Inflammation-Related MicroRNAs Are Associated with Plaque Stability Calculated by IVUS in Coronary Heart Disease
Guo-Fu Zhu1, Tianshu Chu1, Zhimin Ruan1
1Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China.
Objectives:
This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammation-related microRNAs (miR-21, 146a, 155) and the plaque stability in coronary artery disease patients.
Methods:
The expression of miR-21, 146a, and 155 was measured by real-time PCR in 310 consecutive patients. The level of hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 was measured by ELISA. The plaque stability of coronary stenotic lesions was evaluated with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).
Results:
(1) The levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly increased in the UAP and AMI groups compared with the CPS group (P < 0.01). (2) The expression of miR-21 and miR-146a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma was significantly higher in CAD patients compared with non-CAD patients, whereas the miR-155 expression in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in patients with CAD. (3) The miR-21 expression in PBMCs was higher in UAP and AMI groups compared with CPS group. The miR-146a expression in PBMCs was higher in SAP, UAP, and AMI groups than in CPS group. Although the level of miR-155 in PBMCs was lower in SAP, UAP, and AMI groups than in CPS group. The expression patterns of miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155 in plasma were consistent with those of PBMCs. (4) The expressions of miR-21 and miR-146a in PBMCs and plasma were significantly higher in the vulnerable plaque group than those in stable plaque group. While miR-155 in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in vulnerable plaque group compared with stable plaque group. (5) The levels of miR-21 and miR-146a in PBMCs and plasma were significantly higher in soft plaque group than in fibrous plaque group and calcified plaque group. However, miR-155 in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in soft plaque group.
Conclusions:
The expression of miR-21 and miR-146a are associated with the plaque stability in coronary stenotic lesions, whereas miR-155 expression is inversely associated with the plaque stability.
Insights
Inflammation-related microRNAs miR-21 and miR-146a levels correlate with coronary artery plaque stability. Conversely, miR-155 expression is inversely associated with plaque stability in coronary artery disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Plaque stability is a critical determinant of cardiovascular events.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key regulators of inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific inflammation-related microRNAs (miR-21, miR-146a, miR-155) and coronary artery plaque stability.
- To evaluate the expression patterns of these miRNAs in relation to clinical presentation and plaque characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Real-time PCR was used to measure miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155 expression in 310 CAD patients.
- Inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-8) were quantified using ELISA.
- Plaque stability was assessed using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).
Main Results:
- miR-21 and miR-146a expression was significantly higher in patients with vulnerable or unstable plaques compared to stable plaques.
- miR-155 expression was significantly lower in patients with vulnerable or unstable plaques.
- Elevated hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were observed in unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction groups.
Conclusions:
- miR-21 and miR-146a are positively associated with coronary artery plaque instability.
- miR-155 exhibits an inverse association with coronary artery plaque stability.
- These miRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for assessing plaque vulnerability in CAD.
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