, this study contributes to a better understanding of stroke etiology and opens avenues for the development of more effective diagnostic tools and treatment protocols. Further research, including longitudinal studies and clinical trials, is essential to confirm these findings and to explore their therapeutic implications.