Pre-microRNAs single nucleotide variants (rs3746444 A > G and rs2910164 C > G) increase the risk of ischemic stroke in the Egyptian population: a case–control study

Background Ischemic stroke (IS) is the most leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Micro RNA (miRNA) genetic variants have been identified as a part of IS non-modifiable risk markers. This study aims to identify the possible association of rs2910164 C > G of pre-miRNA-146a and rs3746444 A > G of pre-miRNA-499 with increased IS risk. C-reactive protein (CRP) was studied as one of the mediators of the genetic disturbance in IS. The study included 100 patients with atherosclerotic IS and 100 age and sex matched healthy controls with more than one risk factor for IS. Variants were evaluated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique using TaqMan probes. CRP levels were assayed by immunoturbidimetry method on COBAS analyzer. Results Regarding rs3746444 A > G, the G allele, and its containing genotypes (GG and GG + AG) were associated with high IS incidence. Increased CRP levels were found to induce IS by GG and GG + AG genotypes, with a cut value of 7.5 mg/ L in differentiation between AA genotype and GG + AG genotypes. Combining the G allele of rs3746444 A > G with either G or C allele of rs2910164 C > G had enhanced the risk. For rs2910164 C > G, the G allele, and the combined GG + GC genotypes were associated with IS risk elevation with no correlation to CRP levels. Conclusion The G involving genetic variants of rs3746444 A > G and rs2910164 C > G were associated with an enhanced IS risk. CRP showed higher levels in GG and AG genotypes of rs3746444 with no relation to rs2910164 genotypes.