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Atherosclerosis-Related Circulating MicroRNAs as a Predictor of Stroke Recurrence
Jeong-Min Kim1, Keun-Hwa Jung, Kon Chu
1Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Biomedical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short sequenced non-coding RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression. We investigated circulating miRNA expression levels in acute stroke patients and its relationship with future vascular event. We included acute ischemic stroke patients who admitted to a university hospital between May 1, 2011, and July 31, 2012, and the patients with vascular risk factors but not incident stroke as controls. We collected 5 ml of venous blood, and circulating miRNA levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Five miRNAs (miR-17, miR-21, miR-106a, miR-126, and miR-200b), which had been reported to be related to atherosclerosis, were measured. The levels of miRNAs were compared with the presence of acute stroke, vascular risk factors, stroke subtypes, and stroke recurrence after index stroke. A total of 120 patients were included in the study, with 83 acute stroke patients. The levels of miR-17 were significantly increased in acute stroke patients, and the levels of miR-126 had positive correlation with cerebral atherosclerosis (r = 0.254, p = 0.021). Among the 83 stroke patients, eight experienced stroke recurrence during follow-up and higher level of miR-17 was associated with shorter event-free survival (p = 0.047). This study shows that the miR-17 level was elevated in acute ischemic stroke and associated with future stroke recurrence.
Insights
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are key biomarkers. Elevated miR-17 levels in acute ischemic stroke patients indicate a higher risk of future stroke recurrence, suggesting its potential as a predictive marker.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- Circulating miRNAs are increasingly recognized as potential biomarkers for various diseases, including cardiovascular events.
- Understanding miRNA expression in acute stroke may offer insights into disease mechanisms and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circulating miRNA expression levels in acute ischemic stroke patients.
- To explore the relationship between miRNA levels and the risk of future vascular events, specifically stroke recurrence.
- To assess correlations between specific miRNAs and stroke subtypes or cerebral atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure circulating miRNA levels.
- Five specific miRNAs (miR-17, miR-21, miR-106a, miR-126, miR-200b) with known links to atherosclerosis were analyzed.
- Patient cohorts included acute ischemic stroke cases and controls with vascular risk factors but no incident stroke.
Main Results:
- miR-17 levels were significantly elevated in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
- Higher miR-17 levels were associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence during follow-up.
- miR-126 levels showed a positive correlation with the presence of cerebral atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Elevated miR-17 is a potential biomarker for acute ischemic stroke.
- Circulating miR-17 levels may predict future stroke recurrence, aiding in risk stratification.
- Further research into miRNA's role in stroke pathogenesis and prediction is warranted.
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