ANTIBODIES 鈥� the linchpin of our natural defences against bacteria and viruses 鈥� may also protect us from strokes.
People with low levels of a particular type of antibody tend to have more heart attacks. Now it seems they are also at greater risk of strokes, according to a study of 682 Swedes (Stroke, ). The antibodies in question target phosphorylcholine, a fat found on the surface of various bacteria and parasites. But they also seem to inhibit the development of the fatty plaques that can clog up blood vessels and cause strokes.
The biggest effect was seen in women: those whose antibody levels were less than 30 per cent of the average had almost a three-fold higher risk of having a stroke. 鈥淚t鈥檚 comparable to the risk from high blood pressure,鈥� says Johan Frosteg氓rd of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. He led the study and has set up a to develop a vaccine and treatments based on artificial antibodies. Women have naturally higher antibody levels, which could help explain their lower rate of strokes and heart attacks, says Frosteg氓rd鈥檚 team.
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