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Pathogenic role of microRNAs in atherosclerotic ischemic stroke: Implications for diagnosis and therapy
Qidi Jiang1,2, Yiran Li1,2, Quanli Wu3
1Department of Biomedicine, Queen Mary University of London, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
Abstract:
Ischemic stroke resulting from atherosclerosis (particularly in the carotid artery) is one of the major subtypes of stroke and has a high incidence of death. Disordered lipid homeostasis, lipid deposition, local macrophage infiltration, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and plaque rupture are the main pathological processes of atherosclerotic ischemic stroke. Hepatocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells are the main cell types participating in these processes. By inhibiting the expression of the target genes in these cells, microRNAs play a key role in regulating lipid disorders and atherosclerotic ischemic stroke. In this article, we listed the microRNAs implicated in the pathology of atherosclerotic ischemic stroke and aimed to explain their pro- or antiatherosclerotic roles. Our article provides an update on the potential diagnostic use of miRNAs for detecting growing plaques and impending clinical events. Finally, we provide a perspective on the therapeutic use of local microRNA delivery and discuss the challenges for this potential therapy.
Insights
MicroRNAs regulate lipid homeostasis and atherosclerosis, impacting ischemic stroke. This review details their roles, diagnostic potential for plaque detection, and therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Atherosclerosis, particularly carotid artery disease, is a leading cause of ischemic stroke.
- Key pathological processes include disordered lipid homeostasis, plaque formation, and rupture.
- Cellular players include hepatocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in atherosclerotic ischemic stroke.
- To elucidate the pro- or antiatherosclerotic functions of these miRNAs.
- To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of miRNAs in managing this condition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating miRNA involvement in atherosclerosis and stroke.
- Analysis of miRNA roles in cellular processes relevant to atherogenesis.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on miRNA diagnostics and therapeutics.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs are critical regulators of lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses in atherosclerosis.
- Specific miRNAs exhibit pro-atherosclerotic or anti-atherosclerotic activities.
- miRNAs show promise as biomarkers for plaque progression and clinical events.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are key regulators in atherosclerotic ischemic stroke pathogenesis.
- miRNAs offer potential for early diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease.
- Targeted miRNA delivery presents a novel therapeutic strategy, though challenges remain.
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