MicroRNAs (miRNAs) role in hypertension: pathogenesis and promising therapeutics

Nour Shaheen1, Ahmed Shaheen1, Rehab Adel Diab2

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria.

Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in essential hypertension. Research shows miRNAs influence blood pressure and cardiovascular function, offering potential therapeutic targets for this common condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs regulating cellular processes and disease development.
  • Emerging research implicates miRNAs in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular condition.
  • miRNAs modulate cardiovascular function by targeting mRNA to control protein synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of miRNA roles in essential hypertension.
  • To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA regulation in hypertension.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of miRNAs for managing hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating microRNAs and essential hypertension.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms involving miRNA targeting of mRNA in cardiovascular regulation.
  • Synthesis of findings on miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for hypertension.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs are demonstrated to regulate genes critical for blood vessel tone, cardiac function, and inflammation.
  • miRNA-based therapies show promise in modulating hypertension-related gene expression.
  • Evidence suggests miRNAs can improve blood pressure and cardiovascular function.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs play a significant role in the development and progression of essential hypertension.
  • miRNA-mediated mechanisms in hypertension require further elucidation.
  • Targeting miRNAs presents a promising avenue for novel hypertension therapies.

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
2.1K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.0K
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
432
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a vital component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, is abundant in lung endothelial cells. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the active octapeptide, angiotensin II. This potent vasoconstrictor narrows blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and elevating blood pressure. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone production, encouraging kidney cells to reabsorb more sodium and water from urine, thereby increasing...
645
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors01:25

Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an intricate physiological pathway involving numerous enzymes and hormones, including renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin I and II, and aldosterone. Imbalances within this system increase the production of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Increased angiotensin II levels promote vasoconstriction and blood pressure elevation. Concurrently, higher aldosterone levels stimulate sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys,...
631
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
734