Circulating microRNAs and ischemic stroke: From blood biomarkers to pathogenesis: A systematic review

Objectives: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Many studies have highlighted the potential of circulating microRNAs as important biomarkers for predicting and diagnosing acute cerebrovascular diseases. They demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity, and often correlate with the severity of stroke and its consequences. The level of some microRNAs increases in the blood, while the regulation of other microRNAs tends to decrease. Materials and Methods: A targeted PubMed/Medline search has critically analyzed the relevant literature. The following keywords were used in the search: “ischemic stroke”, “microRNAs”, “biomarkers”, “plasma”, “diagnostics”, “pathogenesis”. The search was limited to original articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Results: Changes in the microRNA level affect various pathological processes such as inflammation, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, which can eventually lead to the development of acute cerebral circulatory disorders. microRNAs are also involved in such pathogenesis links as atherosclerosis, regulation of angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, neuroprotection, proliferation and differentiation of neurons, as well as in maintaining the properties of endothelial cells. Conclusion: The mechanisms by which microRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders may provide new targets for further innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this paper, we conducted a systematic review of the literature on circulating microRNAs in the pathogenetic mechanisms of acute ischemic stroke, the expression of which changes in blood plasma.