Comparative transcriptome findings reveal the neuroinflammatory network and potential biomarkers to early detection of ischemic stroke

Introduction: Ischemic stroke accounts for 70–80% of all stroke cases, leading to over two million people dying every year. Poor diagnosis and late detection are the major causes of the high death and disability rate. Methods: In the present study, we used the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model and applied comparative transcriptomic analysis, followed by a systematic advanced bioinformatic analysis, including gene ontology enrichment analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). We aimed to identify novel biomarkers for the early detection of ischemic stroke. In addition, we aimed to delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of ischemic stroke, in which we hoped to identify novel therapeutic targets for treating ischemic stroke. Results: In the comparative transcriptomic analysis, we identified 2657 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the brain tissue of the MCAO model. The gene enrichment analysis highlighted the importance of these DEGs in oxygen regulation, neural functions, and inflammatory and immune responses. We identified the elevation of angiopoietin-2 and leptin receptor as potential novel biomarkers for early detection of ischemic stroke. Furthermore, the result of IPA suggested targeting the inflammasome pathway, integrin-linked kinase signaling pathway, and Th1 signaling pathway for treating ischemic stroke. Conclusion: The results of the present study provide novel insight into the biomarkers and therapeutic targets as potential treatments of ischemic stroke.