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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Diagnostic and Prognostic Role of Circulating microRNAs in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease-Impact on Left
Loredana Iacobescu1,2, Andrea Olivia Ciobanu1,2, Razvan Macarie3
1Department of Cardiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Dionisie Lupu Street, 126900 Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract:
Recent studies reported that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can target different metalloproteases (MMPs) involved in matrix remodeling and plaque vulnerability. Consequently, they might have a role in the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease. To quantify circulating miRNAs (miRNA126, miRNA146, and miRNA21) suggested to have possible cardiovascular implications, as well as levels of MMP-1 and MMP-9, and to determine their association with left ventricular (LV) function and with arterial function, in patients with either ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) or stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). A total of 90 patients with coronary artery disease (61% men, 58 ± 12 years), including 60 patients with STEMI and 30 patients with SIHD, were assessed within 24 h of admission, by measuring serum microRNAs, and serum MMP-1 and MMP-9. LV function was assessed by measuring ejection fraction (EF) by 2D and 3D echocardiography, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) by speckle tracking. Arterial function was assessed by echo tracking, CAVI, and peripheral Doppler. Circulating levels of miRNA146, miRNA21, and MMP1 were significantly increased in patients with STEMI vs. SIHD (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.04, respectively). MiRNA126 negatively correlated with LVEF (r = -0.33, p = 0.01) and LV deformation parameters (r = -0.31, p = 0.03) in patients with STEMI and negatively correlated with ABI parameters (r = -0.39, p = 0.03, r = -0.40, p = 0.03, respectively) in patients with SIHD. MiRNA146 did not have any significant correlations, while higher values of miRNA21 were associated with lower values of GLS in STEMI patients and with higher values of GLS in SIHD patients. Both MMP1 and MMP9 correlated negatively with LVEF (r = -0.27, p = 0.04, r = -0.40, p = 0.001, respectively) and GLS in patients with STEMI, and positively with arterial stiffness in patients with SIHD (r = 0.40 and r = 0.32, respectively; both p < 0.05). MiRNA126, miRNA21, and both MMP1 and MMP9 are associated with LV and arterial function parameters in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Meanwhile, they inversely correlate with arterial function in patients with chronic atherosclerotic disease. However, further studies are needed to establish whether these novel biomarkers have diagnosis and prognosis significance.
Insights
This study investigated circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) and stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Findings suggest these biomarkers correlate with cardiac and arterial function, potentially aiding in diagnosis and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomarkers
- Molecular Cardiology
Background:
- Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
- Their role in assessing cardiac and arterial function in acute myocardial infarction and stable ischemic heart disease requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify serum levels of specific miRNAs (miRNA126, miRNA146, miRNA21) and MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-9) in patients with STEMI and SIHD.
- To determine the association of these biomarkers with left ventricular (LV) function and arterial function.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 90 coronary artery disease patients (60 STEMI, 30 SIHD) were analyzed for miRNA and MMP levels.
- LV function was assessed using echocardiography (ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain).
- Arterial function was evaluated via echo tracking, CAVI, and peripheral Doppler.
Main Results:
- Elevated miRNA146, miRNA21, and MMP1 levels were observed in STEMI patients compared to SIHD patients.
- MiRNA126 showed negative correlations with LV function and arterial parameters in STEMI and SIHD patients, respectively.
- MMP-1 and MMP-9 correlated negatively with LV function in STEMI and positively with arterial stiffness in SIHD patients.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miRNA126, miRNA21, MMP-1, and MMP-9 are associated with LV and arterial function in acute coronary syndrome.
- These biomarkers exhibit inverse correlations with arterial function in chronic atherosclerotic disease.
- Further research is necessary to confirm their diagnostic and prognostic significance.
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