MiR-4429 Serves as a Protective Regulator by Targeting GNAI2 in Coronary Artery Disease

Increasingly evidence suggests that microRNA (miRNA) plays a pivotal role in coronary artery disease (CAD). This study investigated the abundance of miR-4429 in the serum of CAD patients and explored the function of miR-4429 and its target GNAI2.A total of 164 participants were enrolled. The relative expression levels of miR-4429 were quantified by qRT-PCR. The diagnostic performance and risk factors were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and binomial logistic regression (LR). Proliferation and apoptosis were assayed by CCK-8 and flow cytometry in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The relationship between miR-4429 and GNAI2 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and co-transfection.miR-4429 levels were decreased and GNAI2 levels increased in CAD patient serum and ox-LDL-induced HUVEC. miR-4429 was negatively associated with white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP). ROC curve analysis confirmed the efficacy of miR-4429 and GNAI2 in distinguishing CAD. miR-4429 and GNAI2 were independent predictors for CAD. Restoring miR-4429 reversed the ox-LDL-induced increases in IL-6, MCP-1, and ICAM-1, the suppression of HUVEC proliferation, and the promotion of apoptosis. GNAI2 was a direct target of miR-4429 by dual-luciferase assay. GNAI2 upregulation negated the suppression of cytokines and the protection of cellular function by miR-4429.In summary, this study demonstrates the diagnostic value of miR-4429 and its association with serum inflammation levels in CAD. miR-4429 reversed ox-LDL-induced inflammatory-related cytokines, proliferation, and apoptosis in HUVEC, suggesting miR-4429 may serve as a protective biomarker by targeting the GNAI2 in CAD.