Stroke is a leading cause of disability and the second most common cause of death worldwide, with its incidence increasing due to an aging population. Early diagnosis is crucial for timely medical intervention. Biomarkers serve as objective indicators to predict outcomes, monitor treatment responses, and assess prognosis. This review examines the evolving landscape of stroke biomarkers, highlighting their potential clinical applications and the challenges hindering their widespread use. Blood biomarkers are readily accessible and provide insight into the pathophysiological processes underlying stroke. This review focuses on neuronal and glial biomarkers, as well as those associated with inflammation, thrombosis, excitotoxicity, and neuroprotection. Also, it focuses on genetic biomarkers. The timing of biomarker measurement is particularly critical in the early stages of stroke, when rapid decision-making is essential, and it requires systematic investigation. Although numerous molecules have been proposed as stroke biomarkers in recent years, none have yet been integrated into routine clinical practice. Stroke biomarkers hold great promise for enhancing diagnosis, risk stratification, and personalized treatment strategies. However, well-designed studies and rigorous validation are necessary to bridge the gap between research findings and clinical implementation. Integrating biomarkers with existing diagnostic tools could revolutionize stroke management and improve patient outcomes. Continued research into blood biomarkers and their clinical utility remains imperative for advancing stroke care.

Stroke is characterized by a sudden onset of neurological deficit attributed to a focal brain injury. The main treatments for patients with an acute ischemic stroke are intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. Recanalization therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes; however, their effectiveness depends on a range of pathophysiological factors. This prospective observational study included 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke. The control group consisted of 20 healthy blood donors. Patients were divided into three groups based on whether they received intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, or combination therapy. We investigated differences between recanalization therapies in patients with ischemic stroke with respect to peripheral blood concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-18 and endothelial glycocalyx degradation products: syndecan-1, heparan sulphate, and hyaluronic acid, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The blood samples were collected before, 24, and 48 h after recanalization therapy. The concentration of IL-18, syndecan-1, and heparan sulphate increased statistically significantly in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The concentration of hyaluronic acid increased statistically significantly in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. The findings primarily reflect between-group differences. Our findings indicate that IL-18 has a significant role in the early inflammatory response. IL-18 and EG degradation products represent potential biomarkers for identifying high-risk patients. Their measurement could help improve the treatment, recovery, and outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The aforementioned observations underscore their potential value as biomarkers for future research.

Tromboza venskih sinusa je rijedak uzrok moždanog udara. Najčešće se javlja u dobi od 20 do 50 godina. Češće se javlja kod žena nego kod muškaraca. Klinička slika je varijabilna, odnosno, pacijenti se mogu žaliti na...