The Pearson analyses revealed that the infarct volume was positively correlated with the serum levels of all the three CAMs (E-selectin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1), but negatively correlated with the serum levels of KLF4 at 48 h after ischemic stroke onset in all the CIS subjects (r = 0.532, P < 0.01 for infarct volume with E-selectin; r = 0.538, P < 0.01 for infarct volume with VCAM-1; r = 0.552, P < 0.01 for infarct volume with ICAM-1; and r = − 0.579, P < 0.01 for infarct volume with KLF4) (Fig. 1). The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is ischemic stroke.