Specific stroke-induced miRNAs could mediate and interaction between peripheral blood and the brain

Ischemic stroke is a major public health problem that is currently among the top leading causes of serious, long-term disability worldwide. The lack of effective treatment strategies prompted a search for new molecular targets for stroke prognosis and therapy. One of the epigenetic mechanisms controlling stroke progression and recovery involves signaling pathways mediated by short non-coding RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs). Recent studies demonstrated stroke-specific changes in miRNA expression. The main goal of the present study was identify miRNAs mediating a communication between the brain and peripheral circulation in human stroke. Overall design: miRNA expression profiles were assessed in plasma samples collected from stroke patients, using miRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Selected miRNA expression profiles were correlated with patient age and sex, time of sample collection, levels of neuronal damage marker, and stroke infarct size.