Specific microRNAs for Heart Failure: Reference Values in Whole Blood

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in the pathophysiology of heart failure.
• Establishing validated reference values for specific miRNAs is crucial for their clinical application.
• Eight key miRNAs (hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-142-5p, hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-499a-5p, hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-1-3p, hsa-miR-29a-3p) were selected due to their association with heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate reference values for eight selected microRNAs (miRNAs) in a healthy adult population.
• To determine reference intervals for these miRNAs in whole blood samples.
• To investigate potential influences of age and sex on miRNA reference values.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-nine healthy individuals were enrolled in the study.
• MicroRNAs were isolated from whole blood and quantified using the microRNA enzymatic immunoassay (miREIA) method.
• Statistical analyses were performed using MedCalc and R software to determine reference intervals (2.5th and 97.5th percentiles) and evaluate age/sex associations.

Main Results:

• Reference intervals were established for all eight miRNAs, with values provided for each (e.g., hsa-miR-21-5p: 1.45-96.3 pmol/L).
• No significant sex-related differences were observed in the reference intervals (p < 0.05).
• A significant age-related association was found only for hsa-miR-21-5p (RS = -0.208; p = 0.043); other miRNAs showed no significant age correlation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Validated reference intervals for eight heart failure-associated miRNAs in healthy individuals were successfully determined.
• These absolute reference values are novel and essential for future clinical research and diagnostic applications.
• While age and sex were evaluated, reference intervals were not stratified due to subgroup size limitations, highlighting a need for larger cohort studies.