Expression of Circulating MicroRNA before and after Abdominal Aneurysm Repair

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Molecular Biology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathology involves various microRNAs (miRNAs).
• Circulating miRNAs are potential biomarkers for AAA and its treatment.
• Understanding miRNA dynamics post-AAA repair is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate circulating miRNA expression before and after AAA repair.
• To compare miRNA profiles between open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
• To identify potential miRNA roles in early aortic remodeling post-AAA repair.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, non-randomized study of 39 patients undergoing elective infrarenal AAA repair (2019-2021).
• Serum samples collected preoperatively, on postoperative day 3, and at 3 and 12 months.
• RT-qPCR analysis of circulating miR-29b/29c, miR-155, and miR-15a.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in miR-155, miR-15a, miR-29b, or miR-29c expression between OSR and EVAR groups during follow-up.
• Subgroup analysis revealed significantly lower miR-15a expression in EVAR patients without endoleak compared to those with endoleak.
• Lower miR-15a expression was also observed in OSR patients on postoperative day 3.

Conclusions:

• Circulating miR-155, miR-15a, miR-29b, and miR-29c levels do not significantly differ before and after AAA repair, irrespective of surgical approach.
• Early postoperative miR-15a expression is significantly lower in EVAR patients without endoleak.
• miR-15a may play a role in early aortic remodeling following EVAR, particularly in the absence of endoleak.