Potential Role of microRNAs in Cardiovascular Disease: Are They up to Their Hype?

Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of Circulating microRNAs in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease-Impact on Left Ventricle and Arterial Function

Recent studies reported that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can target different metalloproteases (MMPs) involved in matrix remodeling and plaque vulnerability. Consequently, they might have a role in the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease. To quantify circulating miRNAs (miRNA126, miRNA146, and miRNA21) suggested to have possible cardiovascular implications, as well as levels of MMP-1 and MMP-9, and to determine their association with left ventricular (LV) function and with arterial function, in patients with either ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) or stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). A total of 90 patients with coronary artery disease (61% men, 58 ± 12 years), including 60 patients with STEMI and 30 patients with SIHD, were assessed within 24 h of admission, by measuring serum microRNAs, and serum MMP-1 and MMP-9. LV function was assessed by measuring ejection fraction (EF) by 2D and 3D echocardiography, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) by speckle tracking. Arterial function was assessed by echo tracking, CAVI, and peripheral Doppler. Circulating levels of miRNA146, miRNA21, and MMP1 were significantly increased in patients with STEMI vs. SIHD (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.04, respectively). MiRNA126 negatively correlated with LVEF (r = -0.33, p = 0.01) and LV deformation parameters (r = -0.31, p = 0.03) in patients with STEMI and negatively correlated with ABI parameters (r = -0.39, p = 0.03, r = -0.40, p = 0.03, respectively) in patients with SIHD. MiRNA146 did not have any significant correlations, while higher values of miRNA21 were associated with lower values of GLS in STEMI patients and with higher values of GLS in SIHD patients. Both MMP1 and MMP9 correlated negatively with LVEF (r = -0.27, p = 0.04, r = -0.40, p = 0.001, respectively) and GLS in patients with STEMI, and positively with arterial stiffness in patients with SIHD (r = 0.40 and r = 0.32, respectively; both p < 0.05). MiRNA126, miRNA21, and both MMP1 and MMP9 are associated with LV and arterial function parameters in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Meanwhile, they inversely correlate with arterial function in patients with chronic atherosclerotic disease. However, further studies are needed to establish whether these novel biomarkers have diagnosis and prognosis significance.

The Role of Circulating MicroRNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Novel Biomarker for Diagnosis and Potential Therapeutic Targets?

MicroRNAs, involved in a large variety of pathological conditions, tend to be potential specific biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, these short, non-coding RNAs, regulate post-transcriptional gene expression and protein synthesis, making them ideal for therapeutic targets. Down-regulation and up-regulation of specific microRNAs are currently studied as a novel approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as chronic and acute coronary syndromes, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and arrhythmia. MicroRNAs are interesting and attractive targets for cardiovascular-associated therapeutics because of their stability, tissue-specific expression pattern, and secretion of body fluids. Extended research on their isolation, detection, and function will provide the standardization needed for using microRNAs as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. This review will summarize recent data on the implication of microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases, their potential role as biomarkers for diagnosis, and also the challenges of using microRNAs as future therapeutic targets.

MicroRNA Expression in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Hypertension-A Systematic Review

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension significantly contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these conditions. This systematic review conducts a thorough analysis of the literature, with a specific focus on investigating miRNA expression patterns in patients with CAD and hypertension. This review encompasses an unspecified number of eligible studies that employed a variety of patient demographics and research methodologies, resulting in diverse miRNA expression profiles. This review highlights the complex involvement of miRNAs in CAD and hypertension and the potential for advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Future research endeavors are imperative to validate these findings and elucidate the precise roles of miRNAs in disease progression, offering promising avenues for innovative diagnostic tools and targeted interventions.

Circulating MiR-30b-5p is upregulated in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels affected by early myxomatous mitral valve disease

There is a growing interest in developing new molecular markers of heart disease in young dogs affected by myxomatous mitral valve disease. The study aimed to measure 3 circulating microRNAs and their application as potential biomarkers in the plasma of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with early asymptomatic myxomatous mitral valve disease. The hypothesis is that healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have different microRNA expression profiles than affected dogs in American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) stage B1. The profiles can differ within the same class among subjects of different ages. This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Thirty-three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in ACVIM stage B1 were divided into three groups (11 younger than 3 years, 11 older than 3 years and younger than 7 years, and 11 older than 7 years), and 11 healthy (ACVIM stage A) dogs of the same breed were included as the control group. Three circulating microRNAs (miR-1-3p, miR30b-5p, and miR-128-3p) were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using TaqMan® probes. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). MiR-30b-5p was significantly higher in ACVIM B1 dogs than in ACVIM A subjects, and the area under the receiver operating curve was 0.79. According to the age of dogs, the amount of miR-30b-5p was statistically significantly higher in group B1<3y (2.3 folds, P = 0.034), B1 3-7y (2.2 folds, P = 0.028), and B1>7y (2.7 folds, P = 0.018) than in group A. The area under the receiver operating curves were fair in discriminating between group B1<3y and group A (AUC 0.780), between B1 3-7y and A (AUC 0.78), and good in discriminating between group B1>7y and A (AUC 0.822). Identifying dogs with early asymptomatic myxomatous mitral valve disease through the evaluation of miR-30b-5p represents an intriguing possibility that certainly merits further research. Studies enrolling a larger number of dogs with preclinical stages of myxomatous mitral valve disease are needed to expand further and validate conclusively the preliminary findings from this report.

A meta-analysis of microRNA expression profiling studies in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a major consequence of many cardiovascular diseases with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and prevention are hampered by the lack of informative biomarkers. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the miRNA expression profiling studies in HF to identify novel candidate biomarkers or/and therapeutic targets. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed for miRNA expression studies related to HF was carried out. The vote counting and robust rank aggregation meta-analysis methods were used to identify significant meta-signatures of HF-miRs. The targets of HF-miRs were identified, and network construction and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to identify the genes and cognitive pathways most affected by the dysregulation of the miRNAs. The literature search identified forty-five miRNA expression studies related to CHF. Shared meta-signature was identified for 3 up-regulated (miR-21, miR-214, and miR-27b) and 13 down-regulated (miR-133a, miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-451, miR-185, miR-133b, miR-30e, miR-30b, miR-1, miR-150, miR-486, miR-149, and miR-16-5p) miRNAs. Network properties showed miR-29a, miR-21, miR-29b, miR-1, miR-16, miR-133a, and miR-133b have the most degree centrality. GESA identified functionally related sets of genes in signaling and community pathways in HF that are the targets of HF-miRs. The miRNA expression meta-analysis identified sixteen highly significant HF-miRs that are differentially expressed in HF. Further validation in large patient cohorts is required to confirm the significance of these miRs as HF biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Carvedilol Alters Circulating MiR-1 and MiR-214 in Heart Failure

Introduction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as major contributors in various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure (HF). These small noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally control target genes are involved in regulating different pathophysiological processes including cardiac proliferation, ifferentiation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Although carvedilol, a β-adrenergic blocker, and a drug of choice in HF produce cytoprotective actions against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we proposed that the expression of hypertrophic-specific miRNAs (miR-1, miR-133, miR-208, and miR-214) might be linked to beneficial effects of carvedilol.

Methods

The levels of four hypertrophic-specific miRNAs were measured in the sera of 35 patients with systolic HF receiving carvedilol (treated) and 20 HF patients not receiving any β-blockers (untreated) as well as 17 nonHF individuals (healthy) using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Systolic HF was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction <50% by transthoracic echocardiography.

Results

We demonstrated that miR-1 and miR-214 were significantly upregulated in the treated group compared to the untreated group (P=0.014 and 5.3-fold, 0.033 and 4.2-fold, respectively). However, miR-133 and miR-208 did not show significant difference in expression between these two study groups. MiR-1 was significantly downregulated in the untreated group compared with healthy individuals (P=0.019 and 0.14-fold).

Conclusion

In conclusion, it might be postulated that one of the mechanisms by which carvedilol may exert its cardioprotective effects can be through increasing miR-1 and miR-214 expressions which may also serve as a potential therapeutic target in patients with systolic HF in future.

Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin in the Regulation of MiR-148a-3p and Angiogenic Factors in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

The high mortality rate of breast cancer is related to the occurrence of metastasis, a process that is promoted by tumor angiogenesis. MicroRNAs are small molecules of noncoding mRNA that play a key role in gene regulation and are directly involved in the progression and angiogenesis of various tumor types, including breast cancer. Several miRNAs have been described as promoters or suppressors angiogenesis and may be associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Melatonin is an oncostatic agent with a capacity of modifying the expression of innumerable genes and miRNAs related to cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of melatonin and the tumor suppressor miR- 148a-3p on angiogenesis of breast cancer.

METHOD

MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with melatonin and modified with the overexpression of miR-148a-3p. The relative quantification in real-time of miR-148a-3p, IGF-IR and VEGF was performed by real-time PCR. The protein expression of these targets was performed by immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Survival, migration and invasion rates of tumor cells were evaluated. Finally, the xenograft model of breast cancer was performed to confirm the role of melatonin in the tumor.

RESULTS

The melatonin was able to increase the gene level of miR-148a-3p and decreased the gene and protein expression of IGF-1R and VEGF, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, it also had an inhibitory effect on the survival, migration and invasion of breast tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm the role of melatonin in the regulation of miR-148a-3p and decrease of angiogenic factors.

Noncoding RNAs in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: A Review of Recent Studies

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common heart valve disorder in human populations. Nevertheless, there are presently no effective means for its prevention and treatment. It is therefore critical to comprehensively define key mechanisms of the disease. A major focus of cardiovascular research has been characterization of how regulation of gene expression maintains healthy physiologic status of the component tissues of the system and how derangements of gene regulation may become pathological. Recently, substantial evidence has emerged that noncoding RNAs, which are an enormous and versatile class of regulatory elements, such as microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, have roles in onset and prognosis of CAVD. Authors of the present report have therefore here provided a summary of the current understanding of contributions made by noncoding RNAs major features of CAVD. It is anticipated that this article will serve as a valuable guide to research strategy in this field and may additionally provide both researchers and clinicians with an expanded range of CAVD-associated biomarkers.

Circulating miRNA-126, -145 and -155 levels in Mexican women exposed to inorganic arsenic via drinking water

The aim of this research was to investigate circulating expression levels of three miRNAs (miR-126, miR-155, and miR-145) proposed as predictive CVD biomarkers in Mexican women exposed to inorganic arsenic via drinking water. Mean UAs concentration of 19.5 ± 14.0 μg/g creatinine was found after urine samples were analyzed (n = 105). Significant associations between UAs levels and serum expression levels of miR-155 (p < 0.05) and miR-126 (p < 0.05) were observed after adjustment for assessed co-variables. Alterations in the serum expression levels of miR-155 and miR-126 may be associated with the onset and development of cardiovascular diseases, hence miRNAs could be proposed as prognostic CVD biomarkers. Data found in this study are of concern and risk reduction plans are necessary for the assessed communities to prevent cardiovascular events in this population of women.

Melatonin Inhibits the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through MicroRNA Let7i-3p Mediated RAF1 Reduction

Melatonin is the main pineal hormone that relays light/dark-cycle information to the circadian system. Recent studies have examined the intrinsic antitumor activity of melatonin in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary life-threatening malignancy in both sexes in Taiwan. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms underlying melatonin’s anti-HCC activity remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which the anti-HCC activity of melatonin is regulated. Human hepatoma cell lines were treated with 1 and 2 mM melatonin, and functional assays were used to dissect melatonin’s antitumor effect in HCC; small-RNA sequencing was performed to identify the microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the anti-HCC activity of melatonin; and quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to elucidate how miRNAs regulate melatonin-mediated HCC suppression. Melatonin treatment at both doses strongly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines, and melatonin treatment markedly induced the expression of the miRNA let7i-3p in cells. Notably, transfection of cells with a let7i-3p mimic drastically reduced RAF1 expression and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling downstream from RAF1, and rescue-assay results demonstrated that melatonin inhibited HCC progression by modulating let7i-3p-mediated RAF1 suppression. Our findings support the view that melatonin treatment holds considerable promise as a therapy for HCC.

Significance of non-coding circular RNAs and micro RNAs in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases

Heart failure, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction are the most prominent cardiovascular diseases contributing significantly to death worldwide. In the majority of situations, except for surgical interventions and transplantation, there are no reliable therapeutic approaches available to address these health problem. Despite several advances that led to the development of biomarkers and therapies based on the renin–angiotensin system, adrenergic pathways, etc, more definitive and consistent biomarkers and specific target based molecular therapies are still being sought. Recent advances in the field of genomic research has helped in identifying non-coding RNAs, including circular RNAs, piRNAs, micro RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs, that play a significant role in the regulation of gene expression and function and have direct impact on pathophysiological mechanisms. This new knowledge is currently being explored with much hope for the development of novel treatments and biomarkers. Circular RNAs and micro RNAs have been described in myocardium and aortic valves and were shown to be involved in the regulation of pathophysiological processes that potentially contribute to cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 32 000 human exonic circular RNAs have been catalogued and their functions are still being ascertained. In the heart, circular RNAs were shown to bind micro RNAs in a specific manner and regulate the expression of transcription factors and stress response genes, and expression of these non-coding RNAs were found to change in conditions such as cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure and cardiac remodelling, reflecting their significance as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this review, we address the present state of understanding on the biogenesis, regulation and pathophysiological roles of micro and circular RNAs in cardiovascular diseases, and on the potential future perspectives on their use as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling Through β-Arrestin-Dependent Mechanisms

β-arrestin1 (or arrestin2) and β-arrestin2 (or arrestin3) are ubiquitously expressed cytosolic adaptor proteins that were originally discovered for their inhibitory role in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling through heterotrimeric G proteins. However, further biochemical characterization revealed that β-arrestins do not just "block" the activated GPCRs, but trigger endocytosis and kinase activation leading to specific signaling pathways that can be localized on endosomes. The signaling pathways initiated by β-arrestins were also found to be independent of G protein activation by GPCRs. The discovery of ligands that blocked G protein activation but promoted β-arrestin binding, or vice-versa, suggested the exciting possibility of selectively activating intracellular signaling pathways. In addition, it is becoming increasingly evident that β-arrestin-dependent signaling is extremely diverse and provokes distinct cellular responses through different GPCRs even when the same effector kinase is involved. In this review, we summarize various signaling pathways mediated by β-arrestins and highlight the physiologic effects of β-arrestin-dependent signaling.