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Updated: Jul 13, 2025
Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Platelet Function and Maturity and Related microRNA Expression in Whole Blood in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation
Oliver Buchhave Pedersen1,2,3, Anne-Mette Hvas4, Leonardo Pasalic5,6
1Thrombosis and Haemostasis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Background:
Reduced effect of antiplatelet therapy has been reported in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). MicroRNAs (miRs) may influence platelet function and maturity, and subsequently the effect of antiplatelet therapy.
Objectives:
We aimed to explore the association between miR expression and platelet function and maturity in patients with acute STEMI and healthy individuals.
Methods:
We performed an observational study of STEMI patients admitted directly to primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were treated with antiplatelet therapy according to guidelines. Within 24 hours after admission, blood samples were obtained to measure: the expression of 10 candidate miRs, platelet function markers using advanced flow cytometry, platelet aggregation, serum thromboxane B2, and platelet maturity markers. Furthermore, blood samples from healthy individuals were obtained to determine the normal variation.
Results:
In total, 61 STEMI patients and 50 healthy individuals were included. STEMI patients had higher expression of miR-21-5p, miR-26b-5p, and miR-223-3p and lower expression of miR-150-5p, miR423-5p, and miR-1180-3p than healthy individuals. In STEMI patients, the expression of miR-26b-5p showed the most consistent association with platelet function (all p-values <0.05, Spearman's rho ranging from 0.27 to 0.41), while the expression of miR-150-5p and miR-223-3p showed negative associations with platelet function. No association between miR expression and platelet maturity markers was observed.
Conclusion:
In patients with STEMI, the expression of six miRs was significantly different from healthy individuals. The expression of miR-26b-5p may affect platelet function in acute STEMI patients and potentially influence the effect of antiplatelet therapy.
Insights
MicroRNA (miR) expression differs in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. miR-26b-5p may impact platelet function, potentially affecting antiplatelet therapy effectiveness in STEMI.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Reduced antiplatelet therapy efficacy is noted in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
- MicroRNAs (miRs) are implicated in regulating platelet function and maturity.
- Investigating miRs may elucidate mechanisms behind altered platelet response in STEMI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between microRNA expression and platelet function and maturity.
- To compare miR expression profiles in acute STEMI patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Observational study including 61 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention and 50 healthy controls.
- Blood samples analyzed for 10 candidate miRs, platelet function markers (flow cytometry, aggregation), and serum thromboxane B2.
- Platelet maturity markers were also assessed.
Main Results:
- STEMI patients exhibited distinct miR expression patterns compared to controls, with higher miR-21-5p, miR-26b-5p, miR-223-3p and lower miR-150-5p, miR423-5p, miR-1180-3p.
- miR-26b-5p expression strongly correlated with platelet function markers in STEMI patients (p<0.05).
- miR-150-5p and miR-223-3p showed inverse associations with platelet function; no link to platelet maturity was found.
Conclusions:
- Six miRs showed significantly altered expression in STEMI patients compared to healthy individuals.
- miR-26b-5p expression is a potential determinant of platelet function in acute STEMI.
- Findings suggest miRs, particularly miR-26b-5p, may influence antiplatelet therapy response in STEMI.
