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Updated: May 12, 2026
Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Investigation of the Expression Levels of Exosomal miRNAs in the Patients: Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive
Sinem Yalcintepe1, Servet Altay2, Melik Demir2
1Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Türkiye.
Introduction:
Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) poses a challenge for diagnosis and treatment because of its heterogeneous etiology. The mechanisms underlying MINOCA are diverse and include plaque disruption, coronary spasm, microvascular dysfunction, and thromboembolism. However, the specific molecular pathways involved are not fully understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known as potential biomarkers and regulators of various cardiovascular diseases. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between MINOCA and exosomal miRNA expression and to determine the potential of these exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment.
Methods:
Three groups were included in the study: (1) the MINOCA group, (2) the myocardial infarction with obstructive coronary artery disease group, and (3) the healthy control group. Exosomal miRNA isolation was performed from all participants, and the expression levels of hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-miR-487a-5p, and hsa-miR-490-3p were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). ΔΔCt values were determined, and statistical analyses were performed after these values were obtained.
Results:
Statistical analysis of hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-miR-487a-5p, and hsa-miR-490-3p revealed that the expression levels of hsa-miR-490-3p were significantly different between the groups in the MINOCA group (p = 0.022). hsa-miR-16-5p was found to be closely related to the statistical significance level (p = 0.078). hsa-miR-92a-3p and hsa-miR-487a-5p were not significantly different between the groups.
Conclusion:
Our study revealed that miR-490-3p, which was detected at a statistically significant level in the MINOCA group, is an effective biomarker in MINOCA patients. This miRNA has been reported in only a few studies on myocardial infarction, and our study is the first to report it in relation to MINOCA. The fact that hsa-miR-16-5p is close to statistical significance, whereas statistical significance was not detected for hsa-miR-92a-3p and hsa-miR-487a-5p, indicates that studies with a larger number of individuals are needed.
Insights
Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) diagnosis can be improved using exosomal microRNAs. The study found hsa-miR-490-3p to be a significant biomarker in MINOCA patients, suggesting its potential for early detection and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its varied causes.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms, particularly involving microRNAs (miRNAs), is crucial for improving MINOCA management.
- Exosomal miRNAs are emerging as potential biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MINOCA and exosomal miRNA expression.
- To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of exosomal miRNAs in MINOCA.
- To identify specific exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers for MINOCA.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study involving MINOCA patients, obstructive coronary artery disease patients, and healthy controls.
- Isolation of exosomal miRNAs from participant serum.
- Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-miR-487a-5p, and hsa-miR-490-3p expression levels.
Main Results:
- hsa-miR-490-3p expression was significantly different in the MINOCA group (p=0.022).
- hsa-miR-16-5p showed a trend towards significance (p=0.078).
- No significant differences were observed for hsa-miR-92a-3p and hsa-miR-487a-5p between groups.
Conclusions:
- hsa-miR-490-3p is a potential effective biomarker for MINOCA diagnosis.
- This study is the first to report hsa-miR-490-3p in relation to MINOCA.
- Larger studies are warranted to confirm the significance of hsa-miR-16-5p and explore other miRNAs.
