Circulating miRNA in atherosclerosis: a clinical biomarker and early diagnostic tool

Palindrome sequence mediated target recycling integrating with self-priming assisted signal reaction for sensitive miRNA detection

The development of a sensitive and isothermal technique with a greatly enhanced miRNA detection signal is still technically problematic due to the low abundance of miRNA and high sequence similarities with homologous miRNAs. Herein, we propose a novel fluorescence approach for sensitive and reliable miRNA detection by integrating the palindrome sequence mediated target recycling with self-priming assisted signal reaction. In this method, a dual toehold DNA nano-probe (HT) with two functional arms is designed to mediate specific target recognition and signal amplification. In the presence of target miRNA, it binds to the recognition module of HT probe, releasing the "2" sequence to initiate strand displacement amplification (SDA) and a self-priming-induced signal reaction. Based on the elegant design, the proposed method exhibits a wide linear response range exceeding five orders of magnitude and a low limit of detection of 0.96 fM according to the 3δ rule. The non-specific signal is below 5 % for non-target miRNA detection. Taking the merits of excellent sensitivity, desirable specificity, and superior anti-interference ability, the proposed approach shows a promising prospect for detecting miRNAs in complicated biological environments and early diagnosis of diseases.

Unraveling the miRNA Puzzle in Atherosclerosis: Revolutionizing Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapeutic Approaches

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To eradicate atherosclerotic diseases, novel biomarkers, and future therapy targets must reveal the burden of early atherosclerosis (AS), which occurs before life-threatening unstable plaques form. The chemical and biological features of microRNAs (miRNAs) make them interesting biomarkers for numerous diseases. We summarized the latest research on miRNA regulatory mechanisms in AS progression studies, which may help us use miRNAs as biomarkers and treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research has demonstrated that miRNAs have a regulatory function in the observed changes in gene and protein expression during atherogenesis, the process that leads to atherosclerosis. Several miRNAs play a role in the development of atherosclerosis, and these miRNAs could potentially serve as non-invasive biomarkers for atherosclerosis in various regions of the body. These miRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers and targets for early treatment of atherosclerosis. The start and development of AS require different miRNAs. It reviews new research on miRNAs affecting endothelium, vascular smooth muscle, vascular inflammation, lipid retention, and cholesterol metabolism in AS. A miRNA gene expression profile circulates with AS everywhere. AS therapies include lipid metabolism, inflammation reduction, and oxidative stress inhibition. Clinical use of miRNAs requires tremendous progress. We think tiny miRNAs can enable personalized treatment.

Decoding the secrets of longevity: unraveling nutraceutical and miRNA-Mediated aging pathways and therapeutic strategies

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA molecules that are not involved in coding for proteins. They have a significant function in regulating gene expression after the process of transcription. Their participation in several biological processes has rendered them appealing subjects for investigating age-related disorders. Increasing data indicates that miRNAs can be influenced by dietary variables, such as macronutrients, micronutrients, trace minerals, and nutraceuticals. This review examines the influence of dietary factors and nutraceuticals on the regulation of miRNA in relation to the process of aging. We examine the present comprehension of miRNA disruption in age-related illnesses and emphasize the possibility of dietary manipulation as a means of prevention or treatment. Consolidating animal and human research is essential to validate the significance of dietary miRNA control in living organisms, despite the abundance of information already provided by several studies. This review elucidates the complex interaction among miRNAs, nutrition, and aging, offering valuable insights into promising areas for further research and potential therapies for age-related disorders.

Metabolomics unveils the exacerbating role of arachidonic acid metabolism in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a complex vascular disorder characterized by the deposition of lipids, inflammatory cascades, and plaque formation in arterial walls. A thorough understanding of its causes and progression is necessary to develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Recent breakthroughs in metabolomics have provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms and genetic factors involved in atherosclerosis, leading to innovative approaches for preventing and treating the disease. In our study, we analyzed clinical serum samples from both atherosclerosis patients and animal models using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. By employing methods such as orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA), heatmaps, and volcano plots, we can accurately classify atherosclerosis (AUC = 0.892) and identify key molecules associated with the disease. Specifically, we observed elevated levels of arachidonic acid and its metabolite, leukotriene B4, in atherosclerosis. By inhibiting arachidonic acid and monitoring its downstream metabolites, we discovered the crucial role of this metabolic pathway in regulating atherosclerosis. Metabolomic research provides detailed insights into the metabolic networks involved in atherosclerosis development and reveals the close connection between abnormal metabolism and the disease. These studies offer new possibilities for precise diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease progression, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Platelet Microparticle-Derived MiR-320b Inhibits Hypertension with Atherosclerosis Development by Targeting ETFA

Hypertension and atherosclerosis often occur simultaneously. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of platelet microparticle (PMP) -derived microRNA-320b (miR-320b) in patients with hypertension accompanied by atherosclerosis.We collected samples from 13 controls without hypertension and atherosclerosis and 20 patients who had hypertension accompanied by atherosclerosis. In vitro, platelets were activated by Thrombin receptor-activating peptide to produce PMPs. HUVECs were induced by CoCl2 to mimic a hypoxic environment in vitro. RT-qPCR was employed to detect the expression levels of CD61, miR-320b, and ETFA. The protein expression level of ETFA was evaluated via Western blotting. Furthermore, 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, and wound healing assays were employed to assess the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the oxidative stress and inflammation-related factor expression.The expression of miR-320b was reduced in both platelets and PMPs but increased in plasma. MiR-320b promoted CoCl2-induced HUVEC viability, proliferation, and migration. The levels of the oxidative stress factors SOD and GSH as well as the inflammatory factor IL-10 were elevated in the CoCl2 + miR-320b mimics group compared with both the CoCl2 + mimics NC and CoCl2 groups. Conversely, the levels of the oxidative stress factors MDA and ROS as well as the inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were decreased. These results were regulated by miR-320b targeting ETFA.PMP-derived miR-320b inhibits the development of hypertension accompanied by atherosclerosis by targeting ETFA.

CircUsp9x/miR-599/stim1 axis regulates proliferation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells induced by oxidized-low density lipoprotein

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate the function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in atherosclerosis (AS) progression. We aimed to explore the role of circUSP9X in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced VSMCs. Cell proliferation was assessed using cell counting kit-8 and EDU assays. Cell migration was evaluated using Transwell and wound healing assays. The interaction between circUSP9X or STIM1 and miR-599 was analyzed using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. Their levels were examined using quantitative real-time PCR. CircUSP9X and STIM1 expression was increased, whereas miR-599 expression was reduced in the serum of patients with AS and ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs. Overexpression of circUSP9X facilitated the proliferation and migration of VSMCs induced by ox-LDL. CircUSP9X sponged miR-599, which targeted STIM1. MiR-599 reversed the effects induced by circUSP9X, and STIM1 reversed the effects induced by miR-599. Taken together, CircUSP9X promoted proliferation and migration in ox-LDL-treated VSMCs via the miR-599/STIM1 axis, providing a theoretical basis for the role of circUSP9X/miR-599/STIM1 axis in AS.

Extracellular Vesicles in Atherosclerosis: State of the Art

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by lipid accumulation in the arteries, leading to narrowing and thrombosis that causes mortality. Emerging evidence has confirmed that atherosclerosis affects younger people and is involved in the majority of deaths worldwide. EVs are associated with critical steps in atherosclerosis, cholesterol metabolism, immune response, endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and remodeling. Endothelial cell-derived EVs can interact with platelets and monocytes, thereby influencing endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, and the formation of thrombus. EVs are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in atherosclerosis (AS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Importantly, EVs derived from stem/progenitor cells are essential mediators of cardiogenesis and cardioprotection and may be used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

MiRNA-21a, miRNA-145, and miRNA-221 Expression and Their Correlations with WNT Proteins in Patients with Obstructive and Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

MicroRNAs and the WNT signaling cascade regulate the pathogenetic mechanisms of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) development.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression of microRNAs (miR-21a, miR-145, and miR-221) and the role of the WNT signaling cascade (WNT1, WNT3a, WNT4, and WNT5a) in obstructive CAD and ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA).

METHOD

The cross-sectional observational study comprised 94 subjects. The expression of miR-21a, miR-145, miR-221 (RT-PCR) and the protein levels of WNT1, WNT3a, WNT4, WNT5a, LRP6, and SIRT1 (ELISA) were estimated in the plasma of 20 patients with INOCA (66.5 [62.8; 71.2] years; 25% men), 44 patients with obstructive CAD (64.0 [56.5; 71,0] years; 63.6% men), and 30 healthy volunteers without risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

RESULTS

Higher levels of WNT1 (0.189 [0.184; 0.193] ng/mL vs. 0.15 [0.15-0.16] ng/mL, p < 0.001) and WNT3a (0.227 [0.181; 0.252] vs. 0.115 [0.07; 0.16] p < 0.001) were found in plasma samples from patients with obstructive CAD, whereas the INOCA group was characterized by higher concentrations of WNT4 (0.345 [0.278; 0.492] ng/mL vs. 0.203 [0.112; 0.378] ng/mL, p = 0.025) and WNT5a (0.17 [0.16; 0.17] ng/mL vs. 0.01 [0.007; 0.018] ng/mL, p < 0.001). MiR-221 expression level was higher in all CAD groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001), whereas miR-21a was more highly expressed in the control group than in the obstructive (p = 0.012) and INOCA (p = 0.003) groups. Correlation analysis revealed associations of miR-21a expression with WNT1 (r = -0.32; p = 0.028) and SIRT1 (r = 0.399; p = 0.005) protein levels in all CAD groups. A positive correlation between miR-145 expression and the WNT4 protein level was observed in patients with obstructive CAD (r = 0.436; p = 0.016). Based on multivariate regression analysis, a mathematical model was constructed that predicts the type of coronary lesion. WNT3a and LRP6 were the independent predictors of INOCA (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of the canonical cascade of WNT-β-catenin prevailed in patients with obstructive CAD, whereas in the INOCA and control groups, the activity of the non-canonical pathway was higher. It can be assumed that miR-21a has a negative effect on the formation of atherosclerotic CAD. Alternatively, miR-145 could be involved in the development of coronary artery obstruction, presumably through the regulation of the WNT4 protein. A mathematical model with WNT3a and LRP6 as predictors allows for the prediction of the type of coronary artery lesion.

Atherosclerosis and Its Related Laboratory Biomarkers

Atherosclerosis constitutes a persistent inflammatory ailment, serving as the predominant underlying condition for coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and cerebrovascular disease. The progressive buildup of plaques within the walls of medium- and large-caliber arteries characterizes the atherosclerotic process. This accumulation results in significant narrowing that impedes blood flow, leading to critical tissue oxygen deficiency. Spontaneous blockage of thrombotic vessels can precipitate stroke and myocardial infarction, which are complications representing the primary global causes of mortality. Present-day models for predicting cardiovascular risk incorporate conventional risk factors to gauge the likelihood of cardiovascular events over a ten-year span. In recent times, researchers have identified serum biomarkers associated with an elevated risk of atherosclerotic events. Many of these biomarkers, whether used individually or in combination, have been integrated into risk prediction models to assess whether their inclusion enhances predictive accuracy. In this review, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the most recently published literature concerning serum biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis. We have explored the potential utility of incorporating these markers in guiding clinical decisions.

Non-coding RNAs are key players and promising therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death in humans. Atherosclerosis (AS) is the most common CVD and a major cause of many CVD-related fatalities. AS has numerous risk factors and complex pathogenesis, and while it has long been a research focus, most mechanisms underlying its progression remain unknown. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent an important focus in epigenetics studies and are critical biological regulators that form a complex network of gene regulation. Abnormal ncRNA expression disrupts the normal function of tissues or cells, leading to disease development. A large body of evidence suggests that ncRNAs are involved in all stages of atherosclerosis, from initiation to progression, and that some are significantly differentially expressed during AS development, suggesting that they may be powerful markers for screening AS or potential treatment targets. Here, we review the role of ncRNAs in AS development and recent developments in the use of ncRNAs for AS-targeted therapy, providing evidence for ncRNAs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Novel Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is one of the most fatal diseases in the world. The associated thickening of the arterial wall and its background and consequences make it a very composite disease entity with many mechanisms that lead to its creation. It is an active process, and scientists from various branches are engaged in research, including molecular biologists, cardiologists, and immunologists. This review summarizes the available information on the pathophysiological implications of atherosclerosis, focusing on endothelium dysfunction, inflammatory factors, aging, and uric acid, vitamin D, and miRNA expression as recent evidence of interactions of the molecular and cellular elements. Analyzing new discoveries for the underlying causes of this condition assists the general research to improve understanding of the mechanism of pathophysiology and thus prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

miRNA, lncRNA and circRNA: targeted molecules with therapeutic promises in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is primarily recognized as a respiratory pathogen that causes community-acquired pneumonia, which can lead to acute upper and lower airway inflammation and extrapulmonary syndrome. Refractory pneumonia caused by MP can cause severe complications and even be life-threatening, particularly in infants and the elderly. It is well-known that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represented by miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs have been manifested to be widely involved in the regulation of gene expression. Growing evidence indicates that these ncRNAs have distinct differentiated expression in MP infection and affect multiple biological processes, playing an indispensable role in the initiation and promotion of MP infection. However, the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development of MP infection remain unclear. This article reviews the mechanisms by which miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs mediate MP infection, such as inflammatory responses, apoptosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Focusing on miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs associated with MP infection could provide new insights into this disease's early diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.

Epigenetic modifications as therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis: a focus on DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs

Significant progress in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been made in the past decade, yet it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, claiming an estimated 17.9 million deaths per year. Although encompassing any condition that affects the circulatory system, including thrombotic blockage, stenosis, aneurysms, blood clots and arteriosclerosis (general hardening of the arteries), the most prevalent underlying hallmark of CVD is atherosclerosis; the plaque-associated arterial thickening. Further, distinct CVD conditions have overlapping dysregulated molecular and cellular characteristics which underlie their development and progression, suggesting some common aetiology. The identification of heritable genetic mutations associated with the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease (AVD), in particular resulting from Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) studies has significantly improved the ability to identify individuals at risk. However, it is increasingly recognised that environmentally-acquired, epigenetic changes are key factors associated with atherosclerosis development. Increasing evidence suggests that these epigenetic changes, most notably DNA methylation and the misexpression of non-coding, microRNAs (miRNAs) are potentially both predictive and causal in AVD development. This, together with their reversible nature, makes them both useful biomarkers for disease and attractive therapeutic targets potentially to reverse AVD progression. We consider here the association of aberrant DNA methylation and dysregulated miRNA expression with the aetiology and progression of atherosclerosis, and the potential development of novel cell-based strategies to target these epigenetic changes therapeutically.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Accelerated Atherosclerosis, New Biomarkers, and the Effects of Biological Therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of the most common of the chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases (CIADs), is recognized as an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Traditional risk factors such as smoking, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and obesity are frequently found in RA. Given the increased risk of mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in RA patients, screening for risk factors is important. Moreover, there is a need to identify potential predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that markers such as serum homocysteine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, or carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) are correlated with cardiovascular risk. Although RA presents a cardiovascular risk comparable to that of diabetes, it is not managed as well in terms of acute cardiovascular events. The introduction of biological therapy has opened new perspectives in the understanding of this pathology, confirming the involvement and importance of the inflammatory markers, cytokines, and the immune system. In addition to effects in inducing remission and slowing disease progression, most biologics have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events. Some studies have also been conducted in patients without RA, with similar results. However, early detection of atherosclerosis and the use of targeted therapies are the cornerstone for reducing cardiovascular risk in RA patients.

LncRNA NEAT1 Promotes Vascular Endothelial Cell Dysfunction via miR-218-5p/GAB2 and Serves as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Deep Vein Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common peripheral disease. This study aimed to elucidate the diagnostic biomarker of lncRNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in the DVT, and explore possible mechanisms in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODS

101 patients with lower extremity DVT and 82 healthy controls were enrolled. RT-qPCR was designed to resolve the mRNA levels of NEAT1, miR-218-5p, and GAB2. ROC was applied for the diagnosis of DVT. Systemic inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and adhesion factor (SELP, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1) were examined by the ELISA. And cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were conducted by the CCK-8, Transwell, flow cytometry assay. The targeting relationship was validated by Dual luciferase reporter and RIP analysis.

RESULTS

NEAT1 and GAB2 were upregulated in patients with DVT, while miR-218-5p was decreased (P < .01). Serum NEAT1 can identify DVT patients from healthy individuals. NEAT1 was positively correalted with fibrinolysis factors, coagulation factors, and vasoconstrictors. NEAT1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and promoted apoptosis as well as inflammation and adhesion factors secretion of HUVECs (P < .05), but all were impaired by overexpression of miR-218-5p (P < .05). NEAT1 promoted GAB2 expression in DVT by acting as a sponge for miR-218-5p.

CONCLUSION

Elevated NEAT1 is a possible DVT diagnostic biomarker, and is implicated in vascular endothelial cell dysfunction via miR-218-5p/GAB2 axis.

Association between microRNA-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and coronary heart disease: An updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the manifestations of atherosclerosis with a high morbidity rate. MicroRNA (miRNA)-146a rs2910164, a single nucleotide polymorphism, is associated with the progression of CHD risk. However, the results are controversial and uncertain. Therefore, an updated meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between rs2910164 and CHD susceptibility.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, China's National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wan fang were searched for the eligible articles until April 30, 2022. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs) were calculated to assess the correlation. Bonferroni correction was utilized between multiple comparisons. Trial sequential analysis was performed to measure the required information size and assess the reliability of the meta-analysis results.

RESULTS

A total of 18 eligible studies, including 6859 cases and 8469 controls, were analyzed in our meta-analysis. After Bonferroni correction, we found that the G allele at rs2910164 was associated with significantly decreased CHD risk in the allelic model (OR = 0.86), homozygous model (OR = 0.79), and heterozygous model (OR = 0.89) in total population. In the subgroup analysis, the subjects containing the G allele and GG genotype were associated with a lower risk of CHD in the Chinese population, not the GG + CG and CG genotype. In addition, under the allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, and dominant models, miR-146a rs2910164 was at lower CHD risk in the large size population except in the recessive model.

CONCLUSION

These results show that miR-146a rs2910164 might be associated with lower CHD susceptibility.

Mir-29b in Breast Cancer: A Promising Target for Therapeutic Approaches

The miR-29 family comprises miR-29a, miR-29b, and miR-29c, and these molecules play crucial and partially overlapped functions in solid tumors, in which the different isoforms are variously de-regulated and mainly correlated with tumor suppression. miR-29b is the most expressed family member in cancer, in which it is involved in regulating gene expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. This review focuses on the role of miR-29b in breast cancer, in which it plays a controversial role as tumor suppressor or onco-miRNA. Here we have highlighted the dual effect of miR-29b on breast tumor features, which depend on the prevailing function of this miRNA, on the mature miR-29b evaluated, and on the breast tumor characteristics. Remarkably, the analyzed miR-29b form emerged as a crucial element in the results obtained by various research groups, as the most abundant miR-29b-3p and the less expressed miR-29b1-5p seem to play distinct roles in breast tumors with different phenotypes. Of particular interest are the data showing that miR-29b1-5p counteracts cell proliferation and migration and reduces stemness in breast tumor cells with a triple negative phenotype. Even if further studies are required to define exactly the role of each miR-29b, our review highlights its possible implication in phenotype-specific management of breast tumors.

Association of Circulating miR-145-5p and miR-let7c and Atherosclerotic Plaques in Hypertensive Patients

Aim: Hypertension is a strong risk factor for atherosclerosis. Increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaques are considered subclinical markers of atherosclerosis. This study aimed at evaluating the serum expression of miRNAs previously related to adverse vascular remodeling and correlating them with carotid plaques and cIMT in hypertensive patients. Methods: We cross-sectionally evaluated the clinical and carotid characteristics as well as serum expression of miR-145-5p, miR-let7c, miR-92a, miR-30a and miR-451 in 177 hypertensive patients. Carotid plaques and cIMT were evaluated by ultrasound, and the expression of selected miRNAs was evaluated by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Among all participants (age = 60.6 ± 10.7 years, 43% males), there were 59% with carotid plaques. We observed an increased expression of miR-145-5p (Fold Change = 2.0, p = 0.035) and miR-let7c (Fold Change = 3.8, p = 0.045) in participants with atherosclerotic plaque when compared to those without plaque. In the logistic regression analysis adjusted for relevant covariates, these miRNAs showed a stronger association with carotid plaques (miR-145-5p: Beta ± SE = 0.050 ± 0.020, p = 0.016 and miR-let7c: Beta ± SE = 0.056 ± 0.019, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Hypertensive patients with carotid plaques have an increased expression of miR-145-5p and miR-let7c, suggesting a potential role of these miRNAs as a biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis in hypertensive individuals.