Dynamic changes in miR-124 levels in patients with acute cerebral infarction

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in serum miR-124 levels in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and elucidate the underlying mechanism by a dynamic monitor. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with ACI and 51 healthy controls were included in our study. Baseline characteristics and blood samples were collected for further analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the serum miR-124 levels. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the effect of miR-124 on iASPP, a protein that inhibits apoptosis stimulating proteins in the p53 family. RESULTS: Compared with normal controls, the miR-124 levels in the ACI group rapidly decreased at phase 1 (within 24 h after ischemia) (p < 0.001) and then gradually increased at phase 2 (48 ∼ 72 h after ischemia) (p < 0.001) and phase 3 (the 7th day after ischemia) (p < 0.001). The dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-124 down-regulates iASPP expression in 293T cells. CONCLUSION: The miR-124 levels are down-regulated in ACI patients. The dynamic changes of miR-124 might provide a possible method for the detection of ischemic stroke. Highlights The difference in miR-124 expression levels between ACI patients and normal controls. Dynamic changes of miR-124 expression levels in ACI patients. The down-regulation of miR-124 upon iASPP expression.