Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Circulating Cell and Plasma microRNA Profiles Differ between Non-ST-Segment and ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial
Jeanine A Ward1, Nada Esa2, Rahul Pidikiti2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
Investigating microRNA (miRNA) profiles in blood subcomponents of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients revealed distinct patterns in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) versus non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). These cell-specific miRNA signatures offer insights into myocardial ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves differences in plasma and whole blood microRNA (miRNA) expression.
- Most circulating miRNAs are in blood cells, but profiles in plasma, platelets, and leukocytes during myocardial ischemia are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cell-specific miRNA profiles in whole blood subcomponents of patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
- To understand the distribution of miRNAs in plasma, platelets, and leukocytes in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed miRNA expression in 343 miRNAs from whole blood, plasma, platelets, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 13 STEMI/NSTEMI patients.
- Utilized high-throughput quantitative Real-Time polymerase-chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on arterial blood samples collected during cardiac catheterization.
Main Results:
- Identified specific miRNAs (miR-25-3p, miR-221-3p, miR-374b-5p) associated with STEMI compared to NSTEMI.
- Found miRNA 30d-5p in plasma, platelets, and leukocytes for both STEMI and NSTEMI patients.
- Observed miRNAs 221-3p and 483-5p correlated with plasma and platelets exclusively in NSTEMI patients.
Conclusions:
- Cell-specific miRNA profiles distinguish between STEMI and NSTEMI patients.
- The distribution of miRNAs within plasma, platelets, and leukocytes is unique in patients with ischemic heart disease or ACS.
- Circulating subcomponent miRNA profiles are unique in patients presenting with myocardial ischemia.
More Related Videos
09:48Fast and Simplified Method for High Through-put Isolation of miRNA from Highly Purified High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: July 27, 2016
05:54Preparation of a Non-Cardiomyocyte Cell Suspension for Single-Cell RNA Sequencing from a Post-Myocardial Infarction Adult Mouse Heart
Published on: February 3, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
MicroRNAs