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Decreased Serum Exosomal miR-152-3p Contributes to the Progression of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Background:
The current study aims to investigate the expression and potential role of exosome-derived miR-152-3p in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.
Methods:
Exosomes were isolated from AIS patients and healthy controls. The level of exosome miR-152-3p was examined using RT-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess exosome miR-152-3p as a biomarker, and the area under the curve (AUC) was reported.
Results:
Our data showed that the expression of serum exosome miR-152-3p in patients with AIS was significantly lower than in healthy controls. In contrast to those with NIHSS score < 7, the level of exosome miR-152-3p was significantly reduced in AIS patients with NIHSS score ≥ 7, indicating that the decrease of exosome miR-152-3p level is significantly related to the severity of endothelial injury. Moreover, the lowest level of exosome miR-152-3p was found in large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) patients compared to that in small-vessel occlusion (SAA), cardioembolism (CE) and stroke of undetermined etiology (SUE) group. In addition, exosome miR-152-3p level was significantly lower in acute phase than in chronic phase. ROC curve showed that the AUC of exosome miR-152-3p level was 0.935, which indicated that exosome miR-152-3p level could distinguish AIS patients from non-healthy controls.
Conclusions:
In summary, exosome miR-152-3p is a risk factor of cerebral infarction. Enhancing the expression of exosome miR-152-3p in the circulating system may be a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of AIS.
Insights
Exosome-derived miR-152-3p is significantly lower in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, correlating with disease severity. This microRNA shows potential as a biomarker for diagnosing AIS.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying AIS is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles, are increasingly recognized for their role in intercellular communication and as potential biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of exosome-derived miR-152-3p in patients with AIS.
- To evaluate the potential of exosome miR-152-3p as a diagnostic biomarker for AIS.
- To explore the correlation between exosome miR-152-3p levels and AIS severity and etiological subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Exosomes were isolated from serum samples of AIS patients and healthy controls.
- Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to measure exosome miR-152-3p expression.
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess diagnostic accuracy, with the area under the curve (AUC) calculated.
Main Results:
- Serum exosome miR-152-3p levels were significantly decreased in AIS patients compared to healthy controls.
- Lower miR-152-3p levels correlated with increased stroke severity (NIHSS score ≥ 7) and were associated with endothelial injury.
- The lowest expression was observed in large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) subtypes, and levels were lower in the acute phase than the chronic phase of AIS.
- ROC analysis demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy for exosome miR-152-3p, with an AUC of 0.935.
Conclusions:
- Exosome-derived miR-152-3p is a potential risk factor and diagnostic biomarker for cerebral infarction (AIS).
- Decreased levels of exosome miR-152-3p are linked to stroke severity and specific etiological subtypes.
- Therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing circulating exosome miR-152-3p may offer a promising approach for AIS prevention and treatment.
