Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42042621›Full record

ReviewNeuroSci2026

Biomarkers of Remote Ischaemic Conditioning in Stroke and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Narrative Review.

Marharyta Kamarova, Ali Alhashimi, Mudasar Aziz, Joyce Balami, Alison Buck, Madeline McGinnis, Arshad Majid, Ali Ali, Sheharyar Baig

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in NeuroSci, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Marharyta KamarovaSheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
Ali AlhashimiUniversity of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.ORCID 0000-0002-9823-597X
Mudasar AzizSheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
Joyce BalamiSheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.
Alison BuckUniversity of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
Madeline McGinnisUniversity of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.ORCID 0009-0009-7879-1838
Arshad MajidSheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.ORCID 0000-0002-1144-039X
Ali AliSheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.ORCID 0000-0001-6339-4076
Sheharyar BaigSheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK.

Funding

National Institute for Health Research - SSB is funded by an Association of British Neurologists Clinical Doctoral Fellowship (cofunders Berkeley Foundation and Stroke Association). This research was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Sheffield Biomedical RNational Institute for Health Research SSB is funded by an Association of British Neurologists Clinical Doctoral Fellowship (cofunders Berkeley Foundation and Stroke Association). This research was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Sheffield Biomedical Res
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionRemote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) is a promising treatment for neurological disorders. It involves cycles of temporary ischaemic stimulus, usually applied to a limb, and has shown significant improvement in neurological function in many trials. This review focuses on identifying and summarising the biomarkers of RIC that can enhance clinical practice and understanding of its mechanisms.

methodsA search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE up to August 2025 using terms related to ischaemic conditioning. Studies were included if they were RCTs involving cerebrovascular disease, used RIC as treatment, and measured mechanistic biomarkers. We extracted and summarised data on study design, participant characteristics, RIC intervention protocols (including timing, frequency, duration, and pressure), biomarker types and measurement methods, timing of biomarker assessment, and main findings relating biomarker changes to clinical outcomes.

resultsThe review identified twenty-one RCTs examining biomarkers, including serum biomarkers, imaging markers, and other physiological indicators. Key biomarkers identified include systemic inflammatory cytokines and various imaging markers such as cerebral blood flow (CBF), white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BA-FMD).

conclusionsThe evidence suggests that RIC modulates various biomarkers linked to neuroprotection and recovery. Reliable biomarkers of RIC would enhance the understanding of its mechanisms and improve targeted therapies. The clinical utility of these biomarkers requires further validation through large-scale trials. Standardised protocols and longitudinal studies are essential for optimising RIC therapy and improving patient outcomes in stroke and cerebral small vessel disease. Future research should focus on expanding our understanding of these biomarkers and their interactions with RIC, leading to more personalised and effective treatments.

Indexed as

biomarkerscerebrovascular diseaseinflammationneuroprotectionremote ischaemic conditioningstroke

Identifiers

PMID42042621
PMCPMC13118872

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.