Bonifačić D, Aralica M, Sotošek Tokmadžić V, Rački V, Tuškan-Mohar L, Kučić N. Values of vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid in the urine as potential prognostic biomarkers in ischaemic stroke patients.
Biomarkers 2017;
22:790-797. [PMID:
28675313 DOI:
10.1080/1354750x.2017.1351001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Suitable biomarkers that have prognostic values are one of the key points of interest in ischaemic stroke. Increased sympathetic nervous system activity in ischaemic stroke causes multiple local and systemic effects that can be detrimental to the outcome. The mechanism of action is increased secretion and activity of catecholamines, whose end metabolic products are vanillylmandelic acid and homovanilic acid. Aim of our study was to determine whether these compounds can be used as potential prognostic biomarkers in ischaemic stroke, as a unique insight into the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
METHODS
Urine samples of 96 patients with ischaemic stroke and transitory ischaemic attacks were analysed. Values of vanillylmandelic and homovanillic acids in urine were tested using liquid chromatography on the first and third day post-stroke. Severity of stroke was determined using the NIHSS scale, while functional outcome was determined using the Modified Rankin Scale.
RESULTS
Values of vanillylmandelic and homovanillic acids positively correlated with functional outcome of ischaemic stroke. Favorable outcomes correlated with decreased values, on contrary to increased values, which were associated with unfavourable outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Determining the values of these compounds in the urine is an easily available prognostic tool for the ischaemic stroke outcome, while also influencing potential therapeutic changes.
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