The association between circulating microRNA levels and coronary endothelial function

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• Human microRNAs (miRs) regulate gene expression and are linked to various diseases.
• The role of miRs in the early stages of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary endothelial dysfunction (CED) remains largely unknown.
• Investigating transcoronary miR gradients may offer insights into early cardiovascular disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if patients with early atherosclerosis and CED exhibit altered transcoronary microRNA gradients.
• To test the hypothesis that microvascular CED is associated with specific changes in circulating miRs across the coronary vasculature.

Main Methods:

• Coronary angiography and endothelial function testing were performed on patients.
• Patients were categorized into groups with normal and abnormal microvascular endothelial function based on acetylcholine infusion response.
• Blood samples were collected simultaneously from the aorta and coronary sinus for microRNA analysis.

Main Results:

• Patients with microvascular CED showed significantly elevated transcoronary gradients for miR-92a and miR-133.
• A significant inverse correlation was observed between the percent change in coronary blood flow (CBF) and the transcoronary gradient of miR-133.
• No significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Selected microRNAs, specifically miR-92a and miR-133, demonstrate elevated transcoronary gradients in patients with microvascular coronary endothelial dysfunction.
• These findings highlight a potential role for specific miRs in the early pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis.
• Further investigation into the mechanistic involvement of miRs in human coronary atherosclerosis is warranted.