MicroRNAs as Molecular Modulators in Stroke: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Avenues

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and play crucial roles in various biological processes. Their potential as tools for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention has generated substantial interest.

Although the role of miRNAs in cerebral diseases has been studied, identifying miRNAs specific to stroke remains challenging. This study focuses on understanding how miRNA profiles reflect stroke progression, differentiate between underlying causes, and serve as potential therapeutic and prognostic indicators.

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify studies on miRNAs in stroke. Included studies examined miRNA roles in stroke mechanisms, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, or their potential as diagnostic or therapeutic targets. Studies unrelated to miRNAs, irrelevant stroke models, or lacking molecular insights were excluded.

Distinct miRNA expression patterns were associated with different stages of stroke and specific etiologies. Certain miRNAs were linked to key pathophysiological mechanisms, including neuronal damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction. These findings suggest that miRNAs could serve as biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and as targets for therapeutic interventions.

miRNAs are integral to the molecular mechanisms underlying stroke and provide valuable information for disease characterization. Their modulation may offer new therapeutic strategies, while profiling specific miRNAs could enhance early diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment approaches in stroke management.