Background:
Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs) are a key predictor for ischaemic stroke but are difficult to distinguish from pathologies such as migraines and seizures. Oxidative stress has a significant role in ischaemic stroke, and protein carbonyls are a specific marker of oxidative protein damage, serving as a predictor of stroke mortality. A novel in vivo oxidative status (IVOS) biosensor capable of rapidly measuring macromolecule carbonylation may be a potential diagnostic tool to distinguish TIA from minor strokes (MS) and TIA mimics (TIAM).
Aims:
To determine if IVOS can differentiate between TIAs, TIAM, and MS.
Methods:
Patients presenting with TIA-like symptoms were recruited at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (n=107). Plasma samples (9 mL) were collected within 48 hours of symptom onset and stored according to HUPO guidelines. Plasma was stored at -80°C until analysis. Frozen-thawed plasma were measured for protein carbonyls using a 488nm blue light excitation, and emission wavelengths (515-520nm) were quantified. All patients were clinically classified independently as TIAs/TIAM/MS by vascular neurologists.
Results:
Patients (n = 107; 57 Females, 50 Males) were enrolled with ages ranging from 39–94 years (Median: 72y). All patients were classified based on clinical data with 41% diagnosed as a TIAM. Preliminary findings showed oxidative status (carbonylation of macromolecules) with signals above baseline in all patients. Further data analysis is ongoing.
Conclusion:
Preliminary results suggest that the IVOS biosensor may differentiate between TIAs, TIAM, and MS.