Relationship between Serum Procalcitonin and microRNA-637 expression among patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, with approximately 80% of all acute strokes being ischaemic. Acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is a major contributor to disability and mortality worldwide.Early diagnosis and assessment of stroke severity are vital for timely and effective treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. Procalcitonin(PCT) and microRNA-637 (miR-637) have been identified as potential biomarkers for AIS. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum PCT and miR-637 levels in AIS patients.Objective: To assess the association between serum miR-637 expression and procalcitonin levels in AIS patients.Methodology: This prospective study included 30 patients diagnosed with AIS within 24 hours of symptom onset. Serum PCT and miR-637 levels were measured using ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and correlation analysis was conducted between PCT, miR-637, and NIHSS scores.Results: Among 30 AIS patients (18 males, 12 females; mean age 65.8 ± 9.2 years), serum PCT levels were significantly higher in AIS patients compared to healthy controls (0.42 ± 0.28 ng/mL vs. 0.12 ± 0.06 ng/mL, p < 0.001), while miR-637 levels were significantly lower (0.68 ± 0.32 vs. 1.22 ± 0.41, p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed an inverse relationship between serum PCT and miR-637 (r = -0.72, p < 0.001). Both biomarkers were linked to stroke severity, as indicated by NIHSS scores (PCT: r = 0.58, p = 0.001; miR-637: r = -0.61, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Elevated PCT and reduced miR-637 levels were associated with higher stroke severity in AIS patients, suggesting their potential as a biomarker panel for stroke diagnosis and severity assessment.Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. How to cite this article: Sanketh S J, Herakal M G, Allichandi R. Serum Procalcitonin and Serum miR-637 Expression is Inversely Correlated in Acute Ischaemic Stroke. J Adv Res Med 2024; 11(2):6-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.7181.202403