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Expression profile of MicroRNAs in young stroke patients
Kay Sin Tan1, Arunmozhiarasi Armugam, Sugunavathi Sepramaniam
1Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Background:
The methods currently available for diagnosis and prognosis of cerebral ischaemia still require further improvements. Micro-RNAs (small non-coding RNAs) have been recently reported as useful biomarkers in diseases such as cancer and diabetes. We therefore carried out microRNA (miRNA) profiling from peripheral blood to detect and identify characteristic patterns in ischaemic stroke.
Methods/Principal Findings:
The ischaemic stroke patients aged between 18-49 years, characterized based on World Health Organization clinical criteria were further classified according to TOAST classification, a) Large-vessel atherosclerosis [n=8] b) Small-vessel disease [n=3] c) Cardioembolism [n=5] d) Undetermined cause [n=3]. The patients' functional status at the time of blood sampling (at the outpatient clinics) was evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Blood samples from normal (n=5) individuals were used as controls. Total RNA extracted from whole blood was subjected to miroRNA profiling and real-time PCR analysis. miRNAs that are implicated in the endothelial/vascular function, erythropoiesis, angiogenesis and neural function showed differential expression profile as compared to the normal control. Interestingly, miRNAs that are involved in hypoxic conditions have also been found in our miRNA profiles.
Conclusion:
We demonstrate that the peripheral blood miRNAs and their profiles can be developed as biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis of cerebral ischaemic stroke. The dysregulated miRNAs have been detectable even after several months from the onset of stroke in what is usually regarded as neurologically stable patients.
Insights
Peripheral blood micro-RNAs (miRNAs) show distinct patterns in ischaemic stroke patients, offering potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. These dysregulated miRNAs remain detectable months after stroke onset, even in stable patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Neurology
Background:
- Current diagnostic and prognostic methods for cerebral ischaemia need improvement.
- Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are emerging biomarkers for various diseases.
- Investigating circulating miRNAs in peripheral blood for stroke detection is a novel approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify characteristic miRNA profiles in peripheral blood of ischaemic stroke patients.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of ischaemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- miRNA profiling was performed on peripheral blood samples from ischaemic stroke patients and healthy controls.
- Patients were classified using TOAST criteria, and functional status was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).
- Real-time PCR analysis was used to validate miRNA expression profiles.
Main Results:
- Differential expression of miRNAs related to endothelial/vascular function, erythropoiesis, angiogenesis, and neural function was observed in stroke patients compared to controls.
- miRNAs associated with hypoxic conditions were identified in the miRNA profiles.
- Dysregulated miRNAs were detectable months post-stroke in clinically stable individuals.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral blood miRNA profiles show promise as biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting outcomes of ischaemic stroke.
- Circulating miRNAs can serve as valuable indicators for stroke, even in later stages of recovery.
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