MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers of Post-Traumatic Epileptogenesis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Structural or post-traumatic epilepsy often develops after brain tissue damage caused by traumatic brain injury, stroke, infectious diseases of the brain, etc. Most often, between the initiating event and epilepsy, there is a period without seizures—a latent period. At this time, the process of restructuring of neural networks begins, leading to the formation of epileptiform activity, called epileptogenesis. The prediction of the development of the epileptogenic process is currently an urgent and difficult task. MicroRNAs are inexpensive and minimally invasive biomarkers of biological and pathological processes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive ability of microRNAs to detect the risk of epileptogenesis. In this study, we conducted a systematic search on the MDPI, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science platforms. We analyzed publications that studied the aberrant expression of circulating microRNAs in epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and ischemic stroke in order to search for microRNAs—potential biomarkers for predicting epileptogenesis. Thus, 31 manuscripts examining biomarkers of epilepsy, 19 manuscripts examining biomarkers of traumatic brain injury, and 48 manuscripts examining biomarkers of ischemic stroke based on circulating miRNAs were analyzed. Three miRNAs were studied: miR-21, miR-181a, and miR-155. The findings showed that miR-21 and miR-155 are associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis, and miR-181a is associated with protein modifications. These miRNAs are not strictly specific, but they are involved in processes that may be indirectly associated with epileptogenesis. Also, these microRNAs may be of interest when they are studied in a cohort with each other and with other microRNAs. To further study the microRNA-based biomarkers of epileptogenesis, many factors must be taken into account: the time of sampling, the type of biological fluid, and other nuances. Currently, there is a need for more in-depth and prolonged studies of epileptogenesis.

Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Biomarkers of Post-Traumatic Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Overview

“…In contrast, miR-27a-3p, miR-128, and miR-221-3p typically exhibit a decrease in expression. However, the field is still in its early stages, and there is a need for more comprehensive studies to validate these biomarkers for clinical use in PTE [151][152][153].…”

“…A systematic review by Vasilieva et al [153] explored the predictive capability of miRNAs in identifying the risk of epileptogenesis, a phase following brain tissue damage due to TBI, stroke, or infectious diseases, leading to neural network restructuring and epileptiform activity. The review focused on aberrant expression of circulating miRNAs in conditions like epilepsy, TBI, and ischemic stroke, highlighting miR-21, miR-181a, and miR-155.…”

Understanding epileptogenesis from molecules to network alteration

“…In another review of the literature, the common miRNAs among epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and ischemic stroke, notably miR-21, miR-181a, and miR-155, were identified [ 48 ]. miR-21, implicated in cell development, apoptosis, and proliferation, lacks specificity for epilepsy and epileptogenesis.…”