microRNAs in cardiovascular disease - clinical application

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key gene expression regulators with established roles in cellular function.
• Circulating miRNAs are increasingly recognized for their potential as non-invasive biomarkers in various diseases.
• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) present a significant global health burden, necessitating improved diagnostic and prognostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical applicability of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers in diverse cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
• To highlight the diagnostic and prognostic power of miRNAs in conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), and acute pulmonary embolism (APE).
• To explore the potential of miRNA signatures and therapeutic applications of miRNAs in CVD management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating circulating miRNAs in cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of miRNA expression profiles and their correlation with disease states.
• Evaluation of miRNA signatures for diagnostic and prognostic accuracy compared to established biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Circulating miRNAs demonstrate strong diagnostic and prognostic capabilities across various CVDs, comparable to protein-based biomarkers like cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides.
• MiRNAs show particular promise in CVDs lacking specific protein biomarkers, such as atrial fibrillation and acute pulmonary embolism.
• MiRNA signatures (panels of multiple miRNAs) achieve high sensitivity and specificity for CVD detection and risk stratification.
• Early investigations into miRNA-based therapeutics for CVD have yielded promising outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Circulating miRNAs represent a versatile and powerful class of biomarkers for a wide spectrum of cardiovascular diseases.
• The clinical utility of miRNAs extends to diagnosis, prognosis, and potentially therapeutic interventions in CVD.
• Further research into miRNA signatures and therapeutic applications could revolutionize cardiovascular medicine.