Identification of Plasma Protein Biomarkers for Early-Onset Stroke through Mendelian Randomization

The study investigated the causal relationship between plasma proteins and early-onset stroke (before age 60) using Mendelian randomization. The analysis included data from 54,219 participants and up to 11,114 early-onset stroke patients. Of 1,041 tested proteins, 11 were significantly associated with early-onset stroke. Seven proteins increased risk (including ABO, F11, and F7), while four proteins were protective. Results implicate coagulation and thromboinflammatory pathways in disease development. The research identified Factor XI as a leading potential therapeutic target, with existing inhibitors such as abelacimab and milvexian. Findings suggest that proteogenomic approaches can help uncover disease mechanisms and inform prevention strategies.