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Circulating miR-30a, miR-126 and let-7b as biomarker for ischemic stroke in humans
Guangwen Long, Feng Wang, Huaping Li
1Department of Internal Medicine and the Institute of Hypertension, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China. chenchen@tjh.tjmu.edu.cn.
Background:
Recently, plasma miRNAs have been reported as biomarkers for various diseases. However, the knowledge on the association of plasma miRNAs with ischemic stroke is still lacking. In this study, we investigated whether plasma concentrations of miR-30a, miR-126 and let-7b may be biomarkers for ischemic stroke in humans.
Methods:
One hundred ninety seven patients with ischemic stroke were recruited and their blood samples were collected at 24 h, 1 week, 4 weeks, 24 weeks and 48 weeks after symptoms onset, and fifty healthy volunteers were selected as control. Levels of miRNA were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. Relative expression level of miRNA was calculated using 2(-ΔΔct) method. The ability to distinguish the ischemic stroke group from control group was characterized by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) was calculated.
Results:
Circulating miR-30a and miR-126 levels were markedly down-regulated in all patients with ischemic stroke until 24 weeks. However, circulating let-7b was lower in patients with large-vessel atherosclerosis than healthy volunteers, whereas circulating let-7b had higher level in patients with other kinds of ischemic stroke until 24 weeks. Among all patients, circulating miRNAs levels returned to normal 48 weeks after symptom onset. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve (AUC) of plasma miR-30a were 0.91, 0.91, 0.92 and 0.93, the miR-126 were 0.92, 0.94, 0.93 and 0.92, and let-7b were 0.93, 0.92, 0.92 and 0.91 at 24 h, 1 w, 4 w and 24 w, respectively.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that miR-30a, miR-126 and let-7b might be useful biomarkers for ischemic stroke in humans.
Insights
Plasma miR-30a, miR-126, and let-7b show potential as biomarkers for ischemic stroke. These microRNAs (miRNAs) levels in blood can help distinguish stroke patients from healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Neurology
Background:
- Plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging biomarkers for various diseases.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding plasma miRNAs as indicators for ischemic stroke.
- This study explores miR-30a, miR-126, and let-7b as potential ischemic stroke biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma concentrations of miR-30a, miR-126, and let-7b and ischemic stroke.
- To evaluate the potential of these miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for ischemic stroke in humans.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure miRNA levels in 197 ischemic stroke patients and 50 healthy controls.
- Blood samples were collected at multiple time points post-symptom onset (24 h to 48 weeks).
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, including area under the curve (AUC), was employed to assess diagnostic accuracy.
Main Results:
- Circulating miR-30a and miR-126 were significantly down-regulated in ischemic stroke patients up to 24 weeks.
- let-7b levels varied based on stroke type but showed diagnostic potential.
- ROC analysis demonstrated high AUC values for all three miRNAs, indicating strong discriminatory ability between patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- Plasma miR-30a, miR-126, and let-7b show promise as valuable biomarkers for ischemic stroke.
- These miRNAs could aid in the early detection and diagnosis of ischemic stroke.
- Further research is warranted to validate their clinical utility.

