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Updated: Oct 15, 2025
Subcutaneous Angiotensin II Infusion using Osmotic Pumps Induces Aortic Aneurysms in Mice
Published on: September 28, 2015
miR-10b promotes aortic aneurysm formation and aortic rupture in angiotensin II-induced ApoE-deficient mice
Dick Wågsäter1, Amanda Balboa Ramilo1, Mikaela Näsström1
1Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is associated with increased plasma levels of microRNA (miR) -10b. 5 nmols of miR-10b or miR control was administrated to Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice three days prior implantation of osmotic mini-pumps containing angiotensin II, and for three additional times once a week, which increased expression of miR-10b in plasma. Animals receiving miR-10b had a mortality rate due to aortic rupture of 61% compared to 11% in the miR controls (p < 0.05). Further, miR- 10b resulted in an increased aneurysm formation and growth (p < 0.05), which was accompanied by increased elastin degradation, neutrophil and mast cell markers (p < 0.05). In conclusion, miR-10b is functionally affecting aneurysm development and rupture and not only a marker of AAA. More mechanistic studies are required to better understand miR-10b's role in AAA formation.
Insights
MicroRNA-10b accelerates abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development and rupture in mice. This finding suggests miR-10b is a functional factor in AAA, not just a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the dilation of the aorta.
- Increased plasma levels of microRNA (miR)-10b are observed in patients with AAA.
- The precise role of miR-10b in AAA pathogenesis remains unclear.
Discussion:
- Administration of miR-10b to apolipoprotein E-deficient mice significantly increased mortality due to aortic rupture.
- miR-10b promoted aneurysm formation and growth, correlating with enhanced elastin degradation.
- Increased neutrophil and mast cell markers were observed in miR-10b treated mice, indicating inflammatory involvement.
Key Insights:
- miR-10b is not merely a biomarker but a functional mediator in the development and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- The study demonstrates a causal link between elevated miR-10b and accelerated AAA progression.
- miR-10b influences key pathological processes including elastin degradation and inflammatory cell recruitment.
Outlook:
- Further mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate the specific pathways targeted by miR-10b in AAA.
- Investigating miR-10b as a therapeutic target could offer novel treatment strategies for AAA.
- Understanding miR-10b's role may lead to improved diagnostic and prognostic tools for AAA patients.
