Introduction: Stroke is the second leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces the incidence of ischemic stroke or death in patients with sympatomatic carotid artery stenosis more effectively than pharmacological therapy alone. Visinin-like protein 1 (VLP-1) is a potential marker of brain injury. An increased serum level of VLP-1 was observed in neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
Material and methods: The objective of the study was to report the changes in serum level concentrations of VLP-1 in patients undergoing CEA. The study group consisted of 22 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis, qualified to CEA. Serum levels of VLP-1 were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test at 24 h before CEA, 12 and 48 h after the surgery.
Results: Serum VLP-1 levels were significantly reduced 48 h after CEA compared to the levels before and 12 h after surgery.
Conclusions: VLP-1 serum level decreases after an uncomplicated CEA in patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis. Alterations in this curve may be a marker of neurological events after the procedure. Higher VLP-1 baseline levels before CEA may reflect brain damage caused by chronic ischemia
