SDF-1α/CXCR4 Axis Associate With The Severity And Prognosis Of Acute Cerebral Infarction

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis and the severity and prognosis of acute cerebral infarction. By addressing the role SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis may play in the repairing process for patients with acute ischemic stroke, the study further intended to assess the severity and prognosis of acute cerebral infarction.Methods: Fifty-five patients with acute cerebral infarction(CI group) and 18 volunteers(C group) were enrolled. Peripheral whole blood cells were double stained with anti-CD34 and anti-CXCR4(CD184). Levels of CD34+ CXCR4+ cells were analyzed by flow cytometer. Plasma concentration of SDF-1a was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Volumetric analyses were performed by the size of the middle cerebral artery(MCA) region. The disease severity was measured by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) on 1st day after acute ischemic stroke onset, and prognosis was measured by m RS.Results: Compared with control group, the plasma level of SDF-1a and CD34+ CXCR4+ cells for patients with acute cerebral infarction was significantly higher and demonstrated constant change, with the seventh day amounting to the maximum level. The difference is statistically significant(P<0.05). In fifty-five patients with acute cerebral infarction, the level of CD34+ CXCR4+ cells and plasma SDF-1α in patients with small area of cerebral infarction was significantly higher compared with moderate area and large area of cerebral infarction(P<0.05). Negative correlation between the level of SDF-1α/CD34+ CXCR4+ cells and NIHSS was observed. The levels of SDF-1α and CD34+ CXCR4+ cells were related to the m RS score measured at three-month follow-up.Conclusion: This study concluded that SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis may play an extremely important biological role in neurovascular tissue repairing processes for patients with acute ischemic stroke.