The role of miR-10b-5p/Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Axis Deregulation in Poststroke Epileptogenesis

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 25 patients with PSE, ischemic stroke without epilepsy, and epilepsy. Serum-derived miRNA sequencing was conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs across the groups. Selected miRNAs were validated by quantitative PCR (qPCR), and target prediction was performed in silico.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key regulator of post-stroke recovery and epileptogenesis, was identified as a primary target of miR-10b-5p. BDNF levels were measured using ELISA and correlated with clinical parameters. Results: miRNA profiling revealed significant differences among the groups, with miR-10b-5p expression markedly reduced in PSE patients compared to those with stroke alone. qPCR validation confirmed miR-10b-5p as a potential biomarker distinguishing PSE from stroke.

In PSE patients, BDNF concentration correlated with disease duration and latency to first seizure, whereas no such association was observed in stroke or epilepsy groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a novel pathophysiological mechanism involving the miR-10b-5p/BDNF axis in PSE development. miR-10b-5p may serve as a promising biomarker for early identification and targeted follow-up of stroke patients at high risk for developing epilepsy.