Circulatory miRNAs in essential hypertension

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
• Blood miRNAs are stable and circulate in extracellular vesicles or bound to proteins.
• Circulatory miRNAs are emerging as potential biomarkers for various diseases, including hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize unbiased profiling studies and targeted analyses of circulatory miRNAs in hypertension.
• To identify specific miRNAs associated with essential hypertension.
• To discuss the potential mechanisms linking miRNAs to hypertension-associated cardiovascular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Review of unbiased miRNA profiling studies in hypertension.
• Analysis of targeted miRNA studies investigating hypertension associations.
• Literature synthesis of miRNA functions and hypertension-related mechanisms.

Main Results:

• miR-30e is the only miRNA consistently associated with hypertension across multiple unbiased studies.
• Targeted analyses suggest associations for miR-1, -21, -34a, -92a, -122, -126, -143, -145, -605, -623, -1299, let-7, and miR-30 families with hypertension.
• Some identified miRNAs are implicated in hypertension-related vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• Studies on circulatory miRNA profiles in hypertension are scarce and face comparability issues.
• Existing data suggest specific miRNAs may play roles in hypertension pathogenesis and cardiovascular risk.
• Further research is crucial to validate miRNA biomarkers and elucidate their functional mechanisms in hypertension.