Russian scientists have learned how to predict and prevent strokes

Scientists from the Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics of the Kurchatov Complex of NBICS-Nature-like Technologies of the Kurchatov Institute Research Center have proposed a technique that makes it possible to detect signs of ischemic stroke in humans at an early stage. A procedure for treating the disease using peptide drugs has also been developed. According to the research results, a series of publications have been published in the world's leading scientific journals.

Uniting the hemispheres: Russian scientists are working on rehabilitation of stroke patients

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The researchers suggested the genetic markers they identified as diagnostic features. Scientists identified risk genes during the analysis of thousands of people's data, which they performed using artificial intelligence tools. According to the developers, unlike traditional algorithms that check each marker separately, neural networks analyze the combined contribution of multiple genes. The study identified more than 100 signs associated with stroke. Many of them were discovered for the first time.

"We have used machine learning both with and without a "teacher". The first method allows you to build predictive models to determine whether a person belongs to a group of sick or healthy people. And then sort the loci (gene sequences) according to the importance of their contribution to the disease. The second algorithm combines the loci according to their relationship with each other," said Gennady Khvorykh, Chief Specialist of the Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics at NC NBICS-PT Kurchatov Institute.

Experts have also studied how the work of genes in brain cells changes in case of circulatory disorders. To do this, they used model animals. So, the researchers "saw" how the genes responsible for transmitting nerve signals are inhibited, and how the inflammatory response genes are activated.

"We have also identified the possibility of compensating for these disorders with the help of peptide drugs. In particular, we studied how two synthetic neuroactive peptides affect the rat brain in conditions that mimic impaired blood supply and subsequent recovery," said Ivan Filippenkov, a senior researcher at the laboratory.

Based on the data obtained, scientists have developed a methodology for searching for markers of cerebral infarction on the human genome. At the same time, experts have not only identified risk genes, but also established the connection of some of them with the peculiarities of the course of the disease.