Correlation of Serum Levels of Inflammatory Chemokines (CXCL13, MCP-1, CCL11) with Severity and Prognosis of Acute Cerebral Infarction Patients

Abstract

Backgrounds: Acute cerebral infarction significantly impacts the quality of life and prognostic outcomes for affected individuals. Inflammation is crucial in the pathological and physiological processes following acute cerebral infarction. Investigating the correlation of CXC chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and CC chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) with the severity and prognosis of acute cerebral infarction patients may contribute to the identification of new biomarkers and pathophysiological mechanism, thereby enhancing treatment and rehabilitation. Methods: We enrolled 150 patients with acute cerebral infarction and 100 healthy controls. Patients were categorized into mild (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score <7), moderate (7≤ NIHSS score <15), and severe (NIHSS score ≥15) subgroups based on their NIHSS scores. According to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, patients were further divided into good prognosis (mRS score ≤2) and poor prognosis (mRS score >2) subgroups. Serum concentrations of CXCL13, MCP-1, and CCL11 were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for moderate and severe neurological impairment and poor prognosis in acute cerebral infarction patients. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation of CXCL13, MCP-1, and CCL11 with NIHSS and mRS scores. Results: In the study group, concentrations of CXCL13, MCP-1, and CCL11 were significantly higher, with the severe subgroup > moderate subgroup > mild subgroup and poor prognosis subgroup > good prognosis subgroup, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Elevated concentrations of CXCL13, MCP-1, and CCL11 emerged as independent risk factors for moderate and severe neurological impairment and poor prognosis in acute cerebral infarction patients (p < 0.05). Serum CXCL13, MCP-1, and CCL11 demonstrated positive correlations with NIHSS and mRS scores in acute cerebral infarction patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CXCL13, MCP-1, and CCL11 likely play a role in the onset and progression of acute cerebral infarction. Their concentrations positively correlate with NIHSS and mRS scores, providing insights into the degree of neurological impairment and prognosis in affected patients.