Stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability globally, with ischemic stroke (IS) accounting for over 80% of all stroke cases. The pathological process of IS involves numerous signal molecules, among which are the highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent enzymes known as sirtuins (SIRTs). SIRTs modulate various biological processes, including cell differentiation, energy metabolism, DNA repair, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Importantly, several studies have reported a correlation between SIRTs and IS. This review introduces the general aspects of SIRTs, including their distribution, subcellular location, enzyme activity, and substrate. We also discuss their regulatory roles and potential mechanisms in IS. Finally, we describe the current therapeutic methods based on SIRTs, such as pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological therapeutic/rehabilitative interventions, epigenetic regulators, potential molecules, and stem cell-derived exosome therapy. The data collected in this study will potentially contribute to both clinical and fundamental research on SIRTs, geared towards developing effective therapeutic candidates for future treatment of IS.
Study Design.: Multicenter retrospective observational study. Objective.: This study aimed to distinguish tuberculous spondylitis (TS) from pyogenic spondylitis (PS) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Further, a novel diagnostic model for differential diagnosis was developed. Summary of Background Data.: TS and PS are the two most common spinal infections. Distinguishing between these types clinically is challenging. Delayed diagnosis can lead to deficits or kyphosis. Currently, there is a lack of radiology-based diagnostic models for TS and PS. Methods.: We obtained radiologic images from MRI imaging of patients with TS and PS and applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to select the optimal features for a predictive model. Predictive models were built using multiple logistic regression analysis. Clinical utility was determined using decision curve analysis, and internal validation was performed using bootstrap resampling. Results.: A total of 201 patients with TS (n=105) or PS (n=96) were enrolled. We identified significant differences in MRI features between both groups. We found that noncontiguous multivertebral and single-vertebral body involvement were common in TS and PS, respectively. Vertebral bone lesions were more severe in the TS group than in the PS group (Z=−4.553, P<0.001). The patients in the TS group were also more prone to vertebral intraosseous, epidural, and paraspinal abscesses (P<0.001). A total of 8 predictors were included in the diagnostic model. Analysis of the calibration curve and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve suggested that the model was well-calibrated with high prediction accuracy. Conclusions.: This is the largest study comparing MRI features in TS and PS and the first to develop an MRI-based nomogram, which may help clinicians distinguish between TS and PS.