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Overexpression of microRNA-21-5p and microRNA-221-5p in Monocytes Increases the Risk of Developing Coronary Artery
Yazmín Estela Torres-Paz1,2, Ricardo Gamboa1, Giovanny Fuentevilla-Álvarez1,3
1Physiology Department, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología "Ignacio Chávez", México City 14080, Mexico.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are found to be present in monocytes. This study aimed to investigate miR-221-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p, their expression in monocytes, and their role in coronary arterial disease (CAD). The study population comprised 110 subjects, and RT-qPCR was used to examine the miR-221-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p expressions in monocytes. Results: the miR-21-5p (p = 0.001) and miR-221-5p (p < 0.001) expression levels were significantly higher in the CAD group, and the miR-155-5p (p = 0.021) expression levels were significantly lower in the CAD group; only miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p upregulation was found to be associated with an increased CAD risk. The results show significant increases in miR-21-5p in the unmedicated CAD group with the metformin patients vs. the healthy control group (p = 0.001) and vs. the medicated CAD group with metformin (p = 0.022). The same was true for miR-221-5p in the CAD patients unmedicated with metformin vs. the healthy control group (p < 0.001). Our results from Mexican CAD patients show that the overexpression in monocytes of miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p increases the risk of the development of CAD. In addition, in the CAD group, the metformin downregulated the expression of miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p. Also, the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) decreased significantly in our patients with CAD, regardless of whether they were medicated. Therefore, our findings allow for the proposal of new therapeutic strategies for the diagnosis and prognosis of CAD and the evaluation of treatment efficacy.
Insights
Increased miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p expression in monocytes is linked to higher coronary arterial disease (CAD) risk. Metformin treatment downregulated these microRNAs in CAD patients.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression.
- Monocytes play a crucial role in cardiovascular health and disease.
- Specific miRs, including miR-221-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p, are implicated in various cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of miR-221-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p in monocytes.
- To determine the association of these miRs with coronary arterial disease (CAD) risk.
- To evaluate the effect of metformin on miR expression in CAD patients.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed.
- Monocyte samples were collected from 110 subjects, including healthy controls and CAD patients.
- Expression levels of miR-221-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p were analyzed.
Main Results:
- miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p showed significantly higher expression in the CAD group (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).
- miR-155-5p expression was significantly lower in the CAD group (p = 0.021).
- Upregulation of miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p correlated with increased CAD risk; metformin downregulated these miRs in CAD patients.
Conclusions:
- Overexpression of miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p in monocytes increases CAD risk in Mexican patients.
- Metformin demonstrates a potential therapeutic role by downregulating miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p.
- Decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) expression in CAD patients suggests potential therapeutic targets.
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