Diagnostic value of plasma signal peptide-Cub-Egf domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE-1) in an experimental model of acute ischemic stroke

Objectives: This study was intended to examine possible diagnostic value of plasma Signal Peptide-Cub-Egf domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE1) levels in an experimental model of acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Twenty-four female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Blood and brain tissue specimens were collected immediately following artery ligation (control; Group 1), 1 h after ligation (Group 2), 2 h after ligation (Group 3) and 6 h after ligation (Group 4). SCUBE1 levels were investigated in the serum specimens. The brain samples were examined histopathologically. Correlation analysis was performed between the values. Results: Median SCUBE1 values were 1.75 ng/ml in the control group, 3.80 ng/ml, 3.71 ng/ml and 4.19 ng/ml in the groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively (n = 6 for each, P = 0.004, for each group compared to control values). Histopathological analysis revealed median atrophic neuron percentages of 16% (in group 1), 42%, 55% and 76% in group 2, 3 and 4 respectively (n = 6 for each, P = 0.004, for each group compared to control group). A higly significant correlation was determined between SCUBE-1 levels and percentage of atrophic neurons (r= 0.744 P= 0.000). Conclusions: In this experimental model of acute ischemic stroke plasma SCUBE1 levels rose from the 1st hour of induced stroke and remained high up to 6th hour tested. Results of this experimental study has a potential to becomethe basis for a clinical study to confirmwhether SCUBE1 can be used as a biomarker in the early diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke patients. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.