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Updated: Jul 23, 2025
Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Platelet miRNAs: differential expression in coronary artery disease and associations with course of left ventricular
Andreas Goldschmied1, Bernhard Drotleff2, Stefan Winter3,4
1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller Str. 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
Insights
Platelet microRNAs (miRNAs) differ between chronic coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction patients. Platelets may release miRNAs affecting myocardial infarction outcomes and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.
- Investigating platelet miRNAs in coronary artery disease (CAD) offers insights into disease mechanisms.
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%) is a critical indicator of cardiac function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate platelet microRNA profiles in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
- To examine the association between platelet miRNA expression and the course of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%).
- To explore miRNA release from platelets upon activation and their presence in serum.
Main Methods:
- Measured expression of 62 miRNAs in platelets from 100 CAD patients (CCS and MI cohorts).
- Compared miRNA profiles between chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and myocardial infarction (MI) patients.
- Analyzed miRNA expression in platelets, supernatant, and serum before and after in vitro platelet activation in a second cohort.
Main Results:
- Platelet miRNAs 103a-3p and 155-5p were upregulated in CCS patients compared to MI patients.
- Several miRNAs were significantly higher in controls versus MI patients.
- Eight miRNAs correlated with improving LVEF% over a 1-year follow-up.
- In vitro platelet activation led to miRNA release into supernatant, with higher serum miRNA abundance in MI patients.
Conclusions:
- Distinct platelet miRNA profiles exist between CCS and MI patients.
- Platelets are a potential source of circulating miRNAs, particularly in MI.
- Released miRNAs may influence the progression of CAD and affect LVEF% outcomes.
Background:
MicroRNAs are paramount in post transcriptional gene regulation. We investigated platelet miRNAs in patients with CAD and examined potential associations with course of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%).
Materials And Methods:
In a first cohort, 62 MiRNAs were measured in platelets of 100 patients suffering from CAD. Expression profiles of individuals with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and MI were compared (CCS n = 67, MI n = 33). Also, associations between miRNA profiles and change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%) were investigated. In a second cohort of patients suffering from CCS (n = 10), MI (n = 11) or no CAD (n = 13), we measured miRNA expression in platelets, platelet supernatant and serum. This was carried out before and after in vitro platelet activation with CRP.
Results:
Platelet miRNAs 103a-3p and 155-5p demonstrated higher expression in patients with CCS then in individuals with MI. Furthermore, multiple miRNAs were significantly higher expressed in matched controls compared to MI patients. 8 miRNAs showed higher expression in patients with improving LVEF% after a 1-year follow-up. In our second cohort, we found higher concentrations of 6 miRNAs in the platelet supernatant of patients with CCS, MI and no CAD after in vitro platelet activation. Most of these miRNAs showed a higher abundance in serum of MI patients as compared to CCS.
Conclusion:
Several miRNAs show higher expression in platelets of CCS compared to MI. After in vitro platelet activation, a release of multiple miRNAs out of the thrombocyte was observed. Furthermore, upregulation of serum miRNAs was found in MI patients when compared to CCS patients and individuals without CAD. Hence, platelets could present a source of upregulated circulating miRNAs in MI and additionally affect course of LVEF%.
