Role of MicroRNA in Endothelial Dysfunction and Hypertension

New insights into the cardio-renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors and the coordinated role of miR-30 family

Sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors (SGLTis) are the latest class of anti-hyperglycemic agents. In addition to inhibiting the absorption of glucose by the kidney causing glycosuria, these drugs also demonstrate cardio-renal benefits in diabetic subjects. miR-30 family, one of the most abundant microRNAs in the heart, has recently been linked to a setting of cardiovascular diseases and has been proposed as novel biomarkers in kidney dysfunctions as well; their expression is consistently dysregulated in a variety of cardio-renal dysfunctions. The mechanistic involvement and the potential interplay between miR-30 and SGLT2i effects have yet to be thoroughly elucidated. Recent research has stressed the relevance of this cluster of microRNAs as modulators of several pathological processes in the heart and kidneys, raising the possibility of these small ncRNAs playing a central role in various cardiovascular complications, notably, endothelial dysfunction and pathological remodeling. Here, we review current evidence supporting the pleiotropic effects of SGLT2is in cardiovascular and renal outcomes and investigate the link and the coordinated implication of the miR-30 family in endothelial dysfunction and cardiac remodeling. We also discuss the emerging role of circulating miR-30 as non-invasive biomarkers and attractive therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases. Clinical evidence, as well as metabolic, cellular, and molecular aspects, are comprehensively covered.

Alleviating hypoxia and oxidative stress for treatment of cardiovascular diseases: a biomaterials perspective

A state of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) persists in the initial and later phases of healing in cardiovascular diseases, which can alter the tissue's repair or regeneration, ultimately affecting the structure and functionality of the related organ. Consequently, this results in a cascade of events, leading to metabolic stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy. This unwanted situation not only limits the oxygen supply to the needy tissues but also creates an inflammatory state, limiting the exchange of nutrients and other supplements. Consequently, biomaterials have gained considerable attention to alleviate hypoxia and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. Numerous oxygen releasing and antioxidant biomaterials have been developed and proven to alleviate hypoxia and oxidative stress. This review article summarizes the mechanisms involved in cardiovascular pathologies due to hypoxia and oxidative stress, as well as the treatment modalities currently in practice. The applications, benefits and possible shortcomings of these approaches have been discussed. Additionally, the review explores the role of novel biomaterials in combating the limitations of existing approaches, primarily focusing on the development of oxygen-releasing and antioxidant biomaterials for cardiac repair and regeneration. It also directs attention to various other potential applications with critical insights for further advancement in this area.

The contributory role of GSK3β in hypertension exacerbating atherosclerosis by regulating the OMA1/PGC1α pathway

Atherosclerosis is closely related to endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. GSK3β is a critical regulator in atherosclerosis. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of GSK3β on hypertension exacerbating atherosclerosis in vitro and in vivo. L-NAME + HFD-ApoE-/- mice were used for this study for 12 weeks, and their endothelial dysfunction and inflammation were analyzed. Oil red O and H&E staining revealed that treatment with LiCl, an inhibitor of GSK3β, reduced atherosclerotic lesions and lipid accumulation. The levels of lipid homeostasis and oxidation stress were attenuated following LiCl administration. LiCl-treated ApoE-/- mice showed lowered blood pressure. LiCl also suppressed the expressions of Drp1, Bax, ICAM1, VCAM1 and TNF-α compared to HFD + L-NAME induced mice and oxLDL + L-NAME-treated Human aorta endothelial cell line(HAECs). LiCl treatment increased the expressions of MFN2 and Bcl2. Mitotracker-red, MitoSOX and JC-1 staining indicated that LiCl treatment reduced mitochondrial division and ROS production, increased mitochondrial ΔΨm compared to oxLDL + L-NAME-treated HAECs. The expression of OMA1 was decreased by LiCl treatment, while PGC1α expression was increased. In HAECs, we found that OMA1 knockdown increased mitochondrial function and the expression of PGC1α. We also demonstrated LiCl increased OMA1 ubiquitination compared with the Control group, thus decreased OMA1 expression. Furthermore, siOMA1 antagonized the increased protein expressions of ICAM1, VCAM1, TNF-α, Bax and Drp1, decreased the protein expressions of Bcl2 and MFN2 by siPGC1α. Taken together, we demonstrated that GSK3β could play a contributory role in hypertension exacerbating atherosclerosis by regulating the OMA1/PGC1α pathway and inhibiting mitochondrial function.

Lowering blood pressure by exercise: investigating the effect of sweating

High blood pressure (hypertension), is a common medical condition, affecting millions of people and is associated with significant health risks. Exercise has been suggested to manage hypertension by inducing sweating and the corresponding loss of sodium and water from the body.Thus, a variety of epidemiological and clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between sweating and exercise-induced blood pressure reduction and its impacts on hypertension. The mechanisms underlying exercise-induced blood pressure reduction are complex and still not fully understood. However, several pathways have been suggested, including the loss of sodium and water through sweat, a decrease in peripheral resistance, and an improvement in endothelial function in the blood vessels. The decrease in sodium and water content in the body associated with sweating may result in a reduction in blood volume and thus a decrease in blood pressure. Moreover, the reduction in peripheral resistance is thought to be mediated by the activation of the nitric oxide synthase pathway and the release of vasodilators such as prostacyclin and bradykinin, which lead to vasodilation and, thus, a reduction in blood pressure. In conclusion, exercise-induced sweating and consequent sodium and water loss appear to be a reliable biological link to the blood pressure-reducing effects of exercise in hypertensive individuals. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced blood pressure reduction are complex and involve several biological pathways in the cardiovascular system. Therefore, understanding the role of sweat production in blood pressure management is important for developing effective exercise interventions to prevent and manage hypertension.

Gene Regulatory Network Analysis of Post-Mortem Lungs Unveils Novel Insights into COVID-19 Pathogenesis

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emerged as one of the most significant global health crises in recent history. The clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients have revealed the possibility of immune activity changes contributing to disease severity. Nevertheless, limited information is available regarding the immune response in human lung tissue, which is the primary site of infection. In this study, we conducted an extensive analysis of lung tissue to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in five individuals who died due to COVID-19 and underwent a rapid autopsy, as well as seven control individuals who died of other causes unrelated to COVID-19. To analyze the host response gene expression, miRNA microarray and Nanostring's nCounter XT gene expression assay were performed. Our study identified 37 downregulated and 77 upregulated miRNAs in COVID-19 lung biopsy samples compared to the controls. A total of 653 mRNA transcripts were differentially expressed between the two sample types, with most transcripts (472) being downregulated in COVID-19-positive specimens. Hierarchical and PCA K-means clustering analysis showed distinct clustering between COVID-19 and control samples. Enrichment and network analyses revealed differentially expressed genes important for innate immunity and inflammatory response in COVID-19 lung biopsies. The interferon-signaling pathway was highly upregulated in COVID-19 specimens while genes involved in interleukin-17 signaling were downregulated. These findings shed light on the mechanisms of host cellular responses to COVID-19 infection in lung tissues and could help identify new targets for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection.

The gut microbiome as a modulator of arterial function and age-related arterial dysfunction

The arterial system is integral to the proper function of all other organs and tissues. Arterial function is impaired with aging, and arterial dysfunction contributes to the development of numerous age-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The gut microbiome has emerged as an important regulator of both normal host physiological function and impairments in function with aging. The purpose of this review is to summarize more recently published literature demonstrating the role of the gut microbiome in supporting normal arterial development and function and in modulating arterial dysfunction with aging in the absence of overt disease. The gut microbiome can be altered due to a variety of exposures, including physiological aging processes. We explore mechanisms by which the gut microbiome may contribute to age-related arterial dysfunction, with a focus on changes in various gut microbiome-related compounds in circulation. In addition, we discuss how modulating circulating levels of these compounds may be a viable therapeutic approach for improving artery function with aging. Finally, we identify and discuss various experimental considerations and research gaps/areas of future research.

CVD phenotyping in oncologic disorders: cardio-miRNAs as a potential target to improve individual outcomes in revers cardio-oncology

With the increase of aging population and prevalence of obesity, the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer has also presented an increasing tendency. These two different diseases, which share some common risk factors. Relevant studies in the field of reversing Cardio-Oncology have shown that the phenotype of CVD has a significant adverse effect on tumor prognosis, which is mainly manifested by a positive correlation between CVD and malignant progression of concomitant tumors. This distal crosstalk and the link between different diseases makes us aware of the importance of diagnosis, prediction, management and personalized treatment of systemic diseases. The circulatory system bridges the interaction between CVD and cancer, which suggests that we need to fully consider the systemic and holistic characteristics of these two diseases in the process of clinical treatment. The circulating exosome-miRNAs has been intrinsically associated with CVD -related regulation, which has become one of the focuses on clinical and basic research (as biomarker). The changes in the expression profiles of cardiovascular disease-associated miRNAs (Cardio-miRNAs) may adversely affect concomitant tumors. In this article, we sorted and screened CVD and tumor-related miRNA data based on literature, then summarized their commonalities and characteristics (several important pathways), and further discussed the conclusions of Cardio-Oncology related experimental studies. We take a holistic approach to considering CVD as a risk factor for tumor malignancy, which provides an in-depth analysis of the various regulatory mechanisms or pathways involved in the dual attribute miRNAs (Cardio-/Onco-miRNAs). These mechanisms will be key to revealing the systemic effects of CVD on tumors and highlight the holistic nature of different diseases. Therefore, the Cardio-miRNAs should be given great attention from researchers in the field of CVD and tumors, which might become new targets for tumor treatment. Meanwhile, based on the principles of precision medicine (such as the predictive preventive personalized medicine, 3PM) and reverse Cardio-oncology to better improve individual outcomes, we should consider developing personalized medicine and systemic therapy for cancer from the perspective of protecting cardiovascular function.

Association of Circular RNAs levels in blood and Essential Hypertension with Carotid Plaque

BACKGROUND

As one of the essential hypertension (EH)-mediated target organ damage, carotid plaque is a crucial subclinical precursor for cardiovascular events. Therefore, it is vital to identify the risk factors and pathogenesis for EH with carotid plaque.

METHODS

Based on our previous microarray analysis, we selected four circRNAs as the candidate circRNAs and detected their expression levels in blood of 192 subjects (64 healthy controls, 64 EH patients, and 64 EH patients with carotid plaque) by qRT-PCR analysis. The regulatory mechanism of circRNAs involved in carotid plaque was predicted by bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

The level of hsa_circ_0124782 increased significantly and the levels of hsa_circ_0131618 and hsa_circ_0127342 decreased significantly in the EH group and EH with carotid plaque group compared with the control group (P < .05). Functional enrichment analysis showed that three circRNAs might be implicated in pathogenesis for carotid plaque.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed the relationship between three circRNAs and carotid plaque, suggesting that they may serve as potential biomarkers for EH with carotid plaque.

Microvesicle-associated and circulating microRNAs in diabetic dyslipidemia: miR-218, miR-132, miR-143, and miR-21, miR-122, miR-155 have biomarker potential

BACKGROUND

Circulating MicroRNAs (miRNAs) carried by microvesicles (MVs) have various physiological and pathological functions by post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression being considered markers for many diseases including diabetes and dyslipidemia. We aimed to identify new common miRNAs both in MVs and plasma that could be predictive biomarkers for diabetic dyslipidemia evolution.

METHODS

For this purpose, plasma from 63 participants in the study (17 type 2 diabetic patients, 17 patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia, 14 patients with dyslipidemia alone and 15 clinically healthy persons without diabetes or dyslipidemia) was used for the analysis of circulating cytokines, MVs, miRNAs and MV-associated miRNAs.

RESULTS

The results uncovered three miRNAs, miR-218, miR-132 and miR-143, whose expression was found to be significantly up-regulated in both circulating MVs and plasma from diabetic patients with dyslipidemia. These miRNAs showed significant correlations with important plasma markers, representative of this pathology. Thus, MV/plasma miR-218 was negatively correlated with the levels of erythrocyte MVs, plasma miR-132 was positively connected with MV miR-132 and negatively with uric acid and erythrocyte plasma levels, and plasma miR-143 was negatively related with creatinine levels and diastolic blood pressure. Also, three miRNAs common to MV and plasma, namely miR-21, miR-122, and miR-155, were identified to be down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively, in diabetic dyslipidemia. In addition, MV miR-21 was positively linked with cholesterol plasma levels and plasma miR-21 with TNFα plasma levels, MV miR-122 was negatively correlated with LDL-c levels and plasma miR-122 with creatinine and diastolic blood pressure and positively with MV miR-126 levels, MV miR-155 was positively associated with cholesterol and total MV levels and negatively with HDL-c levels, whereas plasma miR-155 was positively correlated with Il-1β plasma levels and total MV levels and negatively with MV miR-223 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, miR-218, miR-132, miR-143, and miR-21, miR-122, miR-155 show potential as biomarkers for diabetic dyslipidemia, but there is a need for more in-depth studies. These findings bring new information regarding the molecular biomarkers specific to diabetic dyslipidemia and could have important implications for the treatment of patients affected by this pathology.

Lnc-HULC, miR-122, and sirtulin-1 as potential diagnostic biomarkers for psoriasis and their association with the development of metabolic syndrome during the disease course

Psoriasis is a persistent inflammatory skin disorder driven by T cells. The disease is characterized by aberrant keratinocytes (KCs) differentiation, epidermal proliferation, and excessive hyperplasia of veins and arteries. The purpose of the study was to identify the levels of circulating lnc-HULC, miR-122, and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1) in psoriatic patients, evaluate their possible roles as diagnostic biomarkers, and link their levels with the development of metabolic syndrome during psoriasis progression. This study included 176 participants. The subjects were divided into four groups, with 44 participants in each group. All patients have undergone a complete history taking and clinical examination. Laboratory investigations included Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TG), Fasting blood sugar (FBS), and cholesterol plasma levels. Serum levels of miR-122 and lnc-HULC were examined by qRT-PCR. Serum levels of SIRT-1 were examined by ELISA. The serum concentrations of lnc-HULC and miR-122 were significantly higher in psoriatic participants compared to controls. Psoriatic patients' serum concentrations of SIRT-1 were much lower than those of healthy individuals. There was a negative association between SIRT-1 concentration and BMI, disease duration, PASI score, LDL, and cholesterol levels. The blood levels of lnc-HULC, miR-122, and SIRT-1 in psoriasis patients provide a promising role as diagnostic biomarkers in patients with and without metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic profiling reveals altered tryptophan metabolism in patients with kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a childhood vasculitis disease that is difficult to diagnose, and there is an urgent need for the identification of accurate and specific biomarkers. Here, we aimed to investigate metabolic alterations in patients with KD to determine novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for KD. To this end, we performed untargeted metabolomics and found that several metabolic pathways were significantly enriched, including amino acid, lipid, and tryptophan metabolism, the latter of which we focused on particularly. Tryptophan-targeted metabolomics was conducted to explore the role of tryptophan metabolism in KD. The results showed that Trp and indole acetic acid (IAA) levels markedly decreased, and that l-kynurenine (Kyn) and kynurenic acid (Kyna) levels were considerably higher in patients with KD than in healthy controls. Changes in Trp, IAA, Kyn, and Kyna levels in a KD coronary arteritis mouse model were consistent with those in patients with KD. We further analyzed public single-cell RNA sequencing data of patients with KD and revealed that their peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed Aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression that was remarkably higher than that of healthy children. These results suggest that the Trp metabolic pathway is significantly altered in KD and that metabolic indicators may serve as novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for KD.

microRNAs as Biomarkers of Endothelial Dysfunction and Therapeutic Target in the Pathogenesis of Atrial Fibrillation

The pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) may involve atrial fibrosis/remodeling and dysfunctional endothelial activities. Despite the currently available treatment approaches, the progression of AF, its recurrence rate, and the high mortality risk of related complications underlay the need for more advanced prognostic and therapeutic strategies. There is increasing attention on the molecular mechanisms controlling AF onset and progression points to the complex cell to cell interplay that triggers fibroblasts, immune cells and myofibroblasts, enhancing atrial fibrosis. In this scenario, endothelial cell dysfunction (ED) might play an unexpected but significant role. microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In the cardiovascular compartment, both free circulating and exosomal miRNAs entail the control of plaque formation, lipid metabolism, inflammation and angiogenesis, cardiomyocyte growth and contractility, and even the maintenance of cardiac rhythm. Abnormal miRNAs levels may indicate the activation state of circulating cells, and thus represent a specific read-out of cardiac tissue changes. Although several unresolved questions still limit their clinical use, the ease of accessibility in biofluids and their prognostic and diagnostic properties make them novel and attractive biomarker candidates in AF. This article summarizes the most recent features of AF associated with miRNAs and relates them to potentially underlying mechanisms.

Beauty and the beast: host microRNA-155 versus SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the young and healthy usually results in an asymptomatic or mild viral syndrome, possibly through an erythropoietin (EPO)-dependent, protective evolutionary landscape. In the old and in the presence of co-morbidities, however, a potentially lethal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cytokine storm, through unrestrained renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) hyperactivity, has been described. Multifunctional microRNA-155 (miR-155) elevation in malaria, dengue virus (DENV), the thalassemias, and SARS-CoV-1/2, plays critical antiviral and cardiovascular roles through its targeted translational repression of over 140 genes. In the present review, we propose a plausible miR-155-dependent mechanism whereby the translational repression of AGRT1, Arginase-2 and Ets-1, reshapes RAAS towards Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 (AT2R)-mediated balanced, tolerable, and SARS-CoV-2-protective cardiovascular phenotypes. In addition, it enhances EPO secretion and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and substrate availability, and negates proinflammatory Ang II effects. Disrupted miR-155 repression of AT1R + 1166C-allele, significantly associated with adverse cardiovascular and COVID-19 outcomes, manifests its decisive role in RAAS modulation. BACH1 and SOCS1 repression creates an anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective milieu, robustly inducing antiviral interferons. MiR-155 dysregulation in the elderly, and in comorbidities, allows unimpeded RAAS hyperactivity to progress towards a particularly aggressive COVID-19 course. Elevated miR-155 in thalassemia plausibly engenders a favorable cardiovascular profile and protection against malaria, DENV, and SARS-CoV-2. MiR-155 modulating pharmaceutical approaches could offer novel therapeutic options in COVID-19.

Potential roles of endothelial cells-related non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases

Endothelial dysfunction is identified by a conversion of the endothelium toward decreased vasodilation and prothrombic features and is known as a primary pathogenic incident in cardiovascular diseases. An insight based on particular and promising biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction may possess vital clinical significances. Currently, non-coding RNAs due to their participation in critical cardiovascular processes like initiation and progression have gained much attention as possible diagnostic as well as prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. Emerging line of proof has demonstrated that abnormal expression of non-coding RNAs is nearly correlated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In the present review, we focus on the expression and functional effects of various kinds of non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases and negotiate their possible clinical implications as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and curative targets.

Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in Inflammaging-Associated Hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the involvement of inflammaging in vascular damage with focus on the epigenetic mechanisms by which inflammaging-induced hypertension is triggered.

RECENT FINDINGS

Inflammaging in hypertension is a complex condition associated with the production of inflammatory mediators by the immune cells, enhancement of oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Cellular processes are numerous, including inflammasome assembly and cell senescence which may involve mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, DNA damage response, dysbiosis, and many others. More recently, a series of noncoding RNAs, mainly microRNAs, have been described as possessing epigenetic actions on the regulation of inflammasome-related hypertension, emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy. Although there are a variety of pharmacological agents that effectively regulate inflammaging-related hypertension, a deeper understanding of the epigenetic events behind the control of vessel deterioration is needed for the treatment or even to prevent the disease onset.

Stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles reduce the expression of molecules involved in cardiac hypertrophy—In a model of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes

Cardiac pathological hypertrophy is the major risk factor that usually progresses to heart failure. We hypothesized that extracellular vesicles (EVs), known to act as important mediators in regulating physiological and pathological functions, could have the potential to reduce the cardiac hypertrophy and the ensuing cardiovascular diseases. Herein, the effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EV-MSCs) on cardiac hypertrophy were investigated. EVs were isolated from the secretome of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (EV-ADSCs) or bone marrow-derived stem cells (EV-BMMSCs). Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were stimulated with AngII and TGF-β1, in absence or presence of EVs. The results showed that exposure of hiPSC-CMs to AngII and TGF-β1 generated in vitro model of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes characterized by increases in surface area, reactive oxygen species production, protein expression of cardiac-specific biomarkers atrial natriuretic factor, migration inhibitory factor, cTnI, COL1A1, Cx43, α-SMA and signalling molecules SMAD2 and NF-kBp50. The presence of EV-ADSCs or EV-BMMSCs in the hiPSC-CM culture along with hypertrophic stimuli reduced the protein expressions of hypertrophic specific markers (ANF, MIF, cTnI, COL1A1) and the gene expressions of IL-6 molecule involved in inflammatory process associated with cardiac hypertrophy and transcription factors SMAD2, SMAD3, cJUN, cFOS with role in cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response induced by AngII and TGF-β1. The EV-ADSCs were more effective in reducing the protein expressions of hypertrophic and inflammatory markers, while EV-BMMSCs in reducing the gene expressions of transcription factors. Notably, neither EV-ADSCs nor EV-BMMSCs induced significant changes in cardiac biomarkers Cx43, α-SMA and fibronectin. These different effects of stem cell-derived EVs could be attributed to their miRNA content: some miRNAs (miR-126-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-30e-5p, miR-181b-5p, miR-124-3p, miR-155-5p, miR-210-3p hsa-miR-221-3p) were expressed in both types of EVs and others only in EV-ADSCs (miR-181a-5p, miR-185-5p, miR-21-5p) or in EV-BMMSCs (miR-143-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-93-5p), some of these attenuating the cardiac hypertrophy while others enhance it. In conclusion, in hiPSC-CMs the stem cell-derived EVs through their cargo reduced the expression of hypertrophic specific markers and molecules involved in inflammatory process associated with cardiac hypertrophy. The data suggest the EV potential to act as therapeutic mediators to reduce cardiac hypertrophy and possibly the subsequent cardiovascular events.

Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor t-AUCB Ameliorates Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction by Influencing the NF-κB/miR-155-5p/eNOS/NO/IκB Cycle in Hypertensive Rats

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), angiogenic mediators degraded by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), have been shown to exert beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. The current study assessed the impact of increased EETs with an sEH inhibitor, t-AUCB, on two-kidney-one-clip (2K1C)-induced renovascular endothelial dysfunction, associated with hypertension, in rats. The hypertensive rats exhibited increased systolic blood pressure, reduced renal blood flow, impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation and eNOS phosphorylation in the renal arteries, elevated ROS production in the endothelium of the renal arteries, and decreased EET levels in plasma, the renal arteries, and endothelial cells; however, t-AUCB reversed all the deleterious effects. Moreover, we found that the stimulation of AMPK/UCP2 scavenged ROS and restored endothelial function in the renal arteries of hypertensive rats undergoing therapy with t-AUCB. In addition, we were the first to reveal the potential role of miR-155-5p in the occurrence and development of vascular endothelial dysfunction in hypertension. Importantly, t-AUCB recovered NO bioavailability by regulating the NF-κB/miR-155-5p/eNOS/NO/IκB cycle after the activation of AMPK/UCP2 and the subsequent inhibition of ROS in hypertensive rat renal artery endothelial cells. This study will provide evidence for this additional new mechanism, underlying the benefits of EETs and the related agents against hypertensive vasculopathy.

microRNA-301a-3p is a potential biomarker in venous ulcers vein and gets involved in endothelial cell dysfunction

Venous ulcer is a common contributor to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of lower limbs, which seriously affects the life quality of patients. In this study, we researched the expression characteristics of microRNA-301a-3p (miR-301a-3p) in patients with CVI and investigated the impact of miR-301a-3p on the dysfunction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The plasma level of miR-301a-3p in normal controls, patients with varicose great saphenous vein, and patients with the venous ulcer of lower limbs were measured. We adopted Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), H2O2, and oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) to induce endothelial cell injury in vitro. In this way, we evaluated the influence of miR-301a-3p on HUVEC viability, apoptosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress. Our data showed that miR-301a-3p was substantially overexpressed in patients with lower limb venous ulcers. The viability of HUVECs decreased, and miR-301a-3p was up-regulated after IL-1β, H2O2, and OGD treatment. miR-301a-3p inhibition greatly ameliorated the dysfunction and cell damage of HUVECs, promoted IGF1/PI3K/Akt/PPARγ, and down-regulated NF-κB/MMPs. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor (LY294002) or the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) inhibitor (GW9661) reversed the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects mediated by miR-301a-3p down-regulation. The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor lessened cell injury mediated by miR-301a-3p overexpression. In terms of the mechanism, miR-301a-3p targeted the 3'UTR of Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and repressed the profile of IGF1. Thus, miR-301a-3p mediates venous endothelial cell damage by targeting IGF1 and regulating the IGF1/PI3K/Akt/PPARγ/NF-κB/MMPs pathway.

ncRNAs and polyphenols: new therapeutic strategies for hypertension

Polyphenols have gained significant attention in protecting several chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Accumulating evidence indicates that polyphenols have potential protective roles for various CVDs. Hypertension (HTN) is among the hazardous CVDs accounting for nearly 8.5 million deaths worldwide. HTN is a complex and multifactorial disease and a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors play major roles in its development. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are still elusive. Polyphenols have shown to cause favourable and beneficial effects in the management of HTN. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as influential mediators in modulating the biological properties of polyphenols, have shown significant footprints in CVDs. ncRNAs control basic functions in virtually all cell types relevant to the cardiovascular system and, thus, a direct link with blood pressure (BP) regulation is highly probable. Recent evidence suggests that a number of ncRNAs, including main small ncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), play crucial roles with respect to the antihypertensive effects of polyphenols. Indeed, targeting lncRNAs by polyphenols will be a novel and promising strategy in the management of HTN. Herein, we reviewed the effects of polyphenols in HTN. Additionally, we emphasized on the potential effects of polyphenols on regulations of main ncRNAs, which imply the role of polyphenols in regulating ncRNAs in order to exert protective effects and thus proposing them as new targets for HTN treatment.Abbreviations : CVD: cardiovascular disease; BP: blood pressure; HTN: hypertension, lncRNAs: long noncoding RNAs; p38-MAPK: p38-mitogenactivated protein kinase; OPCs: oligomeric procyanidins; GTP: guanosine triphosphate; ROS: reactive oxygen species; cGMP: cyclic guanosine monophosphate; SGC: soluble guanylate cyclase; PI3K: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; cGMP: Cyclic GMP; eNOS: endothelial NO synthase; ERK ½: extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½; L-Arg: L-Arginine; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinases; NO: Nitric oxide; P: Phosphorus; PDK1: Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1; PI3-K: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; PIP2: Phosphatidylinositol diphosphate; ncRNAs: non-protein-coding RNA; miRNAs: microRNAs; OPCs: oligomeric procyanidins; RES: resveratrol; GE: grape extract; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus; IL: interleukin; TNF-α: tumour necrosis factor-alpha; NF-κB: nuclear factor NF-kappa-B; ALP: alkaline phosphatase; PARP1: poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1; HIF1a: Hypoxia-inducible-factor 1A; NFATc2: nuclear factor of activated T cells 2; PAD: peripheral artery disease; SHR: spontaneously hypertensive rat; RAAS: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; AT₁R: angiotensin type-1 receptor; Nox: NADPH oxidase; HO-1: haem oxygenase-1; JAK/STAT: Janus kinase/signal transducers/activators of the transcription; PNS: panax notoginseng saponin; snoRNA: small nucleolar RNA; hnRNA: heterogeneous nuclear RNA; VSMCs: vascular smooth muscle cells; irf7: interferon regulatory factor 7; limo2: LIM only domain 2; GWAS: genome-wide association study; GAS5: Growth arrest-specific 5; Asb3, Ankyrin repeat and SPCS box containing 3; Chac2: cation transport regulator homolog 2; Pex11b: peroxisomal membrane 11B; Sp5: Sp5 transcription factor; EGCG: epigallocatechin gallate; ApoE: Apo lipoprotein E; ERK-MAP kinase: extracellular signal-regulated kinases-mitogen-activated protein kinase; PAH: pulmonary artery hypertension; PAP: pulmonary arterial pressure; HIF1a: hypoxia-inducible-factor 1A; NFATc2: nuclear factor of activated T cells 2; HMEC-1: Human microvascular endothelial cells; stat2: signal transducers and activators of transcription 2; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase; iNOS: inducible NO synthase. SNP: single nucleotide polymorphism; CAD: coronary artery disease.

Advances in the Role of Endothelial Cells in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) poses a serious socio-economic burden due to its high prevalence and severe impact on the quality of life of elderly patients. Pathological changes in CSVD mainly influence small cerebral arteries, microarteries, capillaries, and small veins, which are usually caused by multiple vascular risk factors. CSVD is often identified on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by recent small subcortical infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, lacune, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVSs), and brain atrophy. Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is earlier than clinical symptoms. Immune activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress may be potential mechanisms of EC injury. ECs of the blood–brain–barrier (BBB) are the most important part of the neurovascular unit (NVU) that ensures constant blood flow to the brain. Impaired cerebral vascular autoregulation and disrupted BBB cause cumulative brain damage. This review will focus on the role of EC injury in CSVD. Furthermore, several specific biomarkers will be discussed, which may be useful for us to assess the endothelial dysfunction and explore new therapeutic directions.

Hypertension: Potential Player in Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the complications, that threatens pregnant mothers during pregnancy. According to studies, it accounts for 3-7% of all pregnancies, and also is effective in preterm delivery. PE is the third leading cause of death in pregnant women. High blood pressure in PE can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in cited individuals, and is one of the leading causes of death in PE individuals. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), Renin-Angiotensin system and nitric oxide (NO) are some of involved factors in regulating blood pressure. Therefore, by identifying the signaling pathways, that are used by these molecules to regulate and modulate blood pressure, appropriate treatment strategies can be provided to reduce blood pressure through target therapy in PE individuals; consequently, it can reduce CVD risk and mortality.

Regulation of microRNAs in Alzheimer´s disease, type 2 diabetes, and aerobic exercise training

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. The evolution and aggregation of amyloid beta (β) oligomers is linked to insulin resistance in AD, which is also the major characteristic of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Being physically inactive can contribute to the development of AD and/or T2D. Aerobic exercise training (AET), a type of physical exercise, can be useful in preventing or treating the negative outcomes of AD and T2D. AD, T2D and AET can regulate the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we review some of the changes in miRNAs expression regulated by AET, AD and T2D. MiRNAs play an important role in the gene regulation of key signaling pathways in both pathologies, AD and T2D. MiRNA dysregulation is evident in AD and has been associated with several neuropathological alterations, such as the development of a reactive gliosis. Expression of miRNAs are associated with many pathophysiological mechanisms involved in T2D like insulin synthesis, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, intracellular signaling, and lipid profile. AET regulates miRNAs levels. We identified 5 miRNAs (miR-21, miR-29a/b, miR-103, miR-107, and miR-195) that regulate gene expression and are modulated by AET on AD and T2D. The identified miRNAs are potential targets to treat the symptoms of AD and T2D. Thus, AET is a non-pharmacological tool that can be used to prevent and fight the negative outcomes in AD and T2D.

Circulating miR-3656 induces human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury by targeting eNOS and ADAMTS13: a novel biomarker for hypertension

BACKGROUND

Hypertension, as one of the most common chronic diseases, is a major public health issue. Previous studies have shown that there are miRNAs differentially expressed in hypertensive patients. In addition, hypertension is closely related to endothelial dysfunction, and miRNAs have been identified as important molecular mediators for endothelial function. Therefore, it is necessary to identify specific miRNAs related to hypertension and explore their molecular mechanism in the progression of hypertension.

METHODS

We investigated the association of circulating levels of miR-3656 with hypertension. Furthermore, in-vitro studies were performed to investigate its possible mechanisms for hypertension in that the direct target genes of miR-3656 were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay; moreover, the effects of miR-3656 on proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and microvascular rarefaction of HUVECs were investigated using MTS kit, wound-healing assay, FITC Annexin V apoptosis detection kit, and tube formation assay, correspondingly.

RESULTS

Circulating miR-3656 was upregulated in patients with hypertension. MiR-3656 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVECs, but promoted the apoptosis of HUVECs. In addition, eNOS and ADAMTS13 were direct target genes of miR-3656, and overexpression of eNOS and ADAMTS13 abolished the effect of miR-3656 on HUVECs.

CONCLUSION

MiR-3656 is a potential biomarker for hypertension. MiR-3656 is involved in endothelial cellular injury implicated in hypertension by targeting eNOS and ADAMTS13.

Association between circulating microRNAs and the metabolic syndrome in adult populations: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are one of the most abundant classes of gene regulatory molecules, and had been associated to the metabolic syndrome, higher BMI, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. In this sense, miRNAs could help to understand the mechanism behind the development of metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between circulating microRNAs and the metabolic syndrome in adult population.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration and following the PRISMA Statement. The results were grouped for miRNAs levels in MetS and metabolic variables included in MetS and their statistic association with miRNAs levels.

RESULTS

We finally included sixteen studies with a total of 7195 individuals. We found 47 miRNAs reported to be related to metabolic syndrome (p < 0,05) and 98 associated with the metabolic alterations included in its diagnostic (p < 0,05). Forty-nine miRNAs levels were described as relate to insulin resistance, 29 with high triglycerides, 35 with hypertension, 28 with obesity, and 16 miRNAs with cholesterol HDL(p < 0,05). Changes in levels of miR-505-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-19b-3p, miR-320b, miR-342-3p, miR-197-3p, miR-192-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-103, miR-130a, miR-155-5p and miR-375, were reported as significant in more than one study. The results only included a descriptive synthesis, clinical heterogeneity did not allow a meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

The findings on the current systematic review suggests a possible relationship between miRNAs with metabolic syndrome and metabolic traits. This association could help to understand the mechanism behind the develop of the metabolic syndrome. However, more studies are necessary for further validation.

Regulation of the Placental Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Early- and Late-Onset Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most dangerous complications of pregnancy, characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and symptoms of multiple organ failure, which are detected de novo after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is one of the first to recognize pregnancy and is an important regulator of blood pressure. The placenta has its own RAAS, the role of which in the development of PE is not fully understood. In this work, for the first time, we characterized the expression of RAAS components and miRNAs controlling it in the placenta at various times of PE manifestation. The data obtained will allow the development of a new strategy in the future for the search for therapeutic agents for patients suffering from PE and cardiovascular diseases.

miRNAs, from Evolutionary Junk to Possible Prognostic Markers and Therapeutic Targets in COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a public health issue around the world in the last few years. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment to fight the disease. Thus, it is essential to highlight possible prognostic predictors that could identify patients with a high risk of developing complications. Within this framework, miRNA biomolecules play a vital role in the genetic regulation of various genes, principally, those related to the pathophysiology of the disease. Here, we review the interaction of host and viral microRNAs with molecular and cellular elements that could potentiate the main pulmonary, cardiac, renal, circulatory, and neuronal complications in COVID-19 patients. miR-26a, miR-29b, miR-21, miR-372, and miR-2392, among others, have been associated with exacerbation of the inflammatory process, increasing the risk of a cytokine storm. In addition, increased expression of miR-15b, -199a, and -491 are related to the prognosis of the disease, and miR-192 and miR-323a were identified as clinical predictors of mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Finally, we address miR-29, miR-122, miR-155, and miR-200, among others, as possible therapeutic targets. However, more studies are required to confirm these findings.

Role of MicroRNAs and their corresponding ACE2/Apelin signaling pathways in hypertension

Hypertension is controlled via the alteration of microRNAs (miRNAs), their therapeutic targets angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) and cross talk of signaling pathways. The stimulation of the Ang II/AT1R pathway by deregulation of miRNAs, has also been linked to cardiac remodeling as well as the pathophysiology of high blood pressure. As miRNAs have been associated to ACE2/Apelin and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling, it has revealed an utmost protective impact over hypertension and cardiovascular system. The ACE2-coupled intermodulation between RAAS, Apelin system, MAPK signaling pathways, and miRNAs reveal the practicalities of high blood pressure. The research of miRNAs may ultimately lead to the expansion of an innovative treatment strategy for hypertension, which indicates the need to explore them further at the molecular level. Therefore, here we have focused on the mechanistic importance of miRNAs in hypertension, ACE2/Apelin signaling as well as their biological functions, with a focus on interplay and crosstalk between ACE2/Apelin signaling, miRNAs, and hypertension, and the progress in miRNA-based diagnostic techniques with the goal of facilitating the development of new hypertension-controlling therapeutics.

Exosomes as Intercellular Messengers in Hypertension

People living with hypertension have a higher risk of developing heart diseases, and hypertension remains a top cause of mortality. In hypertension, some detrimental changes occur in the arterial wall, which include physiological and biochemical changes. Furthermore, this disease is characterized by turbulent blood flow, increased fluid shear stress, remodeling of the blood vessels, and endothelial dysfunction. As a complex disease, hypertension is thought to be caused by an array of factors, its etiology consisting of both environmental and genetic factors. The Mosaic Theory of hypertension states that many factors, including genetics, environment, adaptive, neural, mechanical, and hormonal perturbations are intertwined, leading to increases in blood pressure. Long-term efforts by several investigators have provided invaluable insight into the physiological mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of hypertension, and these include increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, overactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), dysfunction of the vascular endothelium, impaired platelet function, thrombogenesis, vascular smooth muscle and cardiac hypertrophy, and altered angiogenesis. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released by all cells and carry nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and metabolites into the extracellular environment. They play a role in intercellular communication and are involved in the pathophysiology of diseases. Since the discovery of exosomes in the 1980s, numerous studies have been carried out to understand the biogenesis, composition, and function of exosomes. In this review, we will discuss the role of exosomes as intercellular messengers in hypertension.

Circulating Levels of MicroRNAs Associated With Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study in Male and Female South African Participants

MicroRNAs are non-coding, post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and their dysregulation has been associated with development of various diseases, including hypertension. Consequently, understanding their role in the pathogenesis and progression of disease is essential. Prior research focusing on microRNAs in disease has provided a basis for understanding disease prognosis and offered possible channels for therapeutic interventions. Herein, we aimed to investigate possible differences in the expression profiles of five microRNAs in the blood of participants grouped on the basis of their hypertension status. This was done to elucidate the possible roles played by these microRNAs in the development of hypertension. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we evaluated the expression levels of miR-126-3p, 30a-5p, 182-5p, 30e-3p, and 1299 in the whole blood of 1456 participants, normotensive (n = 573), screen-detected hypertensive (n = 304) and known hypertensive (n = 579). The expression of miR-126-3p and 182-5p was significantly higher in known hypertensives relative to both screen-detected hypertensives and normotensives, and also in screen-detected hypertensives vs normotensives. A significant association between the expression of miR-126-3p, 182-5p, and 30a-5p and known hypertension was also evident. This study demonstrated dysregulated miR-126-3p, 182-5p, and 30a-5p expression in hypertension, highlighting the possible efficacy of these microRNAs as targets for the diagnosis of hypertension as well as the development of microRNA-based therapies.

miR-181c-5p mediates apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells induced by hyperoxemia via ceRNA crosstalk

Oxygen therapy has been widely used in clinical practice, especially in anesthesia and emergency medicine. However, the risks of hyperoxemia caused by excessive O₂ supply have not been sufficiently appreciated. Because nasal inhalation is mostly used for oxygen therapy, the pulmonary capillaries are often the first to be damaged by hyperoxia, causing many serious consequences. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism by which hyperoxia injures pulmonary capillary endothelial cells (LMECs) has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we systematically investigated these issues using next-generation sequencing and functional research techniques by focusing on non-coding RNAs. Our results showed that hyperoxia significantly induced apoptosis and profoundly affected the transcriptome profiles of LMECs. Hyperoxia significantly up-regulated miR-181c-5p expression, while down-regulated the expressions of NCAPG and lncRNA-DLEU2 in LMECs. Moreover, LncRNA-DLEU2 could bind complementarily to miR-181c-5p and acted as a miRNA sponge to block the inhibitory effect of miR-181c-5p on its target gene NCAPG. The down-regulation of lncRNA-DLEU2 induced by hyperoxia abrogated its inhibition of miR-181c-5p function, which together with the hyperoxia-induced upregulation of miR-181c-5p, all these significantly decreased the expression of NCAPG, resulting in apoptosis of LMECs. Our results demonstrated a ceRNA network consisting of lncRNA-DLEU2, miR-181c-5p and NCAPG, which played an important role in hyperoxia-induced apoptosis of vascular endothelial injury. Our findings will contribute to the full understanding of the harmful effects of hyperoxia and to find ways for effectively mitigating its deleterious effects.

Circulating miRNAs: Potential diagnostic role for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Nowadays, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents a major global health problem. Intensive efforts are being employed to better understand this pathology and develop strategies enabling its early diagnosis and efficient treatment. In this study, we compared the signature of circulating miRNAs in plasma of COVID-19 patients versus healthy donors. MiRCURY LNA miRNA miRNome qPCR Panels were performed for miRNA signature characterization. Individual quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was carried out to validate miRNome qPCR results. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the most significantly deregulated miRNA(s) as potential diagnostic biomarker(s). Eight miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed with miR-17-5p and miR-142-5p being down-regulated whilst miR-15a-5p, miR-19a-3p, miR-19b-3p, miR-23a-3p, miR-92a-3p and miR-320a being up-regulated in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. ROC curve analyses revealed an AUC (Areas Under the ROC Curve) of 0.815 (P = 0.031), 0.875 (P = 0.012), and 0.850 (P = 0.025) for miR-19a-3p, miR-19b-3p, and miR-92a-3p, respectively. Combined ROC analyses using these 3 miRNAs showed a greater AUC of 0.917 (P = 0.0001) indicating a robust diagnostic value of these 3 miRNAs. These results suggest that plasma miR-19a-3p, miR-19b-3p, and miR-92a-3p expression levels could serve as potential diagnostic biomarker and/or a putative therapeutic target during SARS-CoV-2-infection.

Impact of Nutritional Epigenetics in Essential Hypertension: Targeting microRNAs in the Gut-Liver Axis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the current knowledge on interactions between dietary factors and microRNAs (miRNAs) in essential hypertension (EH) pathogenesis.

RECENT FINDINGS

There exists an integration of maintenance signals generated by genetic, epigenetic, immune, and environmental (e.g., dietary) factors that work to sustain balance in the gut-liver axis. It is well established that an imbalance in this complex, intertwined system substantially increases the risk for EH. As such, pertinent research has been taken to decipher how each signal operates in isolation and together in EH progression. Recent literature indicates that both macro- and micronutrients interrupt regulatory miRNA expressions and thus, alter multiple cellular processes that contribute to EH and its comorbidities. We highlight how carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, salt, and potassium modify miRNA signatures during EH. The disruption in miRNA expression can negatively impact communication systems such as over activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, modulating the vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype, and promoting angiogenesis to favor EH. We also delineate the prognostic value of miRNAs in EH and discuss the pros and cons of surgical vs dietary prophylactic approaches in EH prevention. We propose that dietary-dependent perturbation of the miRNA profile is one mechanism within the gut-liver axis that dictates EH development.

MicroRNA Profiles in Normotensive and Hypertensive South African Individuals

Hypertension has a complex pathogenesis and symptoms appear in advanced disease. Dysregulation of gene expression regulatory factors like microRNAs has been reported in disease development. Identifying biomarkers which could help understand the pathogenesis and prognosis of hypertension is essential. The study's objective was to investigate microRNA expression profiles according to participant blood pressure status. Next generation sequencing was used to identify microRNAs in the whole blood of 48 body mass index-, smoking- and age-matched normotensive (n = 12), screen-detected hypertensive (n = 16) and known hypertensive (n = 20) female participants. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the next generation sequencing findings in a larger, independent sample of 84 men and 179 women. Using next generation sequencing, 30 dysregulated microRNAs were identified and miR-1299 and miR-30a-5p were the most significantly differentially expressed. Both microRNAs were upregulated in known hypertensives or screen-detected hypertensives compared to the normotensives. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis indicated possible involvement of platelet activation, calcium signaling and aldosterone synthesis pathways. Further validation of miR-1299 and miR-30a-5p using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed sequencing results while yielding new findings. These findings demonstrate microRNA dysregulation in hypertension and their expression may be related to genes and biological pathways essential for blood pressure homeostasis.

Screening and validation of differentially expressed microRNAs and target genes in hypertensive mice induced by cytomegalovirus infection

Introduction: Multiple studies have suggested an association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and essential hypertension (EH). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the development of EH by regulating the expression of specific target genes. However, little is known about the role of miRNAs in CMV-induced EH. In the present study, we compared the miRNA expression profiles of samples from normal and murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-infected C57BL/6 mice using high-throughput sequencing analysis. Methods: We collected the thoracic aorta, heart tissues, and peripheral blood from 20 normal mice and 20 MCMV-infected mice. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the peripheral blood samples and predicted their target genes using bioinformatics tools. We then experimentally validated them using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and the target genes with double luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: We found 118 differentially expressed miRNAs, among which 9 miRNAs were identified as potential MCMV infection-induced hypertension regulators. We then validated the expression of two candidate miRNAs, mmu-miR-1929-3p and mcmv-miR-m01-4-5p, using qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of endothelin A receptor (Ednra) messenger RNA (mRNA) contained a binding site for mmu-miR-1929-3p. Collectively, our data suggest that MCMV infection can raise the blood pressure and reduce mmu-miR-1929-3p expression in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, we found that mmu-miR-1929-3p targets the 3′-UTR of the Ednra mRNA. Conclusion: This novel regulatory axis could aid the development of new approaches for the clinical prevention and control of EH.

MiR-22-3p Suppresses Vascular Remodeling and Oxidative Stress by Targeting CHD9 during the Development of Hypertension

Hypertension is considered a risk factor for a series of systematic diseases. Known factors including genetic predisposition, age, and diet habits are strongly associated with the initiation of hypertension. The current study aimed to investigate the role of miR-22-3p in hypertension. In this study, we discovered that the miR-22-3p level was significantly decreased in the thoracic aortic vascular tissues and aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Functionally, the overexpression of miR-22-3p facilitated the switch of ASMCs from the synthetic to contractile phenotype. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we predicted 11 potential target mRNAs for miR-22-3p. After screening, chromodomain helicase DNA-binding 9 (CHD9) was validated to bind with miR-22-3p. Rescue assays showed that the co-overexpression of miR-22-3p and CHD9 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-22-3p mimics on cell proliferation, migration, and oxidative stress in ASMCs. Finally, miR-22-3p suppressed vascular remodeling and oxidative stress in vivo. Overall, miR-22-3p regulated ASMC phenotype switch by targeting CHD9. This new discovery provides a potential insight into hypertension treatment.

Deregulated miRNA expression is associated with endothelial dysfunction in post-mortem lung biopsies of COVID-19 patients

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical modulators of endothelial homeostasis, which highlights their involvement in vascular diseases, including those caused by virus infections. Our main objective was to identify miRNAs involved in the endothelial function and determine their expression in post-mortem lung biopsies of COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory injuries and thrombotic events. Based on functional enrichment analysis, miR-26a-5p, miR-29b-3p, and miR-34a-5p were identified as regulators of mRNA targets involved in endothelial and inflammatory signaling pathways, as well as viral diseases. A miRNA/mRNA network, constructed based on protein-protein interactions of the miRNA targets and the inflammatory biomarkers characterized in the patients, revealed a close interconnection of these miRNAs in association to the endothelial activation/dysfunction. Reduced expression levels of selected miRNAs were observed in the lung biopsies of COVID-19 patients (n = 9) compared to the Controls (n = 10) (P < 0.01-0.0001). MiR-26a-5p and miR-29b-3p presented the best power to discriminate these groups (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.8286, and AUC = 0.8125, respectively). The correlation analysis of the miRNAs with inflammatory biomarkers in the COVID-19 patients was significant for miR-26a-5p [IL-6 (r2 = 0.5414), and ICAM-1 (r2 = 0.5624)], and miR-29b-3p [IL-4 (r2 = 0.8332) and IL-8 (r2 = 0.2654)]. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the relevance and the non-random involvement of miR-26a-5p, miR-29b-3p, and miR-34a-5p in endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory response in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the occurrence of severe lung injury and immunothrombosis.

Exosomal MicroRNAs Contribute to Cognitive Impairment in Hypertensive Patients by Decreasing Frontal Cerebrovascular Reactivity

Mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment (CI) in hypertensive patients remain relatively unclear. The present study aimed to explore the relationship among serum exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), and cognitive function in hypertensive patients. Seventy-three hypertensive patients with CI (HT-CI), 67 hypertensive patients with normal cognition (HT-NC), and 37 healthy controls underwent identification of exosomal miRNA, multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and neuropsychological tests. CVR mapping was investigated based on resting-state functional MRI data. Compared with healthy subjects and HT-NC subjects, HT-CI subjects displayed decreased serum exosomal miRNA-330-3p. The group difference of CVR was mainly found in the left frontal lobe and demonstrated that HT-CI group had a lower CVR than both HT-NC group and control group. Furthermore, both the CVR in the left medial superior frontal gyrus and the miRNA-330-3p level were significantly correlated with executive function (r = -0.275, P = 0.021, and r = -0.246, P = 0.04, respectively) in HT-CI subjects, and the CVR was significantly correlated with the miRNA-330-3p level (r = 0.246, P = 0.040). Notably, path analysis showed that the CVR mediated the association between miRNA-330-3p and executive function. In conclusion, decreased miRNA-330-3p might contribute to CI in hypertensive patients by decreasing frontal CVR and could be a biomarker of early diagnosis.

miR-29 family: A potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart failure, myocardial fibrosis and myocardial infarction, etc, remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Evidence shows that miRNA plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CVD. miR-29 family is one of miRNA, and over the past decades, many studies have demonstrated that miR-29 is involved in maintaining the integrity of arteries and in the regulation of atherosclerosis, especially in the process of myocardial fibrosis. Besides, heart failure, myocardial fibrosis and myocardial infarction are inseparable from the regulatory role of miR-29. Here, we comprehensively review recent studies regarding miR-29 and CVD, illustrate the possibility of miR-29 as a potential marker for prevention, treatment and prognostic observation.

Circulating microRNAs May Serve as Biomarkers for Hypertensive Emergency End-Organ Injuries and Address Underlying Pathways in an Animal Model

There is an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology in hypertensive emergencies, where severely elevated blood pressure causes acute end-organ injuries, as opposed to the long-term manifestations of chronic hypertension. Furthermore, current biomarkers are unable to detect early end-organ injuries like hypertensive encephalopathy and renal thrombotic microangiopathy. We hypothesized that circulating microRNAs (c-miRs) could identify acute and chronic complications of severe hypertension, and that combinations of c-miRs could elucidate important pathways involved. We studied the diagnostic accuracy of 145 c-miRs in Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed either a low-salt (N = 20: 0.3% NaCl) or a high-salt (N = 60: 8% NaCl) diet. Subclinical hypertensive encephalopathy and thrombotic microangiopathy were diagnosed by histopathology. In addition, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction was evaluated with echocardiography and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide; and endothelial dysfunction was studied using acetylcholine-induced aorta ring relaxation. Systolic blood pressure increased severely in animals on a high-salt diet (high-salt 205 ± 20 mm Hg vs. low-salt 152 ± 18 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed 68 c-miRs discriminating between animals with and without hypertensive emergency complications. Twenty-nine c-miRs were strongly associated with hypertensive encephalopathy, 24 c-miRs with thrombotic microangiopathy, 30 c-miRs with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and 28 c-miRs with endothelial dysfunction. Hypertensive encephalopathy, thrombotic microangiopathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction were associated with deviations in many of the same c-miRs, whereas endothelial dysfunction was associated with a different set of c-miRs. Several of these c-miRs demonstrated fair to good diagnostic accuracy for a composite outcome of hypertensive encephalopathy, thrombotic microangiopathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in receiver-operating-curve analyses (area-under-curve 0.75–0.88). Target prediction revealed an enrichment of genes related to several pathways relevant for cardiovascular disease (e.g., mucin type O-glycan biosynthesis, MAPK, Wnt, Hippo, and TGF-beta signaling). C-miRs could potentially serve as biomarkers of severe hypertensive end-organ injuries and elucidate important pathways involved.

Mir-1, miR-122, miR-132, and miR-133 Are Related to Subclinical Aortic Atherosclerosis Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

Previously, miR-1, miR-122, miR-126, miR-132, miR-133, and miR-370 were found to be related to coronary artery disease (CAD) progression. However, their relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis, especially in subjects with metabolic syndrome, is unknown. Therefore, our aim was to determine their relationship with arterial markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. Metabolic syndrome subjects (n = 182) with high cardiovascular risk but without overt cardiovascular disease (CVD) were recruited from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention program. The ardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), augmentation index normalized to a heart rate of 75 bpm (AIxHR75), aortic pulse wave velocity (AoPWV), and carotid artery stiffness were assessed. MicroRNAs (miRs) were analyzed in serum. Pearson correlation and a univariate linear regression t-test showed that miR-1, miR-133b, and miR-133a were negatively associated with CAVI mean, whereas miR-122 was positively associated. MiR-1, miR-133b and miR-133a, and miR-145 were negatively associated with AIxHR75. MiR-122 correlated negatively with AoPWV. In multivariate linear regression models, miR-133b and miR-122 predicted CAVImean, miR-133 predicted AIxHR75, and miR-122 predicted AoPWV. MiR-132 predicted right carotid artery stiffness, and miR-1 predicted left carotid artery stiffness. The addition of smoking to miR-133b and miR-122 enhanced the prediction of CAVI. Age and triglycerides enhanced the prediction of AoPWV by miR-122. A cluster of four miRs are related to subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Combined, they may have a more substantial diagnostic or prognostic value than any single miR. Future follow-up studies are needed to establish their clinical relevance.

NLRP3 Inflammasome at the Interface of Inflammation, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), accounting for 90-95% cases of diabetes, is characterized by chronic inflammation. The mechanisms that control inflammation activation in T2DM are largely unexplored. Inflammasomes represent significant sensors mediating innate immune responses. The aim of this work is to present a review of links between the NLRP3 inflammasome, endothelial dysfunction, and T2DM. The NLRP3 inflammasome activates caspase-1, which leads to the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β and interleukin 18. In this review, we characterize the structure and functions of NLRP3 inflammasome as well as the most important mechanisms and molecules engaged in its activation. We present evidence of the importance of the endothelial dysfunction as the first key step to activating the inflammasome, which suggests that suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome could be a new approach in depletion hyperglycemic toxicity and in averting the onset of vascular complications in T2DM. We also demonstrate reports showing that the expression of a few microRNAs that are also known to be involved in either NLRP3 inflammasome activation or endothelial dysfunction is deregulated in T2DM. Collectively, this evidence suggests that T2DM is an inflammatory disease stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, studies revealing the role of glucose concentration in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome are analyzed. The more that is known about inflammasomes, the higher the chances to create new, effective therapies for patients suffering from inflammatory diseases. This may offer potential novel therapeutic perspectives in T2DM prevention and treatment.

Dysregulation of miR-637 Is Involved in the Development of Retinopathy in Hypertension Patients and Serves a Regulatory Role in Retinol Endothelial Cell Proliferation

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs play an important role in the proliferation and migration of retinal endothelial cells in patients with hypertension and hypertensive retinopathy (HR). This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of miR-637 in HR and its role in retinal endothelial cell proliferation and migration.

METHODS

A total of 126 subjects were recruited for the study, including 42 patients with hypertension (male/female 25/17), 42 healthy individuals (male/female 20/22), and 42 cases with HR (male/female 20/22). Except SBP and DBP, there was no significant difference in other indexes among the three groups. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-637. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was used for diagnosis value analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between miR-637 and HR. CCK-8 and Transwell were used to detect the effect of miR-637 on the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

RESULTS

Compared with hypertensive patients, HR patients had the lowest expression of miR-637. The area under the curve of miR-637 detected by the ROC curve method is 0.892, which has the ability to distinguish hypertension and HR patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that miR-637 was an independent influencing factor in HR. Cell experiment results showed that overexpression of miR-637 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration, while downregulation of miR-637 had the opposite effect. Luciferase analysis showed that STAT3 was the target gene of miR-637.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that miR-637 is a potential noninvasive marker for patients with HR. The action of miR-637 on STAT3 may inhibit the proliferation and migration of retinal endothelial cells, providing a possible target for the treatment of HR.

The homeostatic role of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion and nitric oxide in the vasculature

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are produced in a wide range of physiological reactions that, at low concentrations, play essential roles in living organisms. There is a delicate equilibrium between formation and degradation of these mediators in a healthy vascular system, which contributes to maintaining these species under non-pathological levels to preserve normal vascular functions. Antioxidants scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to prevent or reduce damage caused by excessive oxidation. However, an excessive reductive environment induced by exogenous antioxidants may disrupt redox balance and lead to vascular pathology. This review summarizes the main aspects of free radical biochemistry (formation, sources and elimination) and the crucial actions of some of the most biologically relevant and well-characterized reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion and nitric oxide) in the physiological regulation of vascular function, structure and angiogenesis. Furthermore, current preclinical and clinical evidence is discussed on how excessive removal of these crucial responses by exogenous antioxidants (vitamins and related compounds, polyphenols) may perturb vascular homeostasis. The aim of this review is to provide information of the crucial physiological roles of oxidation in the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle cells and perivascular adipose tissue for developing safer and more effective vascular interventions with antioxidants.

MRI study of cerebral blood flow, vascular reactivity, and vascular coupling in systemic hypertension

Chronic hypertension alters cerebrovascular function, which can lead to neurovascular pathologies and increased susceptibility to neurological disorders. The purpose of this study was to utilize in vivo MRI methods with corroborating immunohistology to evaluate neurovascular dysfunction due to progressive chronic hypertension. The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model at different stages of hypertension was studied to evaluate: i) basal cerebral blood flow (CBF), ii) cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) assessed by CBF and blood-oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal changes to hypercapnia, iii) neurovascular coupling from CBF and BOLD changes to forepaw stimulation, and iv) damage of neurovascular unit (NVU) components (microvascular, astrocyte and neuron densities). Comparisons were made with age-matched normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. In 10-week SHR (mild hypertension), basal CBF was higher (p < 0.05), CVR trended higher, and neurovascular coupling response was higher (p < 0.05), compared to normotensive rats. In 40-week SHR (severe hypertension), basal CBF, CVR, and neurovascular coupling response were reversed to similar or below normotensive rats, and were significantly different from 10-week SHR (p < 0.05). Immunohistological analysis found significantly reduced microvascular density, increased astrocytes, and reduced neuronal density in SHR at 40 weeks (p < 0.05) but not at 10 weeks (p > 0.05) in comparison to age-matched controls. In conclusion, we observed a bi-phasic basal CBF, CVR and neurovascular coupling response from early to late hypertension using in vivo MRI, with significant changes prior to changes in the NVU components from histology. MRI provides clinically relevant data that might be useful to characterize neurovascular pathogenesis on the brain in hypertension.

2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-Glucoside modulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells injury under oxidative stress

Endothelial cell injury is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases. The 2,3,5,4’-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-Glucoside (TSG) contributes to alleviate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury through mechanisms still know a little. This study aims to clarify the TSG effects on gene expression (mRNA and microRNA) related to oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by H₂O₂ in HUVECs. We found that TSG significantly reduced the death rate of cells and increased intracellular superoxide dismutase activity. At qRT-PCR, experimental data showed that TSG significantly counteracted the expressions of miR-9-5p, miR-16, miR-21, miR-29b, miR-145-5p, and miR-204-5p. Besides, TSG prevented the expression of ATF6 and CHOP increasing. In contrast, TSG promoted the expression of E2F1. In conclusion, our results point to the obvious protective effect of TSG on HUVECs injury induced by H₂O₂, and the mechanism may through miR16/ATF6/ E2F1 signaling pathway.

Glucose-induced microRNA-218 suppresses the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of human retinal pigment epithelium cells by targeting RUNX2

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNA-218 (miR-218) critical for preventing the progression of numerous diseases, including diseases of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). However, the mechanism by which miR-218 regulates the PRE in humans remains largely unknown. Our study investigated the effects of glucose-induced miR-218 expression on human RPE cells (ARPE-19), as well as its targeted regulatory effect.

METHODS

The levels of miR-218 and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression were investigated by RT-qPCR or Western blot assays. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, and Hoechst staining. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine whether Runx2 is a target gene of miR-218.

RESULTS

Our results showed that glucose up-regulated miR-218 expression, suppressed proliferation, and induced the apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells. We verified that miR-218 could inhibit the proliferation and facilitate the apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells, while inhibition of miR-218 expression produced the opposite effects. In terms of mechanism, we demonstrated that RUNX2 was a direct target of miR-218. Functional experiments showed that Runx2 served as a miR-218 target to help inhibit the proliferation and induction of apoptosis in ARPE-19 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest the miR-218/Runx2 axis as a potential target for treating diabetic retinopathy (DR).

The Role of microRNAs in Metabolic Syndrome-Related Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress (OxS) is the cause and the consequence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the incidence and economic burden of which is increasing each year. OxS triggers the dysregulation of signaling pathways associated with metabolism and epigenetics, including microRNAs, which are biomarkers of metabolic disorders. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding the interplay between microRNAs and OxS in MetS and its components. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar to summarize the most relevant studies. Collected data suggested that different sources of OxS (e.g., hyperglycemia, insulin resistance (IR), hyperlipidemia, obesity, proinflammatory cytokines) change the expression of numerous microRNAs in organs involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and endothelium. Dysregulated microRNAs either directly or indirectly affect the expression and/or activity of molecules of antioxidative signaling pathways (SIRT1, FOXOs, Keap1/Nrf2) along with effector enzymes (e.g., GPx-1, SOD1/2, HO-1), ROS producers (e.g., NOX4/5), as well as genes of numerous signaling pathways connected with inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism, thus promoting the progression of metabolic imbalance. MicroRNAs appear to be important epigenetic modifiers in managing the delicate redox balance, mediating either pro- or antioxidant biological impacts. Summarizing, microRNAs may be promising therapeutic targets in ameliorating the repercussions of OxS in MetS.

miR-126a-3p targets HIF-1α and alleviates obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with hypertension

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder and an important cause of refractory hypertension. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the development of hypertension, but their role in OSAS with hypertension (OSAS-hypertension) has been little studied. Evidence indicates that miR-126a-3p expression is lower in patients with OSAS-hypertension compared with the patients with OSAS alone. However, its role in the pathogenesis of OSAS-hypertension remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of miR-126a-3p in OSAS-hypertension and to determine whether HIF-1α is involved in this process. Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) for 8 weeks to induce OSAS-hypertension. Rat aortic smooth muscle cells (A7r5) were cultured under hypoxia as an in vitro model. Our results showed that rats exposed to 8 week CIH exhibited decreased miR-126a-3p and increased HIF-1α expression. Furthermore, administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing miR-126a-3p (rAAV-miR-126a) counteracted the CIH-induced systolic blood pressure upregulation, oxidase stress, inflammation, and heart and abdominal aorta vascular remodeling. Moreover, the mechanism was associated with its targeted suppression of HIF-1α. These findings suggest that miR-126a-3p might be a novel potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OSAS-hypertension.

Oxidative Stress and New Pathogenetic Mechanisms in Endothelial Dysfunction: Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart and pathological circulatory conditions, are the world's leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Endothelial dysfunction involved in CVD pathogenesis is a trigger, or consequence, of oxidative stress and inflammation. Endothelial dysfunction is defined as a diminished production/availability of nitric oxide, with or without an imbalance between endothelium-derived contracting, and relaxing factors associated with a pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic status. Endothelial dysfunction-induced phenotypic changes include up-regulated expression of adhesion molecules and increased chemokine secretion, leukocyte adherence, cell permeability, low-density lipoprotein oxidation, platelet activation, and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Inflammation-induced oxidative stress results in an increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly derived from mitochondria. Excessive ROS production causes oxidation of macromolecules inducing cell apoptosis mediated by cytochrome-c release. Oxidation of mitochondrial cardiolipin loosens cytochrome-c binding, thus, favoring its cytosolic release and activation of the apoptotic cascade. Oxidative stress increases vascular permeability, promotes leukocyte adhesion, and induces alterations in endothelial signal transduction and redox-regulated transcription factors. Identification of new endothelial dysfunction-related oxidative stress markers represents a research goal for better prevention and therapy of CVD. New-generation therapeutic approaches based on carriers, gene therapy, cardiolipin stabilizer, and enzyme inhibitors have proved useful in clinical practice to counteract endothelial dysfunction. Experimental studies are in continuous development to discover new personalized treatments. Gene regulatory mechanisms, implicated in endothelial dysfunction, represent potential new targets for developing drugs able to prevent and counteract CVD-related endothelial dysfunction. Nevertheless, many challenges remain to overcome before these technologies and personalized therapeutic strategies can be used in CVD management.

Blood microRNA 202-3p associates with the risk of essential hypertension by targeting soluble ST2

MicroRNA (miR)-202-3p has attracted a great deal of attention in the fields of oncology, gynecology, and metabolic disorders. However, its role in cardiovascular diseases remains to be clarified. We previously found that disruption of miR-202-3p mediated regulation of expression of soluble (s)ST2, a decoy receptor for interleukin (IL)-33, promotes essential hypertension (EH). In the present study, we first measured miR-202-3p expression levels in the blood of 182 EH cases and 159 healthy controls using TaqMan assays. miR-202-3p levels were shown to be significantly higher in EH cases than controls (fold change = 3.58, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher miR-202-3p expression was associated with an increased occurrence of EH (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36-1.82; P<0.001). Addition of miR-202-3p to traditional risk factors showed an additive prediction value for EH. Further functional experiments indicated that miR-202-3p could be induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and inhibited by Ang II-triggered soluble ST2 (sST2) expression in a negative feedback manner. Moreover, blood miR-202-3p levels were negatively correlated with sST2 expression in vivo. Our study shows that blood miR-202-3p levels were significantly associated with the occurrence of EH. These findings indicate that miR-202-3p exerts a protective role against EH by antagonizing the induction of sST2 by Ang II.