Circulating miRNA in Atherosclerosis: A Clinical Biomarker and Early Diagnostic Tool

Ashish Ranjan Sharma1, Garima Sharma2, Manojit Bhattacharya3

  • 1Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24252, Republic of Korea.

Insights

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) show promise for early atherosclerosis diagnosis. This review highlights specific miRNAs as potential biomarkers to improve clinical detection of this common vascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biomarker Discovery
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of global mortality, characterized by arterial plaque buildup and narrowing.
  • Vascular fibrosis and extracellular matrix deposition contribute to atherosclerosis progression and related pathologies.
  • Early diagnosis is crucial for managing atherosclerosis and reducing its significant health impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis.
  • To explore the advantages and validation methods for using circulating miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers.
  • To identify specific miRNAs with potential as early diagnostic markers for atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of studies investigating miRNA expression patterns in atherosclerosis.
  • Examination of techniques for validating circulating miRNAs as biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • Several circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-17, miR-29b, miR-126, miR-143, and miR-145, are associated with atherosclerosis.
  • These miRNAs demonstrate potential as early diagnostic biomarkers for atherosclerosis.
  • Various techniques exist for the validation of circulating miRNAs.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) offer a promising avenue for the early clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis.
  • Specific miRNAs can serve as valuable biomarkers for detecting atherosclerosis at its nascent stages.
  • Further research and technological development in circulating miRNA analysis can enhance atherosclerosis diagnostics.