Noncoding RNAs and Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background & Objective: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating subtype of stroke, for which there are few effective interventions. Computed tomography is accepted as the gold standard for diagnosis, whereas surgical evacuation is the main treatment for ICH. However, in emergency rooms, time is limited and information regarding a patient’s clinical status or tolerance is typically not available. Many studies over the last decade have investigated the fundamental mechanisms of ICH and especially hematoma, which not only cause physical damage but also release toxins that have detrimental effects. However, there remain many gaps in our understanding of ICH. Compared to ischemic stroke, there is little known about the ICH pathogenesis and treatment options, and few specific biomarkers are available for monitoring disease progression, which include hematoma enlargement and perihematoma edema. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in various biological processes and are potential biomarkers and therapeutic tools in central nervous system diseases. Recent studies have examined the role of ncRNAs including microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs—the three main subgroups associated with stroke—in ICH models. A deeper understanding of the functions of ncRNAs in different biological processes can provide a basis for developing more effective therapeutic strategies to prevent neuronal damage following ICH. In clinical settings, ncRNAs can serve as biomarkers for predicting the degree of injury resulting from ICH. Conclusion: In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge of the role of ncRNAs in ICH.