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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Differential Expression of microRNAs in Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
Aimilios Kalampogias1, Evangelos Oikonomou1,2, Gerasimos Siasos1,2
11st Department of Cardiology, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Background:
MicroRNAs modify protein expression at the post-transcriptional level, and their circulating levels may help identify the underlying molecular pathways.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess the differential expression of microRNAs related to myocardial cell energy substrate, autophagy, and ischaemia in chronic and acute heart failure (HF).
Methods:
In this case-control study, we studied 19 patients with acute HF (AHF) and 19 patients with chronic HF (CHF). Basic demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from the patients upon arrival, at 48 hours, and at 120 hours. Blood samples for microRNAs measurements (miR-22, -92a, and -499), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C reactive protein, and high sensitivity cardiac troponin I, were collected at all study points. In this study, we included subjects with a left ventricular ejection fraction of <40%.
Results:
At baseline, circulating miR-22 levels were 1.9-fold higher (p<0.001), miR-92a levels were 1.25-fold higher (p=0.003), and miR-499 were 5-times lower (p<0.001) in AHF compared to CHF. Interestingly, circulating miR-499 was found to be associated with BNP levels (r=0.47, p=0.01). At follow-up, there was a stepwise increase in the levels of all three examined microRNAs (miR-22, p=0.001, miR-92a, p=0.001, and miR-499, p<0.001) for AHF but not for CHF subjects.
Conclusion:
MicroRNAs -22, -92a, and -499 are differentially expressed in chronic and acute HF subjects. MicroRNA signatures are also differentially expressed up to the discharge of the patients. These findings may have important implications for diagnosis, progression, and treatment of patients with chronic and acute heart failure.
Insights
Circulating microRNAs (miR-22, -92a, -499) show distinct expression patterns in acute versus chronic heart failure (HF). These microRNA signatures change over time in acute HF, suggesting potential diagnostic and therapeutic roles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiology
Background:
- MicroRNAs regulate protein expression post-transcriptionally.
- Circulating microRNA levels can indicate underlying molecular pathways in disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differential microRNA expression in acute and chronic heart failure (HF).
- To assess microRNAs related to myocardial energy substrate, autophagy, and ischemia in HF patients.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 19 acute HF and 19 chronic HF patients.
- Collected demographic, clinical data, and blood samples at baseline, 48, and 120 hours.
- Measured microRNAs (miR-22, -92a, -499), BNP, CRP, and hs-cTnI in patients with LVEF <40%.
Main Results:
- Baseline miR-22 and miR-92a were higher, while miR-499 was lower in acute HF compared to chronic HF.
- miR-499 levels correlated with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).
- Acute HF patients showed a stepwise increase in all three microRNAs during follow-up, unlike chronic HF patients.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs -22, -92a, and -499 are differentially expressed in acute and chronic HF.
- MicroRNA signatures evolve during hospitalization in acute HF patients.
- These findings suggest potential applications in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating heart failure.
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