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Updated: May 6, 2026
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Identification of circulating microRNA-126-3p as a new biomarker for coronary artery calcification
Xia Zhang1, Mengmeng Zhu2, Peng Zeng3
1Tianjin Baodi Hospital, Baodi Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
Objective:
Several circulating microRNAs, including microRNA-126-3p, have been identified as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular disease. However, whether microRNA-126-3p is an independent risk predictor for coronary artery calcification is unclear.
Methods:
In this prospective single-center study, we collected blood samples from coronary artery atherosclerosis patients (n = 54), patients with coronary artery calcification (n = 33) and controls (n = 56). Total RNA was extracted from plasma and blood cells with TRIzol reagents. The microRNA-126-3p level was determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results:
MicroRNA-126-3p levels were significantly increased in patients with coronary artery calcification than in coronary artery atherosclerosis patients or controls. The highest expression of microRNA-126-3p was observed in patients with moderate calcification who were diagnosed with Grade 2 calcification by coronary angiography. Age, microRNA-126-3p expression in veins, hypertension and diabetes significantly influence the occurrence of coronary artery calcification, among which diabetes and venous microRNA-126-3p expression were found to be independent risk factors for coronary artery calcification.
Conclusions:
Taken together, the data in this study suggest that circulating microRNA-126-3p may be a novel noninvasive biomarker for coronary artery calcification. Regulating microRNA-126-3p expression may be an effective and promising strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery calcification.
Insights
Circulating microRNA-126-3p levels are elevated in patients with coronary artery calcification, indicating its potential as a novel biomarker. This finding suggests microRNA-126-3p may be a target for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomarker Discovery
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- MicroRNAs are recognized biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.
- The role of microRNA-126-3p as an independent predictor for coronary artery calcification remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of microRNA-126-3p as a noninvasive biomarker for coronary artery calcification.
- To determine if microRNA-126-3p is an independent risk factor for coronary artery calcification.
Main Methods:
- Prospective single-center study involving patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis, coronary artery calcification, and controls.
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure plasma microRNA-126-3p levels.
- Analysis included assessment of risk factors such as age, hypertension, and diabetes.
Main Results:
- MicroRNA-126-3p levels were significantly higher in patients with coronary artery calcification compared to other groups.
- Elevated microRNA-126-3p expression was associated with moderate calcification (Grade 2).
- Diabetes and venous microRNA-126-3p expression were identified as independent risk factors for coronary artery calcification.
Conclusions:
- Circulating microRNA-126-3p shows promise as a novel noninvasive biomarker for coronary artery calcification.
- Modulating microRNA-126-3p expression could offer a new therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery calcification.
