Clinical predictor and circulating microRNA profile expression in patients with early onset post-stroke depression

- The predictor of the early onset post-stroke depression remains unclear.
- PSD was more likely in patients with high NIHSS and carotid artery stenosis.
- Lower LDL associated possibly with depression in minor stroke.
- Blood miRNAs may be served as a potential biomarker for PSD diagnosis.

ObjectiveWe aim to explore the clinical factors and blood biomarker for predicting the early-onset post-stroke depression (PSD).Methods251 acute ischemic stroke patients were divided into PSD group and non-PSD group by Hamilton depression scale in 2 weeks after stroke. The clinical data, the severity, etiology and location of stroke were recorded. The analysis of inflammatory mediator, glycose and lipid metabolism was performed on the day of admission. The association between clinical factors and early onset PSD was studied by logistic regression analysis. In addition, the differentially expressed miRNAs in plasma between the two groups were screened by gene chip and the bio-information was further investigated by GO and KEEG analysis.ResultsAmong 251 patients, 45 (17.93%) were diagnosed as early onset PSD. NIHSS score (>3) and carotid stenosis were independent relative factors with early-onset PSD (OR 3.479 and 2.617, p=0.000 and 0.009, respectively). Moreover, lower LDL trended toward association with early onset PSD in minor stroke subgroup (p=0.084). MiRNA profile demonstrated 25 differential expressed circulating miRNAs with FC≥2 and P≤0.05 between the two groups. The target genes of these miRNAs were enriched in pathways of cancer and MAPK signaling.LimitationsThe sample of the study was small. The results should be further confirmed in large cohort patients.ConclusionsEarly onset PSD was more likely in patients with severe neurological deficits and carotid artery stenosis, also note the possible association between lower LDL and depression in minor stroke. Blood miRNAs may be served as a potential biomarker for PSD diagnosis.