Role of microRNAs in the Development of Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Autoimmune Disorders

Circulatory microRNAs and proinflammatory cytokines as predictors of lupus nephritis

Introduction

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most prevalent severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), impacting 70% of SLE patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small non-coding RNA molecules which influence the expression of approximately one-third of human genes after the process of transcription. Dysregulation of miRNAs was documented in numerous disorders, including SLE and LN. Cytokines are the orchestrators of the immune response in autoimmune diseases. Our study aims to explore the variation in the levels of circulating miRNAs and proinflammatory cytokines as potential diagnostic biomarkers among LN and SLE patients without LN in comparison to controls.

Methods

The study involved 20 LN patients, 20 SLE patients without LN, and 10 healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-12 and IL-21 in addition to miR-124, miR-146a, miR-199a, and miR-21 were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cytokines and quantitative real-time PCR for miRNAs.

Results

A significant downregulation in miR-124 (p<0.001) and a significant overexpression of miR-146a (p=0.005) were found in SLE patients without LN in comparison to controls. In comparison to SLE patients without LN and the control group, miR-199a, miR-21, and miR-146a were significantly upregulated in LN patients (p=<0.001) with high diagnostic values of these miRNAs in discriminating LN from SLE patients without LN according to Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only miR-199a is an independent predictor of LN (OR 1.69; 95% CI: 1.1-2.6). The expression of miR-124 was reduced in LN patients in comparison to the control but increased in LN patients in comparison to SLE patients without LN. However, there was no statistically significant difference in either scenario. In comparison to both SLE patients without LN and controls, LN patients exhibited the highest serum levels of IL-12 and IL-21, with no statistically significant difference. Regression analysis revealed that only miR-146a was associated with creatinine levels and SLEDAI score (p= 0.009 and 0.03, respectively), while miR-124 was associated with hemoglobin level (p=0.03).

Conclusion

MiR-199a is an independent predictor for LN and might be used as a diagnostic biomarker for this disease. MiR-146a might play an important role in LN pathophysiology.

Molecular Morbidity Score-Can MicroRNAs Assess the Burden of Disease?

Multimorbidity refers to the presence of two or more chronic diseases and is associated with adverse outcomes for patients. Factors such as an ageing population have contributed to a rise in prevalence of multimorbidity globally; however, multimorbidity is often neglected in clinical guidelines. This is largely because patients with multimorbidity are systematically excluded from clinical trials. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to develop novel biomarkers and methods of prognostication for this cohort of patients. The hallmarks of ageing are now thought to potentiate the pathogenesis of multimorbidity. MicroRNAs are small, regulatory, noncoding RNAs which have been implicated in the pathogenesis and prognostication of numerous chronic diseases; there is a substantial body of evidence now implicating microRNA dysregulation with the different hallmarks of ageing in the aetiology of chronic diseases. This article proposes using the hallmarks of ageing as a framework to develop a panel of microRNAs to assess the prognostic burden of multimorbidity. This putative molecular morbidity score would have many potential applications, including assessing the efficacy of clinical interventions, informing clinical decision making and facilitating wider inclusion of patients with multimorbidity in clinical trials.

Discovery of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of chronic Chagas heart disease via a small RNA-Seq approach

Chagas disease affects approximately 7 million people worldwide in Latin America and is a neglected tropical disease. Twenty to thirty percent of chronically infected patients develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy decades after acute infection. Identifying biomarkers of Chagas disease progression is necessary to develop better therapeutic and preventive strategies. Circulating microRNAs are increasingly reliable biomarkers of disease and therapeutic targets. To identify new circulating microRNAs for Chagas disease, we performed exploratory small RNA sequencing from the plasma of patients and performed de novo miRNA prediction, identifying potential new microRNAs. The levels of the new microRNAs temporarily named miR-Contig-1519 and miR-Contig-3244 and microRNAs that are biomarkers for nonchagasic cardiomyopathies, such as miR-148a-3p and miR-224-5p, were validated by quantitative reverse transcription. We found a specific circulating microRNA signature defined by low miR-Contig-3244, miR-Contig-1519, and miR-148a-3 levels but high miR-224-5p levels for patients with chronic Chagas disease. Finally, we predicted in silico that these altered circulating microRNAs could affect the expression of target genes involved in different cellular pathways and biological processes, which we will explore in the future.

Inflammation and cardiometabolic diseases induced by persistent organic pollutants and nutritional interventions: Effects of multi-organ interactions

The development and outcome of inflammatory diseases are associated with genetic and lifestyle factors, which include chemical and nonchemical stressors. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are major groups of chemical stressors. For example, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are closely associated with the incidence of inflammatory diseases. The pathology of environmental chemical-mediated inflammatory diseases is complex and may involve disturbances in multiple organs, including the gut, liver, brain, vascular tissues, and immune systems. Recent studies suggested that diet-derived nutrients (e.g., phytochemicals, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers) could modulate environmental insults and affect disease development, progression, and outcome. In this article, mechanisms of environmental pollutant-induced inflammation and cardiometabolic diseases are reviewed, focusing on multi-organ interplays and highlighting recent advances in nutritional strategies to improve the outcome of cardiometabolic diseases associated with environmental exposures. In addition, advanced system biology approaches are discussed, which present unique opportunities to unveil the complex interactions among multiple organs and to fuel the development of precision intervention strategies in exposed individuals.

MicroRNA as a potential biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus: pathogenesis and targeted therapy

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with hyperactive innate and adaptive immune systems that cause dermatological, cardiovascular, renal, and neuropsychiatric problems in patients. SLE's multifactorial nature and complex pathogenesis present significant challenges in its clinical classification. In addition, unpredictable treatment responses in patients emphasize the need for highly specific and sensitive SLE biomarkers that can assist in understanding the exact pathogenesis and, thereby, lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Recent studies on microRNA (miRNA), a non-coding region involved in the regulation of gene expression, indicate its importance in the development of the immune system and thus in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune disorders such as SLE. miRNAs are fascinating biomarker prospects for SLE categorization and disease monitoring owing to their small size and high stability. In this paper, we have discussed the involvement of a wide range of miRNAs in the regulation of SLE inflammation and how their modulation can be a potential therapeutic approach.

MicroRNAs in autoimmune thyroid diseases and their role as biomarkers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. They are emerging as potential biomarkers and as therapeutic targets for several diseases including autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). They control a wide range of biological phenomena, including immune activation, apoptosis, differentiation and development, proliferation and metabolism. This function makes miRNAs attractive as disease biomarker candidates or even as therapeutic agents. Because of their stability and reproducibility circulating miRNAs have been an interesting area of research in many diseases, and studies describing their role in the immune response and in autoimmune diseases have progressively developed. The mechanisms underlying AITD remain elusive. AITD pathogenesis is characterized by a multifactorial interplay based on the synergy between susceptibility genes and environmental stimulation, together with epigenetic modulation. Understanding the regulatory role of miRNAs could lead to identify potential susceptibility pathways, diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this disease. Herein we update our present knowledge on the role of microRNAs in AITD and discuss on their importance as possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in the most prevalent AITDs: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), Graves' disease (GD) and Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO). This review provides an overview of the state of the art in the pathological roles of microRNAs as well as in possible novel miRNA-based therapeutic approaches in AITD.

Downregulation of miR-137 Facilitates CD4+ T Cell Pyroptosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus via Stimulating AMPK Pathway

Objective

From the pathogenic mechanism point of view, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) features prominently in T lymphocyte apoptosis. Yet the regulatory mechanism underlying SLE cell apoptosis remains to be explored. This research intends to clarify the role played by miR-137 in SLE and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Twenty SLE patients (SLE group) and twenty healthy controls (control group) were selected, from whom peripheral blood CD4+ T cells were isolated via magnetic-activated cell sorting. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) quantified miR-137 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in CD4+ T cells. Further, transfection of miR-137 mimics and inhibitors into CD4+ T cells was carried out to alter miR levels. Levels of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and inflammatory- and pyroptosis-related proteins were determined through PI staining, flow cytometry, and Western blotting, respectively. A luciferase reporter gene assay identified the targeting relation between miR-137 and AMPK.

Results

SLE patients showed downregulated miR-137 and upregulated AMPK in CD4+ T cells than controls. miR-137 upregulation by miR-137 mimic transfection inhibited Jurkat cell pyroptosis and apoptosis at both mRNA and protein levels and suppressed NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity and pyroptosis-related protein gasdermin D (GSDMD), while miR-137 inhibitor transfection contributed to completely opposite effects. miR-137 directly targeted AMPK, as indicated by the luciferase reporter gene assay. Furthermore, miR-137 inhibitor intervention induced healthy CD4+ T cell pyroptosis and apoptosis via mediating AMPK, whereas miR-137 mimic transfection into CD4+ T cells of SLE patients leads to opposite results.

Conclusion

Upregulating miR-137 inhibits CD4+ T cell pyroptosis in SLE patients by modulating the AMPK pathway, suggesting the potential diagnostic and therapeutic role of miR-137 in SLE.

Monocyte-Derived miRNA-1914-5p Attenuates IL-1β-Induced Monocyte Adhesion and Transmigration

Atherosclerosis can lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Atherosclerotic plaque formation is promoted by the accumulation of inflammatory cells. Therefore, modulating monocyte recruitment represents a potential therapeutic strategy. In an inflammatory state, the expression of adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is upregulated in endothelial cells. We previously reported that miR-1914-5p in endothelial cells suppresses interleukin (IL)-1β-induced ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. However, whether monocyte miR-1914-5p affects monocyte recruitment is unclear. In this study, IL-1β decreased miR-1914-5p expression in a human monocyte cell line. Moreover, miR-1914-5p inhibition enhanced adhesion to endothelial cells with the upregulation of macrophage-1 antigen (Mac-1), a counter-ligand to ICAM-1. Transmigration through the endothelial layer was also promoted with the upregulation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). Furthermore, a miR-1914-5p mimic suppressed IL-1β-induced monocyte adhesion and transmigration in monocytes with Mac-1 and MCP-1 downregulation. Further investigation of miR-1914-5p in monocytes could lead to the development of novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.

Integrative Expression, Survival Analysis and Cellular miR-2909 Molecular Interplay in MRN Complex Check Point Sensor Genes (MRN-CSG) Involved in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer, an emerging global challenge, is evidenced by recent studies of miRNAs involvement in DNA repair gene variants (MRE11, RAD50, and NBN as checkpoint sensor genes (CSG) - MRN-CSG). The identification of various mutations in MRN-CSG and their interactions with miRNAs is still not understood. The emerging studies of miR-2909 involvement in other cancers led us to explore its role as molecular mechanistic marker in breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The genomic and proteomic data of MRN-CSG of breast cancer patients (8426 samples) was evaluated to identify the mutation types linked with the patient's survival rate. Additionally, molecular, 3D-structural and functional analysis was performed to identify miR-2909 as regulator of MRN-CSG.

RESULTS

The genomic and proteomic data analysis shows genetic alterations with majority of missense mutations [RAD50 (0.7%), MRE11 (1.5%), and NBN (11%)], though with highest MRE11 mRNA expression in invasive ductal breast carcinoma as compared to other breast cancer types. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves suggest higher survival rate for unaltered groups as compared to the altered group. Network analysis and disease association of miR-2909 and MRN-CSG shows strong interactions with other partners. The molecular hybridization between miR-2909-RAD50 and miR-2909-MRE11 complexes showed thermodynamically stable structures. Further, argonaute protein, involved in RNA silencing, docking studies with miR-MRE11-mRNA and miR-RAD50-mRNA hybridized complexes showed strong binding affinity.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that miR-2909 forms strong thermodynamically stable molecular hybridized complexes with MRE11 and RAD50 mRNAs which further strongly interacts with argonaute protein to show potential molecular mechanistic role in breast cancer.

[Expression of miR-342-3p in rheumatoid arthritis patients and its effect on synovial fibroblast inflammation and migration]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression level of miR-342-3p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its effect on inflammatory response and migration of synovial fibroblasts in RA (RA-FLS).

METHODS

PBMCs were collected from 30 healthy individuals and 50 RA patients for detecting the expression of miR-342-3p, and its correlation with the clinical indicators RF, ESR, anti-CCP, hs-CRP, C3, DAS-28, SAS, and SDS was analyzed. In RA-FLS cultures, the effect of transfection of miR-342-3p mimics and inhibitor on TNF-α-induced inflammatory response of the cells was evaluated by detecting the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α using ELISA. CCK8 assay and Transwell assay were used for detecting the changes in cell viability and migration ability of the synovial cells.

RESULTS

In RA patients, the expression level of miR-342-3p was significantly lowered in the PBMCs (P < 0.05) with an area under the ROC curve of 97.53% and showed inverse correlations with RF (r=-0.321), ESR(r=-0.284), anti-CCP (r=-0.355), hs-CRP (r=-0.320), C3 (r=-0.294), DAS-28 (r=-0.395), SAS (r=-0.366), and SDS (r=-0.397) (all P < 0.05); a low expression of miR-342-3p was strongly associated with elevated levels of anti-CCP, DAS-28, SDS, and SAS (all with a rule support greater than 85%, confidence greater than 88%, and lift greater than 1). In cultured RA-FLS, TNF-α stimulation significantly increased the cell viability (P < 0.05), upregulated the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and lowered the expression of IL-10 (P < 0.05). These changes were significantly suppressed by transfection of the cells with miR-342-3p mimics (P < 0.05) but enhanced by transfection with miR-342-3p inhibitor (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The expression of miR-342-3p is decreased in the PBMCs of RA patients. A lowered expression of miR-342-3p contributes to the pathogenesis of RA by promoting inflammatory responses and migration of RA-FLS.

Young mother with lupus and life-altering cardiocerebrovascular nightmare: a case report

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects women and increases their cardiovascular disease risk up to three-fold. Young women with SLE face various challenges and gender-specific issues, especially concerning pregnancy.

Case summary

A female patient, 37 years old, married with two children, hospitalized for SLE, consulted for chest pain, shortness of breath, and dry cough. She quit her medication in the past 7 years prior to her admission in the hope of conceiving. Physical examinations showed signs of heart failure. Electrocardiogram revealed recent myocardial infarction. She had increased hs-Troponin T 180.3 pg/mL and NTproBNP 13 419 ng/L. An echocardiogram demonstrated a low ejection fraction at 30.4%, left ventricle thrombus, and wall motion abnormalities. The angiogram showed severe coronary artery disease. Her condition was then complicated by embolic stroke and recurrent bleeding from anticoagulant subcutaneous punctured sites.

Discussion

Patients with SLE are prone to hypercoagulability and accelerated atherosclerosis, which may lead to pre-mature mortality. In this case, balancing risk for bleeding vs. ischaemia is a see-saw decision. The current risk scores do not cater specifically to this population, but the existing ones suggest this patient will have an equally undesired outcome. Hence, a multi-disciplinary team discussion was needed. Considering the immense risk of any intervention at the time, the decision was to administer a conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Recognizing and anticipating gender-specific issues in managing patients with SLE are keys to preventing catastrophic complications. Multi-disciplinary team involvement is critical in dealing with complex cases.

Regulatory Non-Coding RNAs in Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Theranostic Applications

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common monogenic disease which is associated with high serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and leads to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early diagnosis and effective treatment strategy can significantly improve prognosis. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and innovative targets for therapeutics. Non-coding RNAs have essential roles in the regulation of LDL-C homeostasis, suggesting that manipulation and regulating ncRNAs could be a promising theranostic approach to ameliorate clinical complications of FH, particularly cardiovascular disease. In this review, we briefly discussed the mechanisms and pathophysiology of FH and novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of FH. Moreover, the theranostic effects of different non-coding RNAs for the treatment and diagnosis of FH were highlighted. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of ncRNA-based therapies vs. conventional therapies were discussed.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in Cardiovascular Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): What Is New?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is among the most prevalent and impactful rheumatologic chronic autoimmune diseases (AIDs) worldwide. Within a framework that recognizes both immunological activation and inflammatory pathways, the exact cause of RA remains unclear. It seems however, that RA is initiated by a combination between genetic susceptibility, and environmental triggers, which result in an auto-perpetuating process. The subsequently, systemic inflammation associated with RA is linked with a variety of extra-articular comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), resulting in increased mortality and morbidity. Hitherto, vast evidence demonstrated the key role of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) in RA, and in RA-CVD related complications. In this descriptive review, we aim to highlight the specific role of miRNAs in autoimmune processes, explicitly on their regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of RA, and its CV consequences, their main role as novel biomarkers, and their possible role as therapeutic targets.

Promising Roles of Exosomal microRNAs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease characterized by the loss of immune tolerance. Lupus nephritis (LN) is still a major cause of the morbidity and mortality of SLE. In clinical practice, diagnosis, and therapy of SLE is complicated and challenging due to lack of ideal biomarkers. Exosomes could be detected from numerous kinds of biological fluids and their specific contents are considered as hallmarks of autoimmune diseases. The exosomal miRNA profiles of SLE/LN patients significantly differ from those of the healthy controls making them as attractive biomarkers for renal injury. Exosomes are considered as optimal delivery vehicles owing to their higher stable, minimal toxicity, lower immunogenicity features and specific target effects. Endogenous miRNAs can be functionally transferred by exosomes from donor cells to recipient cells, displaying their immunomodulatory effects. In addition, it has been confirmed that exosomal miRNAs could directly interact with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathways to regulate NF-κB activation and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The present Review mainly focuses on the immunomodulatory effects of exosomal-miRNAs, the complex interplay between exosomes, miRNAs and TLR signaling pathways, and how the exosomal-miRNAs can become non-invasive diagnostic molecules and potential therapeutic strategies for the management of SLE.

MicroRNA-4423-3p inhibits proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes by targeting matrix metalloproteinase 13 in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that is increasing in incidence worldwide. RA is regulated by a variety of microRNAs (miRNAs/miR). Moreover, analysis of public data has revealed that miR-4423-3p is significantly downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of RA patients. This study investigated the role of miR-4423-3p in RA. The levels of miR-4423-3p and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) in RA patients and the regulatory relationship between miR-4423-3p and MMP13 were analyzed using public data. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify that miR-4423-3p targets MMP13 in human fibroblast-like synoviocyte (HFLS) RA cells (HFLS-RA). Following the overexpression of miR-4423-3p, miR-4423-3p inhibitor, and MMP13 in HFLS-RA, viability, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and invasion/migration assays were used to detect the effects of miR-4423-3p targeting MMP13 on cell biological processes. The results revealed that miR-4423-3p was downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of RA patients and MMP13 was upregulated in synovial tissue of RA patients. miR-4423-3p targets the 3' untranslated region of MMP13 and downregulates MMP13 expression. After overexpression of miR-4423-3p, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were inhibited, the cell cycle was prevented and cell apoptosis was promoted. Overexpression of MMP13 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while accelerating the cell cycle process and suppressing apoptosis. The findings indicate that in HFLS-RA cells, overexpression of miR-4423-3p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis by negatively regulating MMP13. The overexpression of miR-4423-3p might be a novel strategy for the treatment of RA.

Analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression in the dysregulation of insulin secretion in MIN6 cells exposed to microcystin-leucine-arginine

Microcystin -leucine-arginine (MC-LR), produced by freshwater cyanobacteria, is a potential pancreatic β-cell toxin. In this study, the function of the mouse pancreatic β-cell line, MIN6, was evaluated after MC-LR exposure, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored. Exposure to MC-LR for 24 h was found to inhibit cell viability and impair insulin secretion. Such findings indicate that β-cell function would be impaired following MC-LR treatment. The microarray results revealed altered miRNA and mRNA expression profiles that might be responsible for the abnormal function of MIN6 cells. Further, miRNA-gene network analysis demonstrated that miR-29b-3p, miR-6967-5p, miR-3473, miR-7061-5p, Xkr4, Tmem178b, Scp2, Ypel2, and Kcnj11 are key miRNAs and genes in the MC-LR-induced MIN6-cell toxicity. The altered expression levels of several miRNAs (e.g., miR-320-5p, miR-770-5p, miR-99a-3p, and miR-375-5p) and genes (e.g., Pklr and Gpd2) involved in insulin secretion or the onset of diabetes were also identified in MIN6 cells after treatment with MC-LR. Collectively, these findings provide evidence of the toxic effects of MC-LR on β-cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms of its glycometabolism toxicity. MCs may thus possibly play an important role in the development of diabetes mellitus in humans.

Unraveling the Association Between Myocardial Infarction of Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries and Antiphospholipid Syndrome

The term "myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA)" refers to a condition characterized by clinical signs and symptoms consistent with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (as defined by the third universal definition of infarction) and coronary arteries that are angiographically normal or nearly normal. A prominent source of morbidity and mortality in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is thrombotic events. To evaluate whether there is a relation between APS and MINOCA in this research, we did an extensive assessment of the existing research in this field. According to the data, APS was associated with microvascular thrombosis, aberrant lipid metabolism, hypertension, and abnormalities of the coagulation cascade, among other conditions. Based on the available data, we discovered evidence that suggests a relationship between MINOCA and APS patients. It is vital to raise awareness of this concern among the general public. Also required is the development and implementation of diagnostic and targeted treatment guidelines for patients with APS and MINOCA.

Upregulation of MicroRNA-937 Predicts a Poor Prognosis and Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high dead rate partly due to late diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of miR-937 in HCC and its role in the HCC progression. HCC tissue and adjacent non-cancerous tissues (NCT) (n = 125) were detected about the expression level of miR-937 via real-time quantitative PCR. The relationship between miR-937 expression and each important clinical characteristic was evaluated. And the prognostic significance of miR-937 was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were conducted to observe the effects of miR-937 on HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The miR-937 expression was upregulated in HCC tissues, as well as in HCC cell lines. The upregulation of miR-937 showed a significant association with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. Upregulation of miR-937 predicted poor prognosis of HCC patients. Overexpression of miR-937 promoted HCC cell ability of proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, while knockdown of miR-937 inhibited these cellular behaviors. miR-937 expression was upregulated in HCC and may serve as a promising prognostic factor and treated target for HCC patients. miR-937 might exert a promoter role in HCC through accelerated tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Interleukin-1β enhances cell adhesion in human endothelial cells via microRNA-1914-5p suppression

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and the underlying cause of most cardiovascular diseases. Interleukin (IL)-1β facilitates early atherogenic lesion formation by increasing monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells via upregulation of adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be associated with inflammatory conditions in the vascular system. The expression of circulating miR-1914-5p is reportedly downregulated in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of miR-1914-5p downregulation in IL-1β-induced endothelial cell dysfunction and the effect of miR-1914-5p on lesion formation remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether miR-1914-5p is associated with monocyte adhesion in human endothelial cells. IL-1β decreased miR-1914-5p expression in EA.hy926 cells. In addition, miR-1914-5p depletion enhanced ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion in EA.hy926 cells. Moreover, miR-1914-5p mimic suppressed monocyte adhesion and ICAM-1 expression induced by IL-1β in endothelial cells. These results suggest that suppression of miR-1914-5p expression by IL-1β may be an important regulator in mediating monocyte adhesion in endothelial cells. Further investigation of miR-1914-5p may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.

Plasma miRNAs improve the prediction of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are disease biomarkers. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have accelerated atherosclerosis leading to excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but traditional risk factors for cardiovascular risk stratification are inadequate. In the general population, miRNAs improve cardiovascular risk estimation beyond traditional risk factors. Our objective was to develop a miRNA panel that predicts coronary atherosclerosis in RA patients.

METHODS

Plasma small RNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on 161 RA patients whose Agatston scores for coronary artery calcium were previously measured. Random forest analysis of plasma NGS miRNA expression was used to determine which miRNAs best differentiated between those patients with and without coronary artery calcium. Top predictive miRNAs were assayed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Elastic net regression was used to develop the most parsimonious models with qPCR-measured miRNA concentrations and clinical variables (age, sex, ACC/AHA 10-year risk score, DAS28 score, and diabetes) separately to predict the presence of coronary artery calcium and high coronary artery calcium. C-statistics were used to assess performance model performance.

RESULTS

The top miRNAs which differentiated those with and without coronary atherosclerosis based on random forest analysis included let-7c-5p, miR-30e-5p, miR-30c-5p, miR-4446-3p, miR-126-5p, miR-3168, miR-425-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-30a-5p, and miR-125a-5p. For coronary artery calcium prediction, addition of all miRNAs except miR-126-3p to clinical factors improved the c-statistic modestly from 0.86 to 0.87. For high coronary artery calcium prediction, addition of all miRNAs except miR-30c-5p to clinical factors improved the c-statistic from 0.75 to 0.80.

CONCLUSION

A plasma miRNA panel improved the prediction of high coronary artery calcium beyond traditional risk factors and RA disease activity. Further evaluation of the miRNA panel for prediction of coronary events in RA is necessary. Key Point • A plasma microRNA panel including let-7c-5p, miR-30a-5p, miR-30e-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-126-5p, miR-425-5p, miR-3168, and miR-4446-3p improved the prediction of high coronary artery calcium beyond clinical factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.