Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025
In Vivo Nanovector Delivery of a Heart-specific MicroRNA-sponge
Published on: June 15, 2018
MicroRNAs: diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic role in heart failure-a review
Paola Gargiulo1, Federica Marzano2, Marco Salvatore2
1Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with relevant social and economic burden on global healthcare system. Although the development of novel diagnostic tools and the advance in therapies have deeply influenced the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, improving both prognosis and life expectancy of patients, hospitalization is still high, and mortality remains considerable. MicroRNAs are small endogenous RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in both physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, microRNA have arisen as attractive therapeutic targets in the treatment of a wide spectrum of pathologies, including heart failure. In cardiac pathology, deregulation of microRNAs expression and function is associated to adverse outcome and heart failure progression. Circulating levels of specific microRNAs have emerged as useful biomarkers for the diagnosis of heart failure or as prognostic indicators. In the present review, we summarize the state of current research on the role of miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with heart failure and their use as potential therapeutic targets for this condition.
Insights
MicroRNAs show promise as biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting heart failure outcomes. These small RNA molecules also represent potential therapeutic targets for improving patient prognosis and reducing hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Heart failure is a major cause of death and illness globally, imposing significant healthcare costs.
- Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, high hospitalization rates and mortality persist in heart failure patients.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression involved in physiological and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research on microRNAs in heart failure.
- To explore the role of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs as therapeutic targets for heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microRNAs in heart failure.
- Analysis of research on miRNA expression and function in cardiac pathology.
- Examination of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
Main Results:
- Deregulation of miRNA expression is linked to adverse outcomes and disease progression in heart failure.
- Specific circulating miRNAs show potential as diagnostic and prognostic indicators.
- MicroRNAs are emerging as promising therapeutic targets for heart failure treatment.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a critical role in heart failure pathogenesis.
- Circulating miRNAs can serve as valuable biomarkers for heart failure diagnosis and prognosis.
- Targeting microRNAs offers a potential new therapeutic strategy for heart failure.
