Associations Between microRNA Polymorphisms and Development of Coronary Artery Disease: A Case-Control Study

Implication of non-coding RNA-mediated ROCK1 regulation in various diseases

Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 1 (ROCK1) is a protein serine/threonine kinase which is activated upon binding with the GTP-bound form of Rho. This protein can modulate actin-myosin contraction and stability. Moreover, it has a crucial role in the regulation of cell polarity. Therefore, it participates in modulation of cell morphology, regulation of expression of genes, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptotic processes as well as oncogenic processes. Recent studies have highlighted interactions between ROCK1 and several non-coding RNAs, namely microRNAs, circular RNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Such interactions can be a target of medications. In fact, it seems that the interactions are implicated in therapeutic response to several medications. In the current review, we aimed to explain the impact of these interactions in the pathoetiology of cancers as well as non-malignant disorders.

The Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, including miR-499a Genetic Variants, and Dyslipidemia in Subjects Treated with Pharmacological or Phytochemical Lipid-Lowering Agents

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism are among the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with the individual variability in blood lipid profile and response to lipid-lowering treatments. Here, we genotyped 34 selected SNPs located in coding genes related to lipid metabolism, inflammation, coagulation, and a polymorphism in the MIR499 gene—a microRNA previously linked to CVD—to evaluate the association with lipid trait in subjects with moderate dyslipidemia not on lipid-lowering treatment (Treatment-naïve (TN) cohort, n = 125) and in patients treated with statins (STAT cohort, n = 302). We also explored the association between SNPs and the effect of a novel phytochemical lipid-lowering treatment in the TN cohort. We found that 6 SNPs (in the MIR499, TNFA, CETP, SOD2, and VEGFA genes) were associated with lipid traits in the TN cohort, while no association was found with the response to twelve-week phytochemical treatment. In the STAT cohort, nine SNPs (in the MIR499, CETP, CYP2C9, IL6, ABCC2, PON1, IL10, and VEGFA genes) were associated with lipid traits, three of which were in common with the TN cohort. Interestingly, in both cohorts, the presence of the rs3746444 MIR499 SNP was associated with a more favorable blood lipid profile. Our findings could add information to better understand the individual genetic variability in maintaining a low atherogenic lipid profile and the response to different lipid-lowering therapies.

Pre-microRNAs single nucleotide variants (rs3746444 A > G and rs2910164 C > G) increase the risk of ischemic stroke in the Egyptian population: a case–control study

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) is the most leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Micro RNA (miRNA) genetic variants have been identified as a part of IS non-modifiable risk markers. This study aims to identify the possible association of rs2910164 C > G of pre-miRNA-146a and rs3746444 A > G of pre-miRNA-499 with increased IS risk. C-reactive protein (CRP) was studied as one of the mediators of the genetic disturbance in IS. The study included 100 patients with atherosclerotic IS and 100 age and sex matched healthy controls with more than one risk factor for IS. Variants were evaluated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique using TaqMan probes. CRP levels were assayed by immunoturbidimetry method on COBAS analyzer.

Results

Regarding rs3746444 A > G, the G allele, and its containing genotypes (GG and GG + AG) were associated with high IS incidence. Increased CRP levels were found to induce IS by GG and GG + AG genotypes, with a cut value of 7.5 mg/ L in differentiation between AA genotype and GG + AG genotypes. Combining the G allele of rs3746444 A > G with either G or C allele of rs2910164 C > G had enhanced the risk. For rs2910164 C > G, the G allele, and the combined GG + GC genotypes were associated with IS risk elevation with no correlation to CRP levels.

Conclusion

The G involving genetic variants of rs3746444 A > G and rs2910164 C > G were associated with an enhanced IS risk. CRP showed higher levels in GG and AG genotypes of rs3746444 with no relation to rs2910164 genotypes.

MicroRNA Variants miR-27a rs895819 and miR-423 rs6505162, but not miR-124-1 rs531564, are Linked to Endometriosis and its Severity

Background: While different studies have investigated the association of SNPs with female reproductive disorders, a limited number of studies have investigated the effect of microRNAs variants in endometriosis. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and the association of three different miRNAs variants including, miR-27a rs895819, miR-124-1 rs531564, and miR-423 rs6505162 with endometriosis to help further elucidate the importance of these variants in female reproductive disorders.

Methods: A total number of 440 women (220 cases and 220 controls) were included. DNA was extracted and genotyping of the SNPs was carried out by PCR.

Results: The results showed that rs895819 and rs6505162 had a significant association with endometriosis under the dominant, recessive, co-dominant, and allelic model, but rs531564 was not linked to endometriosis. Our results also imply a protective effect on endometriosis severity for AG genotype and G allele in rs895819 (p < 0.001), and also for AA and AC genotypes in rs6505162 with severity in endometriosis (p < 0.001). Moreover, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, haplotype frequency, and linkage disequilibrium between SNPs were performed.

Conclusion: miR-27a rs895819 and miR-423 rs6505162, but not miR-124-1 rs531564, are linked to endometriosis.

Association study of miR-149, miR-196a2, and miR-499a polymorphisms with coronary artery aneurysm of Kawasaki disease in southern Chinese population

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that several microRNA (miRNA) polymorphisms are closely associated with disease susceptibility or progression, such as in Kawasaki disease (KD). Our previous studies revealed the association of miR‐149 rs2292832 T>C and miR‐196a2 rs11614913 C>T polymorphisms with KD susceptibility. The present study further focused on the relationship between three miRNA polymorphisms (miR‐149 rs2292832 T>C, miR‐196a2 rs11614913 C>T and miR‐499a rs3746444 A>G) and the risk of coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) in southern Chinese KD patients.

Methods

We evaluated 318 KD patients with CAAs and 784 patients without CAAs. TaqMan assays were used to estimate genotyping and analyze the relationship between miRNA polymorphisms (miR‐149 rs2292832 T>C, miR‐196a2 rs11614913 C>T and miR‐499a rs3746444 A>G) and risk associations of CAA by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We found that the miR‐149 rs2292832 TC/CC genotype increased the CAA risk (adjusted OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.15–2.03, p = 0.003 for TC, adjusted OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.08–2.47, p = 0.021 for CC), whereas the miR‐499a rs3746444 AG genotype decreased the CAA risk in KD patients (adjusted OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.25–0.45 p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, patients carrying two or three of these single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes (rs2292832 TC/CC and rs11614913 TT and rs3746444 AA) had a higher risk for CAA than those who harbored only zero or one of these SNP genotypes.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the miR‐149 rs2292832 T>C polymorphism increased the risk of CAA in KD patients and that the miR‐499a rs3746444 A>G polymorphism decreased the risk of CAA in KD patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different centers are needed to confirm the findings of the present study.

Associations between genetic variations in microRNA and myocardial infarction susceptibility: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Current genetic association studies have reported conflicting results regarding the association between miRNA polymorphisms and myocardial infarction (MI) risk METHODS: Relevant studies were retrieved from the PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Eligible studies determining the association between miRNA polymorphisms and MI susceptibility were included and a meta-analysis was performed to quantify the associations between miRNA polymorphisms and MI risk.

RESULTS

A total of eight studies with 2507 MI patients and 3796 healthy controls were included, dealing with nine miRNA genes containing 11 different loci, including miR-149 (rs71428439 and rs2292832), miR-126 (rs4636297 and rs1140713), miR-146a (rs2910164), miR-218 (rs11134527), miR-196a2 (rs11614913), miR-499 (rs3746444), miR-27a (rs895819), miR-26a‑1 (rs7372209), and miR-100 (rs1834306). miR-146a rs2910164 and miR-499 rs3746444 were determined to have a significant association with MI susceptibility, a finding that was supported by the meta-analysis (rs2910164: GG/CC, odds ratio [OR]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.05-1.74, p < 0.001; rs3746444: AA + AG/GG, OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.37-2.70, p < 0.001). Limited or conflicting data were found for the relationship between the other miRNA polymorphisms (rs71428439, rs4636297, rs1140713, rs11134527, rs11614913, rs895819, rs7372209, rs1834306, rs2292832) and MI risk.

CONCLUSION

There was a significant association between rs2910164 and rs3746444 and MI susceptibility. Further studies are required to investigate the role of miRNA polymorphisms in MI risk.

Associations of the miRNA-146a rs2910164 and the miRNA-499a rs3746444 Polymorphisms With Plasma Lipid Levels: A Meta-Analysis

Background: The studies of miRNAs are vibrant and remain at the forefront in the cardiovascular system. Emerging studies indicate that the genetic polymorphisms of the miRNA gene may affect lipid metabolism; this study aims to clarify the specific correlations between the rs2910164 and rs3746444 polymorphisms and lipid levels.

Methods and Results: A comprehensive search of literature was performed from December 31, 2020, to May 31, 2021, by searching of the PubMed and the Cochrane databases. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the differences in lipid levels between the genotypes. rs2910164, a functional polymorphism in the miRNA-146a gene, was associated with increased triglycerides (TG) (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.15–0.54, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.16–0.70, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.11–0.63, p = 0.01) as well as decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI = −0.47−0.07, p = 0.01) levels. rs3746444, a functional polymorphism in the miRNA-499a gene, was only correlated with decreased TG (SMD = −0.09, 95% CI = −0.17−0.01, P = 0.03) levels.

Conclusions: The miRNA-146a rs2910164 polymorphism is significantly associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia.

Screening of Biological Target Molecules Related to Glucocorticoid-Induced Cataract (GIC) on the Basis of Constructing ceRNA Network

Glucocorticoid-induced cataract (GIC)-associated biomarkers were screened by ceRNA network construction. The GIC samples' GSE3040 were obtained from the NCBI-GEO database. R's Limma package was used to identify differentially expressed RNAs (DERs) between the normal and GIC samples group (4- and 16-h). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enrichment analysis for the mRNAs in the constructed GIC lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA regulation network was implemented. A total of 1665 and 1443 DERs were obtained in the 4- and 16-h group, respectively. At two time points, 256 overlapping DERs were identified, of which 210 (17 lncRNAs and 203 mRNAs) had significant differential expression (4 down- and 206 up-regulated). A total of 534 co-expressed ligation pairs (all up-regulated) were obtained. A ceRNA regulation network was constructed. RPS6KA5, GAB1, CCR7, CCL2, COL4A4, and PPARG were obtained and significantly enriched in the 4 KEGG signaling pathways and were featured as GIC target molecules.

Role of MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the main reason of cardiovascular mortalities worldwide. This condition is resulted from atherosclerotic occlusion of coronary arteries. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial cells, induction of immune responses and different stages of plaque formation. Up-regulation of miR-92a-3p, miR-206, miR-216a, miR-574-5p, miR-23a, miR-499, miR-451, miR-21, miR-146a, and a number of other miRNAs has been reported in CAD patients. In contrast, miR-20, miR-107, miR-330, miR-383-3p, miR-939, miR-4306, miR-181a-5p, miR-218, miR-376a-3p, and miR-3614 are among down-regulated miRNAs in CAD. Differential expression of miRNAs in CAD patients has been exploited to design diagnostic or prognostic panels for evaluation of CAD patients. We appraise the recent knowledge about the role of miRNAs in the development of diverse clinical subtypes of CAD.

Association between microRNA-146a, -499a and -196a-2 SNPs and non-small cell lung cancer: a case-control study involving 2249 subjects

MicroRNA (miR) acts as a negative regulator of gene expression. Many literatures have suggested that miRs may be involved in the process of cell proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress, energy metabolism and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Thus, miRs may be implicated in the occurrence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the current investigation, we included 2249 subjects (1193 NSCLC patients and 1056 controls) and designed a study to identify the relationship of miR-146a rs2910164 C/G, -499a rs3746444 A/G and -196a-2 rs11614913 T/C with the risk of NSCLC. The risk factors (e.g., body mass index (BMI), sex, smoking, drinking and age) was used to adjust the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After conducting a power value assessment, we did not confirm that the miR-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotypic distributions were different in NSCLC cases and controls. However, the association of miR-196a-2 rs11614913 with a decreased risk of NSCLC was identified in the female subgroup (adjusted P=0.005, power = 0.809 for TC vs. TT, and adjusted P=0.004, power = 0.849 for CC/TC vs. TT). In addition, gene–gene interaction analysis showed that rs11614913 TC/3746444 AA and rs11614913 CC/rs3746444 AA could also reduce the susceptibility to NSCLC (rs11614913 TC/rs3746444 AA vs. rs11614913 TT/rs3746444 AA, P=0.001, power = 0.912 and rs11614913 CC/rs3746444 AA vs. rs11614913 TT/rs3746444 AA, P=0.003, power = 0.836). In conclusion, in overall comparisons, we did not confirm that the rs2910164, rs3746444, and rs11614913 SNPs genotypic distributions were different in NSCLC cases and controls. However, this case–control study demonstrates that miR-196a-2 rs11614913 may be a protective factor for the development of NSCLC among female patients.

microRNA-140: A miRNA with diverse roles in human diseases

MicroRNA-140 (miR-140) has been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of a wide range of pathologies including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, renal fibrosis, ischemic conditions, and most importantly neoplasia. This miRNA has been shown to be down-regulated in a diversity of cancers namely breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. miR-140 has a lot of immune-related targets. Moreover, several miR-140 targets regulate cell proliferation, cell cycle transition, and apoptosis. This miRNA has been shown to be sponged by a number of lncRNAs and circ-RNAs. miR-140 has essential roles in the determination of the sensitivity of neoplastic cells to chemotherapeutic agents such as temozolomide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. Besides, expression quantities of miR-140 in cancer tissues can be used for the prediction of clinical outcomes of patients with neoplasia. In the present paper, we describe the impact of miR-140 in neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders.

Investigation of the Association of miRNA-499, miRNA-146a, miRNA-196a2 Loci with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk: A Case-Control Study Involving 1507 Subjects

microRNAs' (miRNAs) loci may influence hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Many recent studies have assessed the relationship between miRNA-499, miRNA-146a, and miRNA-196a2 loci and HCC risk. However, the observed results are conflicting. A total of 584 HCC patients and 923 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. The correlation of miRNA-499 rs3746444, miRNA-146a rs2910164, and miRNA-196a2 rs11614913 with HCC development was assessed. In the <53-year-old subgroup, a correlation of the rs2910164 locus with HCC risk was found (GG/CG vs. CC: adjusted p = 0.011, GG vs. CC: adjusted p = 0.021 and CG vs. CC: adjusted p = 0.027). The association between miRNA-146a rs2910164 and the risk of HCC was also found in the never smoking (GG/CG vs. CC: adjusted p = 0.011 and CG vs. CC: adjusted p = 0.018). Using false-positive report probability method and power value, we identified that miRNA-146a rs2910164 conferred a risk to HCC in the <53-year-old and never-smoking subgroups. In conclusion, this study indicates rs2910164 may be a risk factor for HCC, especially in the <53-year-old and never-smoking subgroups.