Relationship of C-reactive protein and Tau protein serum levels during ischemic stroke

Introduction
Results of some studies suggest that inflammation which occurs during ischemic stroke (IS) can trigger neurodegenerative damage of brain tissue. This may explain how IS can lead to vascular dementia (VaD) and co-existence of VaD and AD.

Aim of the research
The aim of our study was to discover whether C-reactive protein (CRP) contributes to the releasing of Tau protein into the blood during IS. This may help explain the mechanism of development of the neurodegenerative processes in stroke patients.

Material and methods
Clinical status of 54 patients with IS was evaluated on day 1, 3, 5, 10 and 3 months after the onset of the stroke. The volume of ischemic focus was calculated on day 10 using CT with the planimetric method. Serum levels of CRP and Tau protein were evaluated on day 1, 3, 5 and 10 during the acute phase of IS. We divided patients into 3 groups according to the mean levels of CRP on day 5: group 1 with normal range of CRP (0–5 mg/l), group 2 with abnormal but lower range of CRP (5.01–48 mg/l) and group 3 with abnormal and higher range of CRP (> 48.1 mg/l).

Results
The mean serum level of CRP correlates positively with the mean serum level of Tau protein (rs = 0.41, p < 0.01). Tau protein levels measured on day 10 were significantly different in every group of CRP (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
The presence and level of Tau protein in serum of patients with IS can be determined by CRP concentration.