Effect of carotid endarterectomy on the serum level of neurogranin

Introduction: Stroke remains the leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces the incidence of ischemic stroke or death in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis more effective than pharmacological therapy alone. Neurogranin is a potential marker of brain injury previously investigated mainly in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer disease), but also in ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury. Material and methods: The aim of the research was to investigate the changes in serum level concentrations of neurogranin in patients undergoing CEA. 22 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis underwent CEA. Serum levels of Neurogranin were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test at 24 h before CEA, 12 and 48 h after the surgery. Results: Serum neurogranin levels show a tendency to decrease after an uncomplicated CEA, however the difference is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Serum neurogranin level does not significantly change after the CEA, therefore it may not be an useful marker of brain damage after the procedure. There is still need for further studies on bigger group of patients and patients with neurological complications to confirm these findings.