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We have evaluated circulating miRNAs (-195-5p and -451a) in subjects with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). In this study, 18 subjects with AIS and 18 patients with TIA were enrolled and examined at admission (T0) and at 24 h and 48 h after admission, and compared to 20 controls (C). At T0, circulating miRNA-195-5p and -451a were significantly upregulated in both AIS and TIA patients, compared to C. We also observed a progressive reduction of circulating miRNA levels at 24 h and 48 h in both AIS and TIA patients. Hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1α) serum level was significantly increased at T0, in both AIS and TIA patients, in comparison to C (both p < 0.01 vs. C) and it decreased in both AIS and TIA patients at 24 h and at 48 h, in comparison to T0 (both p < 0.01 vs. T0). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum level was significantly decreased at T0, in both AIS and TIA patients, if compared to C (both p < 0.01 vs. C) and increased, in both AIS and TIA patients, at 24 h and 48 h, if compared to T0 (both p < 0.01 vs. T0). The elevated expression of miRNA-195-5p and miRNA-451a significantly decreased over time at 24 h and 48 h, and it is associated with decreased HIF-α levels and increased VEGF serum levels. These data may suggest a role for this miRNAs as biomarker in the pathogenesis and prognosis of AIS patients and for the first time also in TIA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Evidence has shown a close association between COVID-19 infection and renal complications in both individuals with previously normal renal function and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in-hospital mortality of SARS-CoV-2 patients according to their clinical history of CKD or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This is a prospective multicenter observational cohort study which involved adult patients (≥18 years old) who tested positive with SARS-CoV-2 infection and completed their hospitalization in the period between November 2020 and June 2021. Results. 1246 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 64 years (SD 14.6) and a median duration of hospitalization of 15 days (IQR 9−22 days). Cox’s multivariable regression model revealed that mortality risk was strongly associated with the stage of renal impairment and the Kaplan−Meier survival analysis showed a progressive and statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) in mortality according to the stage of CKD. Conclusion. This study further validates the association between CKD stage at admission and mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The risk stratification based on eGFR allows clinicians to identify the subjects with the highest risk of intra-hospital mortality despite the duration of hospitalization.