Expression and significance of HMOX1, STAT3, ferritin, GPX4, and hs-CRP in patients with ischemic stroke

Abstract

Background & Objective: Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of global mortality and disability, and as such, reliable biomarkers for its early diagnosis and prognosis are needed. This study explored the expression and clinical relevance of HMOX1, STAT3, ferritin, GPX4, and hs-CRP in patients with IS.

Methods: The serum levels of these biomarkers in 159 patients with IS and 150 healthy controls were compared and analyzed across subgroups stratified by neurological severity, infarct size, and clinical outcomes.

Results: IS patients showed higher levels of HMOX1, STAT3, ferritin, and hs-CRP, as well as lower GPX4 levels, than healthy controls (all p < 0.05). Biomarker levels differed significantly among mild-, moderate-, and severe-stroke groups, as well as across different infarct sizes. Diabetes history increased the infarction deterioration risk by 2.86-fold. Among the biomarkers, hs-CRP, ferritin, and GPX4 demonstrated predictive value for disease progression, with AUC values of 0.608, 0.611, and 0.729, respectively, while HMOX1 and STAT3 did not distinguish progression status.

Conclusion: Serum levels of HMOX1, STAT3, ferritin, GPX4, and hs-CRP are potential biomarkers for assessing IS severity and prognosis.