# Proteomic signatures of intermittent pneumatic compression in patients with large artery atherosclerotic stroke

## TL;DR

This study finds that intermittent pneumatic compression affects specific proteins in stroke patients, possibly influencing recovery pathways.

## Contribution

The study identifies 12 proteins modulated by IPC in stroke patients, linking them to neurological outcomes and vascular risk.

## Key findings

- IPC modulates 12 proteins, 93.3% of which increase after intervention.
- ANGPT1 and SOD2 are key proteins linked to angiogenesis, antioxidant, and inflammation pathways.
- Protein changes correlate with NIHSS and ESRS scores, suggesting a role in stroke recovery.

## Abstract

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is routinely used after stroke for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, yet its molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In a single-blind randomized pilot trial, 44 patients with large-artery atherosclerotic ischemic stroke were assigned to bilateral IPC twice daily (n = 22) or unilateral compression once daily (n = 22) for 7 (SD = 2) days. Cardiovascular proteins were quantified with the Olink platform, and treatment-specific changes were identified using a prespecified triple orthogonal screening strategy. IPC was associated with 12 treatment-specific proteins, 93.3% of which increased after intervention. ANGPT1 and SOD2 were prominent candidates, mapping to angiogenesis, antioxidant, and inflammation pathways, including Ras signaling, correlating with NIHSS and ESRS scores. These hypothesis-generating data suggest IPC modulates defined protein networks (Ras-ANGPT1-related and SOD2-mediated antioxidant pathways) that may support mechanistic and precision rehabilitation studies, pending validation in larger cohorts.

•Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) alters levels of 12 circulating proteins in patients with stroke•IPC-induced protein changes correlate with neurological outcomes and vascular risk scores•IPC modulates proteins in oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular remodeling pathways•Angiopoietin-1 (angiogenic) and SOD2 (antioxidant) emerge as key proteins upregulated by IPC

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) alters levels of 12 circulating proteins in patients with stroke

IPC-induced protein changes correlate with neurological outcomes and vascular risk scores

IPC modulates proteins in oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular remodeling pathways

Angiopoietin-1 (angiogenic) and SOD2 (antioxidant) emerge as key proteins upregulated by IPC

Health sciences; Medicine; Medical specialty; Cardiovascular medicine