Role of miRNAs on the Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

MiRNA (or microRNA) is a subclass of non-coding RNAs that is responsible for post-transcriptional gene regulation. It has approximately 22 nucleotides and regulates gene expression in plants and animals at the post-transcriptional level, by the cleavage of a target mRNA or by suppression of its translation. Although many of the processes and mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated, there is a strong association between miRNA expression and several diseases. It is known that miRNAs are expressed in the cardiovascular system, but their role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has not been clearly established. In this non-systematic review of the literature, we first present the definition of miRNAs and their action at the cellular level. Afterward, we discuss the role of miRNAs as circulating biomarkers of CVDs, and then their role in cardiac remodeling and atherosclerosis. Despite the complexity and challenges, it is crucial to identify deregulated miRNAs in CVDs, as it allows a better understanding of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms and helps in the development of more accurate diagnostic and prognostic circulating biomarkers, and new therapeutic strategies for different stages of CVDs.

MicroRNA and Cardiovascular Diseases

“…In endothelial dysfunction, miR-31, miR-181-b, miR-10a/b, miR-126, and miR-17-3p were demonstrated to participate in this process (28). Moreover, miR-122 and miR-33a/b were found to be important regulators of cholesterol homeostasis (28). Plaque development is one of the key steps in developing atherosclerosis and miR-26a, miR-221, miR-155, miR-21, and miR-125a-5p expression was altered in this setting (28).…”

“…Some studies reported an important role of miRNAs in both humans and animals in the development of atherosclerosis. In endothelial dysfunction, miR-31, miR-181-b, miR-10a/b, miR-126, and miR-17-3p were demonstrated to participate in this process (28). Moreover, miR-122 and miR-33a/b were found to be important regulators of cholesterol homeostasis (28).…”

“…Moreover, miR-122 and miR-33a/b were found to be important regulators of cholesterol homeostasis (28). Plaque development is one of the key steps in developing atherosclerosis and miR-26a, miR-221, miR-155, miR-21, and miR-125a-5p expression was altered in this setting (28). Moreover, miR-145, miR-127, miR-100, and miR-133a/b were reported as dysregulated miRNAs in plaque instability and rupture, which may result in acute coronary syndromes (28).…”

“…Plaque development is one of the key steps in developing atherosclerosis and miR-26a, miR-221, miR-155, miR-21, and miR-125a-5p expression was altered in this setting (28). Moreover, miR-145, miR-127, miR-100, and miR-133a/b were reported as dysregulated miRNAs in plaque instability and rupture, which may result in acute coronary syndromes (28). In atherosclerosis, activated oxidized low-density lipoprotein containing foam cells can secrete different inflammatory cytokines, including those that participate in neoangiogenesis.…”

“…In atherosclerosis, activated oxidized low-density lipoprotein containing foam cells can secrete different inflammatory cytokines, including those that participate in neoangiogenesis. Several various miRNAs, such as miR-210, miR-222, miR-155, miR-27a/b, and miR-221, may accompany foam cells participating in neoangiogenesis (28).…”