Determine stroke risk early with tear fluid, mitochondria and AI

Recent years have seen a worrying increase in the incidence of strokes worldwide, with a particularly alarming trend among individuals under 50 years old. The number of strokes in this age group has doubled within just three years, indicating a pressing need for proactive measures to address this concerning rise.

Moreover, a significant proportion of strokes go undetected, estimated to be approximately 14 times greater than the number of diagnosed cases receiving reactive medical interventions.

To address these challenges effectively, Prof. Golubnitschaja advocates for a paradigm shift from reactive to predictive medicine. Rather than responding to established illnesses, the focus should be on predicting the likelihood of disease onset and implementing preventive measures accordingly. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions to mitigate the risk of stroke development.

A key aspect of the health risk assessment approach involves leveraging mitochondria as natural biosensors. Mitochondria, present in all cells, play a crucial role in monitoring overall cellular health. Changes in mitochondrial function can serve as early indicators of underlying health issues. Through a process called mitophagy, mitochondria signal abnormalities in the body's systems, indicating potential health problems. These signals can be objectively measured using liquid biopsies, particularly tear fluid, offering a non-invasive and painless method of health assessment.

In conjunction with traditional risk factors and parameters, such as family history, lifestyle habits, and routine health data, the researchers utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze vast amounts of data and develop predictive algorithms. These AI-driven algorithms enable robust health risk assessments and predictive diagnostics, facilitating the development of targeted preventive measures tailored to individual patients.

By identifying individuals at high risk of stroke early on, healthcare providers can implement interventions to reduce the likelihood of stroke occurrence, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems.

Beyond the significant health implications, strokes also impose a substantial economic burden on societies worldwide. The estimated global economic cost of strokes exceeds 891 billion USD annually, highlighting the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. Prof. Golubnitschaja emphasizes that the implementation of predictive medicine approaches can lead to substantial cost savings by averting the need for reactive medical interventions and reducing the long-term healthcare costs associated with stroke-related disabilities.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University Hospital Bonn (UKB)