Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 as a Biomarker in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Pilot Study

<b>Background</b>: Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) was implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis and is associated with elevated stroke risk. However, there is limited evidence regarding the MCP-1 role as an early biomarker for predicting the severity and outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This prospective pilot case-control study aims to offer preliminary evidence into whether MCP-1 levels are elevated in AIS, whether they vary across different stroke subtypes, and their potential utility as a biomarker for assessing stroke severity and predicting outcomes. <b>Methods</b>: MCP-1 levels were quantified using ELISA in patients with AIS or transients ischemic attack (TIA) and healthy participants. Stroke severity was assessed with the NIHSS score and functional outcome with the mRS scale. <b>Results</b>: A total of 32 patients with AIS or TIA were compared to 13 healthy controls. MCP-1 levels were found to be 77% higher in stroke patients compared to healthy controls (<i>p</i> < 0.001). No significant differences in MCP-1 levels were observed between patients with AIS and those with TIA, nor among different stroke subtypes. A positive correlation was observed between MCP-1 levels and NIHSS changes from admission to discharge (b = 0.376, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and mRS scale at 6-month follow-up (b = 0.507, <i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: This prospective pilot study provides preliminary evidence that MCP-1 levels are significantly elevated in AIS and are associated with NIHSS change during hospitalization and unfavorable outcome at 6-month follow-up. These findings indicate the potential of MCP-1 as an early biomarker for assessing disease severity and predicting outcomes in AIS.