Work

Serum Cardiotrophin-1 as a novel biomarker for intracranial aneurysm

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) carry a high risk of rupture leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage, yet current diagnostic methods are invasive and costly. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of serum inflammatory markers and cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) as non-invasive biomarkers for IA presence and rupture risk. METHODS: A total of 131 IA patients (33 unruptured, 98 ruptured) and 21 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-33, S100B, E-selectin, and CT-1 were measured by ELISA. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis tests, ROC curve evaluation, and logistic regression for risk factors. RESULTS: Serum CT-1 levels were significantly elevated in IA patients versus controls (p = 0.0002), with the highest levels in ruptured IAs (p = 0.0001 vs controls). ROC analysis demonstrated CT-1's diagnostic potential for IA (AUC = 0.7801, sensitivity 75.57%) and ruptured IA (AUC = 0.7911, sensitivity 79.59%). No significant differences were observed for IL-6, IL-10, IL-33, S100B, or E-selectin. Older age (OR = 1.072) and smoking (OR = 9.659) were significant IA risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: CT-1 is a promising serum biomarker for IA detection and rupture risk stratification. Its elevation, particularly in ruptured cases, suggests potential clinical utility for non-invasive screening. Further validation in larger cohorts is warranted.

Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases

DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2025.108493