Glowing brain silhouette over an Asian cityscape, symbolizing stroke biomarker research in Asian populations.

Brain Biomarkers: How NSE and S-100B Could Signal Stroke Risk

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Elevated levels of NSE and S-100B proteins could offer early warnings for acute cerebral infarction, particularly in Asian populations."

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, affecting millions each year. Acute cerebral infarction (ACI), the most common type of stroke, occurs when blood supply to the brain is disrupted, often due to a blood clot. Quick diagnosis and intervention are critical to minimize brain damage and improve patient outcomes. Recognizing the subtle signs and understanding individual risk factors can make all the difference in seeking timely medical care.

Researchers are constantly seeking ways to improve stroke prediction and diagnosis. Biomarkers, measurable substances in the body that indicate a disease or condition, are increasingly valuable tools. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B, proteins found in the brain, have emerged as potential biomarkers for ACI. Understanding their role and significance could help enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalize treatment strategies.

A recent meta-analysis, featured in Medical Science Monitor, investigates the clinical significance of NSE and S-100B serum levels in patients with ACI, focusing particularly on Asian populations. By analyzing multiple studies, the research aims to clarify the relationship between these biomarkers and stroke risk, offering new insights for prevention and treatment.

The Significance of NSE and S-100B in Stroke Prediction

Glowing brain silhouette over an Asian cityscape, symbolizing stroke biomarker research in Asian populations.

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is an enzyme involved in energy production within neurons. When brain cells are damaged, NSE is released into the bloodstream, making it a potential marker for neuronal injury. Human soluble protein-100B (S-100B) is another protein predominantly found in glial cells, which support and protect neurons. Elevated levels of S-100B also indicate brain damage, often associated with inflammation and disruption of the blood-brain barrier.

The study, led by Ke Li and colleagues, conducted a meta-analysis of 13 case-control studies involving 911 ACI patients and 686 healthy controls. The analysis revealed that serum levels of both NSE and S-100B were significantly higher in ACI patients compared to the control group. This finding suggests that these biomarkers could serve as indicators of brain damage following a stroke.

The meta-analysis revealed key insights:

Elevated Levels: Both NSE and S-100B were significantly higher in ACI patients.
Asian Populations: This trend was especially pronounced in Asian populations.
Diagnostic Potential: NSE and S-100B could serve as important clinical markers for ACI.

Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity showed notable differences. In Asian populations, both NSE and S-100B levels were significantly higher in ACI patients compared to the control group. However, in Caucasian populations, only NSE levels were significantly elevated, while S-100B levels did not show significant differences. These ethnic variations highlight the complexity of stroke diagnosis and the need for tailored approaches.

Looking Ahead: Biomarkers and Personalized Stroke Care

The study underscores the potential of NSE and S-100B as valuable biomarkers for ACI, particularly in Asian populations. By identifying individuals at higher risk through elevated biomarker levels, clinicians can implement preventive measures and initiate early treatment. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic thresholds and explore the potential of combining these biomarkers with other clinical and imaging data for more accurate stroke prediction and personalized treatment strategies. Stay proactive, stay informed, and prioritize your brain health.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B, and why are they important in the context of stroke?

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B are proteins found in the brain that can indicate brain damage when their levels are elevated in the bloodstream. NSE is involved in energy production within neurons, and its release signifies neuronal injury. S-100B, predominantly found in glial cells, indicates brain damage often associated with inflammation and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. These biomarkers are being researched for their potential to improve stroke risk assessment and treatment.

What were the main findings of the meta-analysis regarding neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B levels in acute cerebral infarction (ACI) patients?

The meta-analysis revealed that both neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B levels were significantly higher in ACI patients, especially within Asian populations, compared to healthy controls. This suggests that measuring these biomarkers could aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of stroke and in diagnosing ACI, allowing for quicker intervention and potentially minimizing brain damage. However, the study also found ethnic variations, as only NSE levels were significantly elevated in Caucasian populations, underscoring the need for tailored diagnostic approaches.

How does ethnicity affect the significance of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B as biomarkers for acute cerebral infarction (ACI), and what are the implications?

The study highlights ethnic variations in biomarker levels, specifically noting that in Asian populations, both neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B levels were significantly higher in ACI patients, while in Caucasian populations, only NSE levels showed significant elevation. This suggests that diagnostic thresholds and the reliance on specific biomarkers may need to be adjusted based on ethnicity to improve accuracy and avoid misdiagnosis. Further research is necessary to fully understand these differences and develop more effective personalized stroke care strategies across diverse populations.

How could elevated levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B signal a risk of stroke, specifically acute cerebral infarction (ACI)?

Elevated levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B in the bloodstream could indicate acute cerebral infarction (ACI), the most common type of stroke. NSE is released when neurons are damaged, and S-100B indicates inflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption. By detecting these biomarkers early, clinicians may be able to implement preventive measures or initiate prompt treatment to minimize brain damage and improve patient outcomes. This is especially relevant for Asian populations, where both biomarkers have shown significant elevation in ACI patients.

Besides neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B, what other factors are important for comprehensive stroke diagnosis and risk assessment?

While the meta-analysis focused on neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100B, other factors such as clinical symptoms, imaging data (CT scans, MRIs), and other potential biomarkers also play crucial roles in stroke diagnosis and risk assessment. Integrating NSE and S-100B levels with these additional data points could provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of a patient's condition, leading to better-informed treatment decisions and personalized stroke care strategies. Further research is needed to explore the synergistic effects of combining these biomarkers with other diagnostic tools.