Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression changes of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) related microRNAs derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with stroke. Methods The microRNAs for targeting AChE mRNA were selected via prediction software and previous studies. PBMCs were extracted from venous blood samples of acute ischemic stroke patients (onset < 24 h) and healthy controls. The expressions of microRNAs and AChE mRNA were quantified using real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The protein level of AChE was detected by Western blot assay. Results The predicted microRNAs included microRNA (miR) - 24, -28, -124, -132, -182*, -194 and -484. The expression levels of miR-24, -124, -132 and-194 were significantly elevated in stroke patients compared with those of controls (P<0.05). There were no significant changes in expression levels of miR-28, -182* and -484. Additionally, the relative expression levels of intracellular AChE mRNA and protein decreased significantly in stroke patients (P<0.05). Conclusion MiRNAs can enhance cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by targeting AChE in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Key words: stroke, acetylcholinesterase, microRNAs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, cholinergic antiinflammatory pathwa