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Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Evaluation of miRNA-133a-3p and miRNA-124-3p expression in atherosclerosis using real-time PCR and
Nazan Eras1, Leyla Bahar2, Abdulkadir Bilgiç3
1Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
Abstract:
Background and objectives Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease marked by the build up of lipids and inflammatory cells in arterial walls, leading to vessel narrowing and increasing the risk of serious complications like heart attack and stroke. Recent findings suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as key regulators in the mechanisms driving atherosclerotic disease. However, the expression levels and functional roles of miRNA-133a-3p and miRNA-124-3p in atherosclerosis remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the expression levels of miR-124-3p and miR-133a-3p, and the phenotypic changes of S100A4-positive vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis. Methods We collected tissue samples from 25 patients with atherosclerosis who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. IMA tissues were used as controls; atherosclerotic aortic tissues as cases. Expression levels of miRNAs were assessed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Tissue samples underwent immunohistochemical staining with S100A4 protein to evaluate cellular and structural characteristics. Results A marked decrease in the expression of miR-133a-3p and miR-124-3p was observed in the atherosclerosis group compared to the control group, and both differences were statistically significant (P=0). Additionally, an increase in S100A4 protein immunoreactivity was detected in the atherosclerosis group. Interpretations and conclusions The downregulation of miRNA-133a-3p and miRNA-124-3p in atherosclerotic tissues, along with the observed increase in S100A4 protein immunoreactivity, suggests that these two miRNAs may play a role in the regulation of inflammatory endothelial phenotypes. Therefore, the interaction between miRNA-133a-3p, miRNA-124-3p, and S100A4 protein may help elucidate a potential mechanism underlying the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Insights
This study found that lower levels of microRNA-133a-3p (miRNA-133a-3p) and microRNA-124-3p (miRNA-124-3p) are linked to atherosclerosis. These microRNAs may regulate inflammatory responses and S100A4 protein in vascular smooth muscle cells, offering potential prevention targets.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Genetics and Genomics
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory arterial disease driven by lipid accumulation and cellular infiltration.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators in atherosclerotic pathogenesis.
- The specific roles of miR-133a-3p and miR-124-3p in atherosclerosis require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of miR-133a-3p and miR-124-3p in atherosclerosis.
- To determine the relationship between these miRNAs and S100A4 protein expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.
- To explore the potential involvement of these miRNAs in the inflammatory phenotype of atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of atherosclerotic aortic tissues (cases) and internal mammary artery (IMA) tissues (controls) from 25 patients.
- Quantification of miRNA expression using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Immunohistochemical staining for S100A4 protein to assess cellular and structural changes.
Main Results:
- Significantly decreased expression of miR-133a-3p and miR-124-3p in atherosclerotic tissues compared to controls (P<0.05).
- Elevated S100A4 protein immunoreactivity observed in the atherosclerosis group.
- Correlation suggests a link between miRNA downregulation and increased S100A4.
Conclusions:
- Downregulation of miR-133a-3p and miR-124-3p is associated with atherosclerosis.
- These miRNAs may regulate S100A4 protein expression and inflammatory endothelial phenotypes.
- The miR-133a-3p/miR-124-3p-S100A4 axis presents a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis prevention.
