Plasma levels of miR-224 and miR-335 in acute ischemic stroke patients following recanalization treatment: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE

Numerous miRNAs are implicated in the biological response to hypoxia/ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion events. However, their expression levels in circulation among AIS patients undergoing recanalization therapy remain unexplored. Furthermore, their potential association with stroke severity and clinical outcomes is yet to be clarified.

METHOD: In this prospective cohort study, plasma levels of miR-224 and miR-335 were quantified 24 hours post-thrombolysis in 77 AIS patients using qRT-PCR. Stroke severity was evaluated through the NIHSS score and infarct volume, while ICH events were documented. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score exceeding 2 at 90 days post-stroke.

RESULTS

The levels of miR-335 and miR-224 were significantly correlated with NIHSS scores (p = 0.014and p = 0.002, respectively) and cerebral infarction volumes (p = 0.025and p = 0.030, respectively). Notably, miR-335 levels were significantly elevated in patients with unfavorable outcomes compared to those with favorable outcomes (p = 0.002), demonstrating strong diagnostic accuracy in predicting unfavorable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In AIS patients treated with thrombolysis, with or without endovascular intervention, miR-335 emerges as a promising prognostic biomarker strongly linked to unfavorable outcomes. Additionally, miR-335 and miR-224 levels are closely associated with stroke severity.