Endothelium-Released Microvesicles Transport miR-126 That Induces Proangiogenic Reprogramming in Monocytes

The role of physical exercise in modulating microRNAs expression in acute myocardial infarction: a review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising tools for diagnosis and treatment in numerous pathophysiological processes, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this context, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of death by CVD worldwide. In this sense, physical exercise (PE) is considered a non-pharmacological strategy to reduce the complex alterations in AMI. This study is an integrative review of the literature to explore the effects of PE on the cardiomyocyte post-AMI, including an understanding of the mechanisms by which the PE acts on the miRNAs expression. A review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. After the searches, all records were imported into the Mendeley software, and duplicate articles were removed. The year of publication of the papers was not limited. 19 studies were performed on animal models, 10 in experimental models using rats, and 08 in models with mice and only one study was carried out on patients with AMI. The results showed the potential use of miRNAs as diagnostic tools and attractive biomarkers for treating AMI. In addition, PE can regulate miRNAs expression in the myocardial cell, promotes apoptosis resistance, autophagy regulation, lower cardiac fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy, and higher angiogenesis through the signaling of miRNAs. The main microRNAs mitigating the deleterious effects of AMI and modulated by PE were miRNA-222, miRNA-1192, miRNA-146, and miRNA-126. PE modulates the expression of specific miRNAs that support cardiac function, promoting cardioprotective effects or facilitating cardiac recovery post-AMI.

MicroRNA-126: From biology to therapeutics

MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) has emerged as one of the most extensively studied microRNAs in the context of human diseases, particularly in vascular disorders and cancer. Its high degree of conservation across vertebrates underscores its evolutionary significance and essential functional roles. Extensive research has been devoted to elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which miR-126 modulates key physiological and pathological processes, including angiogenesis, immune response, inflammation, tumor growth, and metastasis. Furthermore, miR-126 plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, serving as potential biomarkers for disease prediction, diagnosis, prognosis and drug response, as well as a promising therapeutic target. In this review, we synthesize findings from 283 articles, focusing on the roles of miR-126 in critical biological processes such as cell development, survival, cycle regulation, proliferation, migration, invasion, communication, and metabolism. Additionally, miR-126 represents a promising candidate for miRNA-based therapeutic strategies. A comprehensive understanding and evaluation of miR-126 are crucial for advancing its clinical applications and therapeutic potential.

Targeting miRNA with flavonoids: unlocking novel pathways in cardiovascular disease management

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with complex pathophysiological mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and endothelial dysfunction driving disease progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as key regulators of gene expression involved in these processes, positioning them as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CVD management. Simultaneously, flavonoids, naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds found in various plant-based foods, have gained attention for their cardioprotective properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Recent studies suggest a novel intersection between flavonoids and miRNAs, where flavonoids may modulate the expression of specific miRNAs implicated in CVD pathogenesis. This review explores the potential of flavonoids as miRNA modulators, focusing on their ability to regulate miRNAs associated with cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy, and vascular inflammation. By bridging the therapeutic potential of flavonoids with miRNA targeting, this review highlights innovative pathways for advancing CVD treatment strategies. Additionally, preclinical and clinical evidence supporting these interactions is discussed, alongside the challenges and opportunities in developing flavonoid-based miRNA therapies. Unlocking this synergy could pave the way for more effective, personalized approaches to CVD management, addressing unmet needs in contemporary cardiovascular care.

Interactions with and activation of immune cells by CD41a+ extracellular vesicles

Introduction

The immunological profiles of CD4+ T lymphocytes (TLs) from patients with hematological malignancies differ between patients who have and have not received transfusions. There may be several reasons for these differences, including the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from plasma membrane budding and present in the platelet concentrates. Indeed, EVs can modulate the immune system through interactions with many immune cells, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

Methods

We therefore investigated how interactions with CD41a+ EVs cause immune cells to change phenotype and function. CD41a+ EVs were cultured with TLs, B lymphocytes, and monocytes. Given the potential involvement of monocytes in leukemia progression, we performed a new original multi-omics study to confirm the protein changes and gene activation observed following interaction with CD41a+ EVs.

Results

The CD41a+ EVs had immunomodulatory effects on all these cell types but this effect depended on the numbers of EVs. CD4+ TLs required large numbers of CD41a+ EVs for activation, whereas monocytes were the most sensitive. With the new multi-omics technique, we confirmed the direct effects of CD41a+ EVs on protein phenotype and gene activation.

Conclusion

Transfusion EVs should be considered during the immunological follow-up of patients after transfusion to detect immunological effects on malignant hemopathies, and during the development of new immunotherapies.

The ability of microRNAs to regulate the immune response in ischemia/reperfusion inflammatory pathways

MicroRNAs play a crucial role in regulating the immune responses induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Through their ability to modulate gene expression, microRNAs adjust immune responses by targeting specific genes and signaling pathways. This review focuses on the impact of microRNAs on the inflammatory pathways triggered during ischemia/reperfusion injury and highlights their ability to modulate inflammation, playing a critical role in the pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Dysregulated expression of microRNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury, therefore targeting specific microRNAs offers an opportunity to restore immune homeostasis and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the complex network of immunoregulatory microRNAs could provide novel therapeutic interventions aimed at attenuating excessive inflammation and preserving tissue integrity.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Treat Ischemic Diseases: The Case of Peripheral Artery Disease

Critical limb ischemia incidence and prevalence have increased over the years. However, there are no successful treatments to improve quality of life and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and limb events in these patients. Advanced regenerative therapies have focused their interest on the generation of new blood vessels to repair tissue damage through the use of stem cells. One of the most promising sources of stem cells with high potential in cell-based therapy is adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). ASCs are adult mesenchymal stem cells that are relatively abundant and ubiquitous and are characterized by a multilineage capacity and low immunogenicity. The proangiogenic benefits of ASCs may be ascribed to: (a) paracrine secretion of proangiogenic molecules that may stimulate angiogenesis; (b) secretion of microvesicles/exosomes that are also considered as a novel therapeutic prospect for treating ischemic diseases; and (c) their differentiation capability toward endothelial cells (ECs). Although we know the proangiogenic effects of ASCs, the therapeutic efficacy of ASCs after transplantation in peripheral artery diseases patients is still relatively low. In this review, we evidence the potential therapeutic use of ASCs in ischemic regenerative medicine. We also highlight the main challenges in the differentiation of these cells into functional ECs. However, significant efforts are still needed to ascertain relevant transcription factors, intracellular signaling and interlinking pathways in endothelial differentiation.

Extracellular vesicles in atherothrombosis: From biomarkers and precision medicine to therapeutic targets

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small phospholipid vesicles that convey molecular bioactive cargoes and play essential roles in intercellular communication and, hence, a multifaceted role in health and disease. The present review offers a glimpse into the current state and up-to-date concepts on EV field. It also covers their association with several cardiovascular risk factors and ischemic conditions, being subclinical atherosclerosis of utmost relevance for prevention. Interestingly, we show that EVs hold promise as prognostic and diagnostic as well as predictive markers of ASCVD in the precision medicine era. We then report on the role of EVs in atherothrombosis, disentangling the mechanisms involved in the initiation, progression, and complication of atherosclerosis and showing their direct effect in the context of arterial thrombosis. Finally, their potential use for therapeutic intervention is highlighted.

Extracellular Vesicles as Drivers of Immunoinflammation in Atherothrombosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small lipid-bilayer membrane vesicles released by most cellular types, exert pivotal and multifaceted roles in physiology and disease. Emerging evidence emphasizes the importance of EVs in intercellular communication processes with key effects on cell survival, endothelial homeostasis, inflammation, neoangiogenesis, and thrombosis. This review focuses on EVs as effective signaling molecules able to both derail vascular homeostasis and induce vascular dysfunction, inflammation, plaque progression, and thrombus formation as well as drive anti-inflammation, vascular repair, and atheroprotection. We provide a comprehensive and updated summary of the role of EVs in the development or regression of atherosclerotic lesions, highlighting the link between thrombosis and inflammation. Importantly, we also critically describe their potential clinical use as disease biomarkers or therapeutic agents in atherothrombosis.