HOTAIR Is a Potential Novel Biomarker in Patients with Congenital Heart Diseases

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Genetics

Background:

• Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) represent a significant global health concern.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying CHDs is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) has emerged as a key player in various cellular processes and diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression patterns of HOTAIR in cardiac tissues and plasma of patients diagnosed with CHDs.
• To explore the potential of HOTAIR as a diagnostic biomarker for CHDs.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure HOTAIR expression.
• Samples included right atrial appendage tissues from patients with CHDs and rheumatic valvular heart diseases (RVHDs).
• Plasma samples were analyzed from healthy individuals and patients with various CHDs, including atrial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defects (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Main Results:

• HOTAIR expression was significantly upregulated in the cardiac tissues of patients with CHDs compared to those with RVHDs (P < 0.01).
• Plasma HOTAIR levels were markedly increased in patients with ASD, VSD, and PDA compared to controls (P < 0.01).
• No correlation was found between HOTAIR expression and pulmonary arterial hypertension or defect size. Database analysis indicated HOTAIR's association with polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a factor involved in heart development.

Conclusions:

• Elevated levels of HOTAIR were observed in both cardiac tissues and plasma of individuals with CHDs.
• HOTAIR demonstrates potential as a novel diagnostic biomarker for the identification of CHDs.