MicroRNA-1185 Promotes Arterial Stiffness though Modulating VCAM-1 and E-Selectin Expression

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Molecular Biology
• Biomedical Science

Background:

• Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular events, is characterized by arterial stiffness.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as key regulators in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
• The specific role of miRNAs associated with arterial stiffness in atherosclerosis remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between circulating miR-1185 levels and arterial stiffness.
• To explore the relationship between miR-1185, adhesion molecules, and arterial stiffness.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which miR-1185 influences arterial stiffness.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 406 participants from Northern China was analyzed.
• Circulating miR-1185 and adhesion molecule levels were quantified.
• Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were employed to assess associations and mediating effects.
• In vitro experiments using human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were conducted to examine miR-1185's functional impact.

Main Results:

• miR-1185 levels showed an independent correlation with arterial stiffness.
• A positive association was found between miR-1185 and levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin.
• VCAM-1 and E-selectin were identified as partial mediators in the relationship between miR-1185 and arterial stiffness.
• In vitro studies confirmed that miR-1185 upregulates VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression, leading to arterial stiffening.

Conclusions:

• miR-1185 promotes arterial stiffening by modulating VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression.
• These findings highlight miR-1185's significant role in atherosclerosis development.
• miR-1185 emerges as a potential novel therapeutic target for managing atherosclerosis.