Abstract Background Long non-coding RNAs, known as LncRNAs, have demonstrated a robust association with the patho‑ genesis of stroke. NRON and SNHG are among the most extensively studied lncRNAs in the context of atherosclerosis and infammatory conditions. Given the absence of a current pathophysiological hypothesis regarding the potential relevance of the SNHG family and NRON lncRNAs in ischemic stroke (IS), this study aimed to investigate the altered expression of NRON and SNHG11 following atherosclerotic ischemic stroke (AIS) and their potential association with the risk of AIS. Methods Blood samples were collected from 65 AIS patients (with large artery atherosclerosis or small vessel disease) and 65 controls. The expression levels of NRON and SNHG11 were assessed within the frst 24 h following the stroke using quantitative real-time PCR. Results NRON expression exhibited a signifcant decrease in patients compared to controls, while no substantial diference was observed in the expression level of SNHG11 between the two groups. Furthermore, logistic regres‑ sion analysis revealed a signifcant negative association between NRON expression and the risk of AIS (adjusted odds ratio=0.70; 95% confdence interval 0.55–0.89, P=0.004). Conclusions These fndings suggest that NRON may play a role in the pathogenesis of AIS and could potentially serve as a biomarker for the disease. To fully comprehend the mechanism underlying the association between NRON and AIS and to explore its potential therapeutic implications, further investigation is warranted. Keywords Gene expression, Ischemic stroke, Long non-coding RNA, NRON, SNHG11 Introduction