We have evaluated circulating miRNAs (-195-5p and -451a) in subjects with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). In this study, 18 subjects with AIS and 18 patients with TIA were enrolled and examined at admission (T0) and at 24 h and 48 h after admission, and compared to 20 controls (C). At T0, circulating miRNA-195-5p and -451a were significantly upregulated in both AIS and TIA patients, compared to C. We also observed a progressive reduction of circulating miRNA levels at 24 h and 48 h in both AIS and TIA patients. Hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1α) serum level was significantly increased at T0, in both AIS and TIA patients, in comparison to C (both p < 0.01 vs. C) and it decreased in both AIS and TIA patients at 24 h and at 48 h, in comparison to T0 (both p < 0.01 vs. T0). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum level was significantly decreased at T0, in both AIS and TIA patients, if compared to C (both p < 0.01 vs. C) and increased, in both AIS and TIA patients, at 24 h and 48 h, if compared to T0 (both p < 0.01 vs. T0). The elevated expression of miRNA-195-5p and miRNA-451a significantly decreased over time at 24 h and 48 h, and it is associated with decreased HIF-α levels and increased VEGF serum levels. These data may suggest a role for this miRNAs as biomarker in the pathogenesis and prognosis of AIS patients and for the first time also in TIA patients.
Keywords: acute ischemic stroke; emergency; miRNA; transient ischemic attack.