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Published on: August 16, 2019
MiRNA Expression Profile of the Myocardial Tissue of Pigs with Coronary Microembolization
Qiang Su1,2, Lang Li1, Jinmin Zhao3,2
1Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
Background/Aims:
Coronary microembolization (CME) is a serious complication of coronary heart disease and is considered as a strong predictor of poor long-term prognosis and major cardiac adverse events. Here, we identified differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in the myocardial tissue of CME pigs, and predicted and analyzed the possible functions of their target genes.
Methods:
Twelve Bama mini-pigs were randomly assigned to the sham and CME group (n = 6 in each group). The two groups were compared with regard to heart function, area of infarction, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and myocardial expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Further, miRNA chip analysis was used to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs, and the results were validated by real-time PCR. Bioinformatics methods were used to predict and analyze the functions of the target genes of the identified miRNAs.
Results:
The model CME pigs showed significantly increased expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as micro-infarction lesions and cell apoptosis in the myocardial tissue. Thus, the model was established successfully. In the myocardial tissue of the CME pigs, the expression of ssc-miR-92b-5p, ssc-miR-491, ssc-miR-874, ssc-miR-425-3p, ssc-miR-376a-5p, ssc-miR-370, ssc-miR-30c-3p, ssc-miR-493-5p and ssc-miR-323 was significantly increased, whereas the expression of ssc-miR-136 and ssc-miR-142-3p was significantly decreased. GO and KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the target genes of these miRNAs are mainly associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Conclusion:
The differentially expressed miRNAs identified in the myocardial tissue of CME pigs could be new biomarkers or potential treatment targets for CME.
Insights
Coronary microembolization (CME) in pigs alters microRNA (miRNA) expression in heart tissue. These specific miRNAs and their target genes are linked to inflammation and cell death, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Coronary microembolization (CME) is a significant complication of coronary heart disease, predicting poor prognosis and adverse cardiac events.
- Identifying molecular changes in CME is crucial for understanding disease progression and developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in the myocardial tissue of pigs with CME.
- To predict and analyze the functional roles of the target genes associated with these identified miRNAs.
Main Methods:
- Established a pig model of CME, comparing it to a sham group based on cardiac function, infarct size, and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6).
- Utilized miRNA chip analysis to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs, with validation through real-time PCR.
- Employed bioinformatics tools for predicting and analyzing the functions of miRNA target genes.
Main Results:
- The CME model successfully demonstrated increased inflammatory markers, micro-infarction, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
- Identified significant upregulation of ssc-miR-92b-5p, ssc-miR-491, ssc-miR-874, ssc-miR-425-3p, ssc-miR-376a-5p, ssc-miR-370, ssc-miR-30c-3p, ssc-miR-493-5p, and ssc-miR-323.
- Observed significant downregulation of ssc-miR-136 and ssc-miR-142-3p.
- Bioinformatic analysis linked target genes to crucial processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- The study identified specific miRNAs with altered expression in the myocardium of CME pigs.
- These differentially expressed miRNAs represent potential novel biomarkers for CME.
- The findings suggest these miRNAs could serve as future therapeutic targets for managing CME.
