ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A815 ASSOCIATION OF MIRNA-BIOGENESIS GENE POLYMORPHISMS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE RISK AND OUTCOMES

Abstract Background and aims MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and vascular function, playing key roles in ischemic stroke. Variations in miRNA biogenesis genes may affect stroke risk and outcomes. This study examined six polymorphisms in DICER, DROSHA, RAN, and XPO5 genes and their association with ischemic stroke susceptibility and survival. Methods A total of 230 ischemic stroke patients were recruited from Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Cairo Al-Fatimia Hospital, and Al-Zahraa University Hospital between October 2023 and October 2025. Blood samples were collected and analyzed at the National Research Centre. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Associations between polymorphisms, stroke prevalence, and clinical outcomes were assessed using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and Cox proportional hazards models. Results The DICER rs3742330A>G polymorphism (AA vs. AG+GG: AOR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.06–1.94; P=0.025) and DROSHA rs10719T>C (TT vs. CC: AOR 2.18; 95% CI, 1.14–4.17; P=0.019) were significantly associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke. During a mean follow-up of 4.6 ± 1.7 years, 38 patients (16.5%) died. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that RAN rs14035 significantly affected survival in patients with large artery disease (CC vs. TT: adjusted hazard ratio 5.90; P=0.015). Other polymorphisms showed no significant associations with stroke prevalence or outcomes. Conclusions Variants in DICER (rs3742330) and DROSHA (rs10719) are linked to higher ischemic stroke risk, highlighting their potential role in stroke susceptibility. Additionally, RAN rs14035 may influence survival in large artery disease, emphasizing the clinical relevance of miRNA-biogenesis gene polymorphisms in stroke prognosis. Conflict of interest Nothing to disclose